The CEO's AI advantage: Why training outshines technology

The rise of ChatGPT sparked predictable headlines about job cuts and workforce displacement. But while competitors panic, smart CEOs are quietly building their most valuable competitive advantage: AI-literate teams.

Business leaders are opportunists at heart, and AI represents the biggest opportunity since the digital revolution transformed how we work with the developments of email, Word and Excel. This technological revolution isn't about replacement, it's about transformation.

Capitalising on AI's potential does not mean employees become obsolete. Existing employees can be liberated from soul-crushing repetitive tasks. When your team spends less time on admin drudgery, they have more bandwidth to innovate, strategise, and drive growth.

The key to unlocking this transformation is developing AI skills across all roles and career levels.

Entry-level employees can use AI to eliminate admin tasks, freeing up time to develop core skills. Mid-career professionals can apply their experience more strategically while AI handles routine work.

For example, AI can perform data analysis in minutes that would take an employee an hour, allowing teams to focus on interpreting results and driving improvements rather than wrestling with spreadsheet formulas.

When a marketing team learns to use AI for content creation or when accountants discover AI tools for financial analysis, the return on investment is immediate and measurable.

AI provides an opportunity to streamline. Businesses that get on board and take the time to train their staff to use, understand and implement AI practices will be the ones who are better off in the long run.

The opportunity is stark. Our research shows that 71% of small businesses cannot embrace AI, with training gaps being the primary obstacle. Among SMEs, 52% cite lack of internal skills as their biggest barrier to AI adoption, while 75% demand clearer guidance on future AI skills requirements.

Yet only 12% are investing in AI-related training for staff.

Work to train up staff doesn't have to be costly or burdensome. There are countless opportunities to upskill teams without breaking the bank or disrupting operations. Online courses, many of which are available for free, provide flexible pathways for staff to develop AI literacy at their own pace while juggling work and personal commitments.

The competitive advantage goes beyond efficiency gains. Companies that invest in AI training are building resilient, adaptable workforces. These employees become invaluable assets who can navigate technological changes, identify new opportunities, and drive innovation.

They're not just users of AI tools; they become strategic thinkers who understand how to leverage technology to solve business problems.

Businesses that view AI training as an investment rather than an expense will emerge as leaders in their sectors. The question isn't whether AI will transform your industry – it's whether you'll lead that transformation and empower your people with the tools and knowledge to thrive in an AI-enhanced world.

Smart businesses are training entire teams, fostering cultures of continuous learning, and positioning themselves at the forefront of technological evolution. They understand that AI's greatest power isn't replacing human capability, it's amplifying it.

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Professor Rachid Hourizi MBE is Director of the Institute of Coding, which is led by the University of Bath.

The Institute of Coding is a collaborative national consortium of industry and educators working together to respond to the UK’s digital skills gap through the delivery of employer-led digital skills education. Through this collaborative approach, IoC partners have created more than 150 new courses that have engaged over one million diverse learners to date with free courses. 

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