A Beginner's Guide to AI How Leaders Can Start with AI Today: A Conversation with Michael Housman
Jan 13, 2026
Michael Housman, an AI leader and author of Future Proof, discusses how companies can successfully adopt AI. He emphasizes that the transformation begins with people, not just technology. Housman shares how small wins can lead to significant productivity boosts and the importance of AI literacy across organizations. He advises leaders to treat AI as a collaborator and highlights the role of the C-suite in setting an example. With examples from various industries, he illustrates how AI can eliminate bias in hiring and drive meaningful change.
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Start Small, Build Momentum
- Start AI adoption with small, incremental wins using off-the-shelf tools to build momentum quickly.
- Teach teams to use those tools in their workflows before investing in big custom builds.
E‑commerce Surge From Designer Empowerment
- Pet Lab taught designers Midjourney and launched ads going from 500 to 2,300 campaigns a month.
- Revenue rose quickly and the company was acquired six months later.
People Decide AI Success
- Technology is easy but adoption is a people problem that defines success.
- Change management, executive sponsorship and culture decide whether AI yields value.
