Playbook: How to Grow a Network of AI Champions
Aug 14, 2025
Playbook to Grow a Network of Internal Champions
One enthusiastic early adopter can spark change, but real transformation happens when you build a network of champions across your organisation. These individuals connect innovation to everyday work, spreading new ways of working faster than any top-down initiative. Here’s a practical playbook to help you identify, support, and scale a community of champions.
Step 1: Identify the Right People
Champions aren’t defined by their job title or technical expertise—they’re recognised by their influence and willingness to experiment.
What to look for
Colleagues who are naturally curious and willing to try new approaches
People who share their learnings openly and invite others to join
Trusted team members who already help others solve problems
Step 2: Start Small and Build Momentum
The best networks begin with small wins. Instead of broad training sessions, empower a few champions to show practical examples that matter to their team.
How to build early momentum
Encourage champions to share one workflow that saves time or improves quality
Celebrate small successes so others see value quickly
Pair early champions with colleagues who are curious but hesitant
Step 3: Create a Shared Playbook
A network becomes powerful when knowledge is shared consistently. Document proven use cases, guidelines, and workflows in a central place so champions don’t reinvent the wheel.
What to include in the playbook
Step-by-step examples of successful workflows
Guidelines for responsible and safe AI use
Best practices for adapting and scaling examples across teams
Step 4: Connect and Support the Network
Champions thrive when they know they’re not alone. Create opportunities for them to share ideas, swap successes, and raise challenges together.
Ways to support them
Host regular knowledge-sharing sessions or drop-in forums
Create an internal channel where champions can post tips and wins
Give leaders visibility into the network’s impact to keep support strong
Step 5: Recognise and Amplify Their Impact
Recognition fuels momentum. When leaders acknowledge the work of champions, others are encouraged to join the movement.
How to amplify their influence
Highlight champion-led successes in team meetings and company updates
Invite champions to contribute to training or onboarding
Reward contributions by linking their work to performance goals or career growth
Final Thought
Building a network of internal champions doesn’t just accelerate AI adoption—it creates a culture of curiosity, sharing, and continuous improvement. One person may light the spark, but a network ensures the fire spreads and endures.
