Why Every Organisation Needs an AI Champion

Why Every Organisation Needs an AI Champion

AI doesn’t transform a workplace just because the software is available. The real change comes when people start working differently. And behind that shift, there’s often one key role: the AI Champion.

More Than Just “the AI Person”

An AI Champion isn’t the most technical person in the room. They’re the colleague who makes AI approachable, practical, and relevant to real work.

What they do

• Translate AI from theory into daily practice

• Spot opportunities where AI can remove pain points

• Share examples that others can immediately reuse

• Build confidence by showing safe, responsible use

Why AI Champions Matter

New technology often fails to stick because people don’t know where to start or why it’s useful. AI Champions close that gap by demonstrating the value through lived examples.

The difference they create

• One-off experiments become repeatable workflows

• Curiosity turns into team-wide confidence

• AI shifts from a novelty to a trusted partner in work

The Ripple Effect of a Champion

When a Champion introduces a small win—like cutting down reporting time or drafting content faster—it sparks a ripple effect. Teammates adopt it, adapt it, and before long, the team has built its own toolkit of proven approaches.

Signs of momentum

• Colleagues reuse their workflows without being asked

• Their examples get cited in meetings and documents

• Others begin to request their input on high-stakes tasks

The Traits of an Effective Champion

Not everyone is suited to the role, but the most effective Champions tend to share certain traits.

Common qualities

• Curiosity – They’re eager to test and learn

• Clarity – They explain things simply, without jargon

• Practicality – They prioritise real results over hype

• Trustworthiness – Others rely on their judgement

From Experiments to Everyday Practice

AI Champions are the bridge between experimentation and transformation. They turn scattered trials into consistent value by embedding AI into the team’s daily rhythm.

The lasting impact

• Stronger workflows that scale

• Team norms around responsible AI use

• A culture of experimentation and learning

Final Thought

AI alone won’t change an organisation. People will. And more often than not, it starts with one person stepping up as a Champion—making the new possible, practical, and repeatable.