AI training gaps are slowing adoption
AI is already embedded in marketing, but most professionals aren’t trained to use it effectively. That’s a serious bottleneck. The assumption that AI’s natural language capabilities make it simple to use is incorrect. AI demands knowing how to structure interactions to get valuable results. Right now, most marketers are figuring this out on their own. That’s inefficient.
Companies spend millions deploying AI tools, yet 67% of marketers say they lack the training to use them well. This is an operational risk. If teams aren’t trained, they won’t maximize AI’s potential. Worse, they may misuse it, leading to errors, inefficiencies, and wasted resources.
For executives, the takeaway is clear: AI training is an investment in productivity, decision-making, and long-term growth. Businesses that build AI-literate teams will outcompete those that don’t.
Industry expertise is the key to avoiding AI mistakes
“AI is getting better, but it still makes mistakes. The errors are subtle, and if you don’t have deep expertise in your field, you won’t catch them. That’s a big risk.”
Chris Penn, Chief Data Scientist and Co-Founder at TrustInsight, puts it plainly: “If you are a marketer, the No. 1 skill you need is expertise in whatever branch of marketing you’re in.” He’s right. AI models are sophisticated, but they lack context, strategy, and critical thinking. They don’t understand your business objectives. That’s your job.
Companies that blindly trust AI-generated content will make costly errors. Those that combine AI with real expertise will create better marketing, stronger messaging, and more reliable outcomes.
AI literacy is invaluable and easy to access
If your team isn’t AI-literate, they’re already behind. The good news? Learning AI fundamentals is easier than ever. Some of the world’s top institutions, MIT, Harvard, Google, offer free courses that provide a solid foundation.
Understanding large language models is step one. If your team doesn’t know how these models work, they can’t use them effectively. They won’t know how to optimize responses, avoid errors, or spot limitations.
For business leaders, the action item is clear: Encourage ongoing AI education. A workforce that understands AI is more adaptable. The companies that prioritize AI literacy will be the ones leading the next wave of digital transformation.
Prompt engineering is a business advantage
AI is only as good as the instructions you give it. The difference between mediocre AI-generated content and high-quality results comes down to one thing: prompt engineering.
Marketers who know how to structure prompts can get AI to produce highly targeted, effective content. Those who don’t will get generic, uninspired outputs. The ability to refine prompts, experiment with role-based instructions, and adjust parameters like creativity settings can make AI a powerful asset.
For executives, this is a business differentiator. Well-trained teams can use AI to automate content creation, personalize messaging at scale, and free up time for higher-level strategy. Companies that invest in prompt engineering training will see immediate ROI.
Hands-on experimentation builds AI proficiency
Reading about AI is useful. Using it is invaluable. If you want your team to become AI-proficient, they need to experiment constantly.
Encourage your teams to test different prompt styles, explore AI-generated responses, and refine their approach through real-world application. Small adjustments, like changing the tone of a request or modifying word choice, can dramatically shift AI’s output. Learning to control these nuances is the key to getting meaningful results.
AI literacy will define the next generation of business leaders
“AI is a fundamental shift in how work gets done. The executives and teams that understand AI’s strengths and weaknesses will have a massive advantage over those who don’t.”
Paul Roetzer, Founder and CEO of The AI Marketing Institute, sees it as a workforce-wide issue: “We need a far more AI-literate workforce, people who are comfortable with what it’s capable of doing.” This means knowing how to integrate AI into workflows, improve efficiency, and make smarter decisions.
The smartest companies are upskilling their teams to use AI effectively. The leaders who invest in AI literacy today will be the ones shaping the future of their industries. Everyone else? They’ll be playing catch-up.
Key executive takeaways
- AI training gaps limit ROI and efficiency: Most marketers use AI, but 67% lack the training to apply it effectively. Companies investing in AI must also invest in structured training to maximize impact and avoid inefficiencies.
- Industry expertise is key for AI oversight: AI-generated content is improving, but errors are now more subtle. Leaders should make sure teams have deep domain knowledge to validate AI outputs and prevent costly mistakes.
- AI literacy is a competitive advantage: Free courses from institutions like MIT, Harvard, and Google make AI education accessible. Companies that prioritize AI upskilling will stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market.
- Prompt engineering drives better AI results: AI quality depends on how well users craft prompts. Training teams to refine AI interactions and adjust system settings improves output precision and relevance.
- Hands-on experimentation accelerates learning: The fastest way to master AI is through direct use. Encouraging teams to test different prompts, settings, and workflows fosters deeper understanding and stronger results.
- AI literacy will define future business leaders: Leaders who build AI-literate teams will drive innovation, streamline operations, and gain a long-term competitive edge.
