Artificial intelligence (AI) is moving so fast that even experts struggle to keep up. Leaders tell us they’re overwhelmed by the constant stream of new developments and want to know how to stay on top of it all. With AI companies racing to outdo each other with new features, leaders have to figure out what each breakthrough means and what new possibilities it unlocks.
For Learning leaders, this is especially important in AI and tech-focused programs, or any field where AI is shaking things up. The best way to stay informed and support others is through learning coalitions, where peers share insights and navigate changes together. While traditional training methods still play a role, they just cannot keep up on their own.
WHY FORMAL LEARNING ISN’T ENOUGH
Many leaders turn to executive courses, Webinars, certifications, and industry reports to stay informed. While these are valuable, AI is evolving so quickly that by the time a course is designed, taught, and completed, some of the content is already outdated.
The constant wave of new AI capabilities makes this even harder. Just as leaders start exploring one breakthrough, another emerges—whether it’s advanced video models, agentic AI features, or deep research capabilities. Each new release unlocks new use cases and potential, making it difficult to keep up with structured learning alone.
It’s not just about understanding the technology but making sense of what’s actually useful in practice. AI is evolving so fast leaders can’t just absorb information; they need to discuss, experiment with, and apply it in real time.
THE POWER OF LEARNING COALITIONS AND FORUMS
AI is changing too fast for traditional learning to keep up, but forums create a way to stay current in real time.
At Accenture, we’re always talking, whether in formal meetings or casual chats, about what’s happening across technology, industry, and business. Nearly every day, we break down new developments, share insights, and figure out what they really mean—both for our internal work and that of our clients. While staying ahead is our job at Accenture, the same process can be replicated in non-tech companies, too.
Learning leaders play a key role in making this happen. Even if they are not in a tech-forward organization, they can build coalitions inside and outside their companies to stay ahead. Moreover, they can bring these same types of forums into their leadership development programs, ensuring that learning isn’t just about static content but includes real-time discussions that help leaders stay on the leading edge of change.
HOW TO BUILD A LEARNING COALITION
If you want to help your organization learn AI together, you need to establish your own foundation first. Learning leaders must stay engaged and informed to effectively guide others. Some tips:
• Create a learning forum for yourself. Before bringing AI learning to others, develop your own system for staying informed. Engage with peers inside and outside your organization to exchange ideas, and, most importantly, experiment with AI tools firsthand to understand their real impact before integrating them into leadership programs.
• Embed AI forums into leadership programs. Learning can’t be static in a rapidly evolving space like AI. Make structured yet informal discussion spaces a core part of leadership programs, where business leaders can share insights, ask questions, and explore real-world applications.
AIM FOR COLLECTIVE AI LEARNING
Waiting for a formal training session isn’t practical. AI isn’t slowing down, and neither can leaders. The ones who thrive in this era won’t be the ones trying to master AI alone. They’ll be the ones creating networks for shared learning, helping their teams and companies stay ahead, together.