Becoming AI-first is often seen as a technology challenge, but the hardest, and most critical, part of AI transformation is cultural. According to recent research, only about 6% of employees currently feel "very comfortable" using AI tools at work. The majority are cautious, uncertain, or even resistant. Without investing in the human side of AI, even the most advanced technology will fall flat.

Here's how executives can build an AI-first culture by upskilling employees, managing change effectively, and encouraging genuine collaboration between humans and AI.

Why the Human Element Matters in AI Transformation

Companies frequently overlook the cultural dimension of AI. They launch pilots and roll out new tools without addressing employee fears, skill gaps, or the necessary mindset shifts. The result is slow adoption, limited use, and minimal impact.

Employees worry about AI replacing their roles or exposing their lack of technical skills. A Gartner survey found that 58% of workers are concerned about how AI will impact their job security. To counteract this, leaders must invest actively in employee trust, education, and empowerment.

A Roadmap to Building an AI-First Culture

Creating a genuine AI-first culture doesn't happen by accident. It requires intentional steps and ongoing effort from leadership and HR teams.

1. Start with Company-Wide AI Literacy Training

Basic AI literacy helps demystify the technology. Everyone, from frontline staff to senior leaders, should understand:

• What AI is and isn't capable of

• How AI makes decisions and recommendations

• Ethical implications, biases, and limitations

This foundational training reduces fear and builds confidence. Companies like Accenture and IBM have made AI literacy a core component of employee development, significantly improving comfort levels and adoption.

2. Hands-On Workshops and Experimentation

Abstract knowledge isn't enough, employees need hands-on experience. Regular workshops that allow teams to experiment with AI tools make the technology tangible and approachable.

Encourage employees to try real AI use cases relevant to their roles, such as:

• Customer support agents testing AI chat assistants

• Marketing teams exploring AI-driven content creation

• Sales teams experimenting with predictive analytics for pipeline management

These practical sessions help teams see firsthand how AI can enhance, rather than threaten, their daily tasks. Shopify, for instance, runs internal AI hackathons and workshops, dramatically accelerating employee understanding and enthusiasm.

3. Executive AI Champions Leading by Example

Employees follow the behaviors of their leaders. If executives visibly champion AI, by using AI tools themselves, talking openly about successes and learnings, and encouraging experimentation, the broader workforce will follow suit.

BCG research highlights that companies whose executives visibly lead AI adoption experience smoother transitions and higher employee engagement with AI initiatives.

4. Reward and Recognize AI Innovation

Incentivize teams to identify AI opportunities and suggest improvements. Recognize employees or groups who successfully adopt AI to solve problems, improve workflows, or enhance customer experiences.

Internal communication channels (Slack, intranets, town halls) should regularly celebrate AI success stories. This positive reinforcement signals clearly to employees that AI use is encouraged, supported, and rewarded.

5. Continuous Feedback and Open Communication

Keep lines of communication open, and actively seek employee feedback on AI adoption:

• Run pulse surveys regularly to gauge comfort levels and identify challenges.

• Hold open forums where employees can voice concerns or suggestions.

• Provide clear and transparent responses to employee questions and fears.

These open, ongoing conversations reduce resistance and help leadership proactively address adoption issues.

Real-World Example: Salesforce's AI Training and Culture Initiative

Salesforce recently invested heavily in AI upskilling for its workforce. The company launched a comprehensive AI training platform called "Trailhead AI," offering interactive courses to employees at all levels. Salesforce found that employee engagement with AI increased significantly, leading to faster internal adoption and innovation across the company.

Measuring Success: KPIs for AI-First Culture

Executives should measure their AI-culture initiatives with clear metrics:

• Employee AI tool adoption rates

• Confidence levels from regular employee surveys

• Number of internally generated AI innovation ideas

• Speed of AI project implementation and scaling

Monitoring these indicators ensures that your investment in an AI-first culture translates into tangible business results.

Conclusion: Investing in People Drives AI Success

Building an AI-first culture is as much about people as technology, perhaps more. Executives must lead proactively, investing in AI literacy, encouraging experimentation, openly communicating, and rewarding innovation. Organizations that do this well don't just implement AI; they build a workforce empowered to thrive alongside it.

If you're serious about becoming AI-first, don't just buy technology. Invest in your people's confidence, comfort, and capability with AI. The future belongs to organizations whose culture embraces and champions AI at every level.