Who Goes First? Strategy for Your Initial AI Cohort
One of the most frequent questions we get when launching an AI transformation program isn't about the "how" - it’s about the "who." Selecting the first group of people to undergo training is a strategic decision that sets the tone for your entire organization's AI adoption.
There is no "perfect" formula, but based on our work with clients like Cogent, H&M, and Musgrave, we’ve identified four distinct archetypes for a successful first cohort:
1. The Top-Down Approach (Senior Directors First)
Best for: Organizations needing strong strategic alignment and cultural permission.
- The Logic: We start at the top. By training department heads and senior leads first, you ensure that those holding the purse strings and setting the KPIs truly understand the "Art of the Possible."
- The Benefit: It eliminates the "middle-management bottleneck." When leaders understand AI, they don't just "allow" their teams to use it; they actively look for ways to integrate it into the business strategy.
2. The Horizontal Slice (Cross-Functional Groups)
Best for: Breaking down silos and creating a "buzz" across the company.
- The Logic: A mix of people from marketing, HR, engineering, and sales, ranging from junior associates to mid-level managers.
- The Benefit: This creates a powerful internal networking effect. When a junior designer and a senior accountant discover a shared AI use case, the word spreads rapidly. This approach is the most effective way to build a massive waiting list for subsequent cohorts.
3. The "Fire-Starters" (AI Champions First)
Best for: Agility and rapid iteration.
- The Logic: You select the most vocally curious, tech-forward, and interested minds in the firm—regardless of their official title.
- The Benefit: High intrinsic motivation. These participants won't just finish the training; they will experiment with it late into the evening. They provide the most honest and rigorous feedback, allowing you to "stress-test" the training before rolling it out to more skeptical groups.
4. The "High-Impact" Task Force (Problem-First)
Best for: Organizations that need to see an immediate ROI.
- The Logic: You identify a specific business friction point (e.g., slow customer support response times) and train the specific team responsible for that area.
- The Benefit: It turns training into a delivery mechanism. You aren't just teaching "AI"; you are solving a known business problem in real-time.
Comparison at a Glance
Approach
Primary Goal
Key Benefit Senior Led Strategic Alignment High-level buy-in and resource allocation.
Cross-Functional Cultural Momentum Broad awareness and organic interest.
Champions First Rapid Testing Fast feedback and passionate advocacy.
Problem-First Immediate ROI Solves a specific business pain point quickly.
The Bottom Line: It’s About People
At the end of the day, there is no hard and fast right answer. AI is a tool, but your culture is the engine. The right cohort depends entirely on the unique "human map" of your firm.
If you're unsure where to start, ask yourself: "Do we need permission (Top-Down), passion (Champions), or proof (Problem-First)?"
