For us, AI is an enabler that works together with people, processes, and organisations. We believe in driving both aspects – people and technology – simultaneously. This vision has guided us in our journey to bring AI into the work community in practical, human-centred ways.
Managing an ever-evolving AI landscape, where information is scattered and expertise varies, isn’t easy. To adapt effectively, we have developed strategies to address technical and ethical challenges while supporting the professional growth of diverse experts: we have focused on balancing structure with flexibility by providing clear, up-to-date guidance, nurturing a supportive network of change agents, and leveraging our diverse expertise to ensure our teams could adapt confidently.
Cross-functional collaboration leading the way
As we began exploring ways to support AI skill development, it became clear that we needed to consider the broader impact of AI across various areas, including platforms, licences, governance, new ways of working, process improvements, and service development – each interconnected with the others. Furthermore, in a rapidly evolving field like AI, many people have some knowledge, but no one has a complete understanding of the entire landscape.
This realisation led us to embrace cross-functional collaboration to see the big picture and chart a shared path forward. Collaborating across teams allowed us to identify key steps and ensure everyone felt included in shaping our approach to AI.
One concrete outcome has been a shift towards licence experimentation, moving away from a one-size-fits-all model. By tailoring AI licences to different areas of expertise, we have empowered our teams to explore AI’s potential in ways that best supported their unique work. This approach, strengthened by peer support and shared insights, has fostered more confident and appropriate use of AI in different areas of expertise.
AI Handbook bringing guidance and permanence
AI evolves rapidly, bringing both opportunities and challenges, such as information overload and ethical dilemmas. Our AI Handbook serves as a go-to hub, including:
- Practical do’s and don’ts for AI use
- Governance and licensing protocols to ensure safe and ethical adoption
- Learning resources and channels for discussions
- Summaries of internal decisions and best practices
By continuously updating the Handbook with real-life case studies and dynamic insights, we make sure it stays relevant in an ever-changing landscape. More than a static document, it’s a tool that reflects our teams’ expertise and evolves alongside them, reinforcing our collective AI expertise.
AI Ambassador Network – a springboard for continuous learning
New technologies often bring initial excitement, which can give way to uncertainty or setbacks as they are implemented, before eventually settling into productive and balanced use. With AI, we understood the importance of supporting early adopters and persistent innovators who push boundaries, even in the face of setbacks. We recognised that not everyone needs to be a pioneer, and that’s okay – most people are somewhere in between. Creating a supportive environment for sharing insights and inspiring others became key to sparking continuous learning and growth.
This led us to create the AI Ambassador Network, a peer-to-peer community where ambassadors connect daily, meet regularly, and exchange learnings. They support colleagues by sharing tips in team meetings, giving quick demos of AI tools, and helping solve everyday challenges, making AI more approachable for everyone.
Considering the experts and their different crafts
While there are many general AI training programmes available, gaining a deeper understanding of AI is closely tied to one’s specific area of expertise; how software developer uses AI differs greatly from how project managers or marketing experts use it.
To address this, we have decided to co-create learning solutions with the experts who use AI in their daily work, ensuring learning is practical and tailored to real use cases. Along with general AI training programmes and curated learning paths, this tailored approach considers real-world context and leverages emerging knowledge, adapting the craft to the era of AI.
Future directions
As AI continues to reshape how we work, fostering open conversations and shared understanding becomes vital. At Gofore, we recognise that integrating AI is an ongoing journey of learning, experimentation, and thoughtful implementation. To support this journey, we are launching an internal AI podcast to share stories and best practices, exploring how AI is transforming different fields and what these changes mean for our teams and customers.
Alongside this, we will continue to refine learning programmes, encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, and strengthen resources like the AI Handbook and AI Ambassador Network, helping us better support our customers with innovative solutions and expertise that make a real impact.
To conclude, while pursuing to bring AI into our work community, we have learned that it requires collective sense-making, experimentation, and conscious effort. At Gofore, we’re committed to ensuring technology serves people – not the other way around. Together, we are shaping a future where AI enhances creativity, problem-solving, and well-being, creating sustainable and impactful results for our work community, customers, and beyond.
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