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Practical AI for Business Leaders

Program Fee: $795 per participant

October 15, 2026

Faculty: Justin Farr

Course Description

Artificial intelligence is transforming how professionals work, make decisions, and create value, but many business leaders struggle to separate practical applications from the hype. This course provides executives and managers with a clear, accessible introduction to artificial intelligence, machine learning, and generative AI, with a particular focus on how today's AI tools can be used to improve productivity, decision making, communication, and workflow efficiency. Designed for professionals without a technical background, the program explains what AI can and cannot do, explores why enterprise AI initiatives are often more complex than they appear, and demonstrates how tools such as ChatGPT and other large language models can serve as powerful business assistants. Through real world examples and hands on applications, participants will learn how to leverage AI to support daily work activities, enhance team performance, and identify practical opportunities for responsible AI adoption. Participants will leave with a stronger understanding of AI's business implications and a practical action plan for incorporating AI tools into their own work and leadership practices.

Target Audience:

Who will benefit most from this course?

  • Mid level managers moving into enterprise leadership roles

  • Functional leaders in operations, HR, marketing, finance, supply chain

  • Technical professionals stepping into people leadership

  • Senior managers needing stronger strategic and financial fluency

  • Entrepreneurs and small business leaders

 

Learning Objectives & Outcomes:

  • Understand the foundational concepts of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and generative AI in clear business language.
  • Distinguish between enterprise AI initiatives and practical AI assistant applications, and understand the opportunities and challenges associated with each.
  • Identify high value opportunities to use AI tools such as ChatGPT and other large language models to improve productivity, communication, analysis, and decision making.
  • Recognize key considerations related to data quality, governance, privacy, bias, and responsible AI use.
  • Develop a practical action plan for using AI as a business assistant within their role, team, or department.

 

Faculty Biography:

Justin Farr

Justin Farr is a Professor of Practice in Auburn University’s Harbert College of Business, where he teaches artificial intelligence, database management, programming, and application development. He brings more than 20 years of information technology experience, including leadership and technical roles in higher education, health insurance, commercial insurance, and veterinary medicine. His work has included software development, data architecture, systems integration, analytics, and technology strategy. Farr holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Information Systems and Decision Sciences from Louisiana State University. Known for making complex technology practical and approachable, he helps business leaders understand how to evaluate, adopt, and apply AI in ways that create measurable value and support better decision-making.