• Become Your Team’s Go-To AI Authority

    6 Feb 2026

    How to Become Your Team’s Go-To AI Authority

    Almost every business leader is currently asking, "What should we actually do with AI?"

    Most companies are stuck in "wait and see" mode. The leadership team knows AI is a game-changer, and the team is curious but hesitant.

    Everyone is waiting for a leader to step forward. Why shouldn't that leader be you?

    Through learning AI skills and diving deeper, you’re already miles ahead of the pack. But true authority isn't just about knowing how to prompt a chatbot; it’s about knowing exactly where that tech creates real value for your specific business.

    Why becoming the "AI Authority" could be the route to your success in 2026

    If you’re wondering if this is the right time to step up, look at the latest numbers for small and medium businesses:

    • The Skills Gap: While 89% of small businesses are now using AI in some capacity, many report a "leadership vacuum" where tools are used inconsistently (AI Software Systems, 2025).

    • The Growth Edge: Companies with a dedicated internal "AI Champion" are nearly twice as likely to see high-growth results compared to those without a clear strategy (Salesforce, 2025).

    • Efficiency Gains: Small business teams using AI-driven workflows are reclaiming an average of 5.6 hours per week per employee (Business.com, 2026).


    From "AI Hobbyist" to "AI Strategist"

    There is a massive difference between saying "I used ChatGPT for an email" and saying "I’ve identified three tasks where AI can save us 10 hours a week."

    The first is a useful way to save you time; the second is being a promotion-worthy team member.

    To bridge that gap, from hobbyinst to strategist, The Digital Employee created a 20-minute assessment that maps out exactly where AI fits into your organization by role and task.

    Imagine your next team meeting: Instead of suggesting "we try some AI," you walk in with a prioritized list of high-impact actions.

    You aren't just a learner anymore—you're the person steering the ship.

    The Best Part: You don’t need to be a "techie" or have a massive budget. You just need to be the person who brings the plan to the table.


    Take the First Steps

    Ready to lead the conversation?

     

    The Digital Employee helps UK businesses idenitify the AI opportunites and gives you the roadmap to successfully impliment AI and increase profitability and resilience.

    M Training provide a range of AI courses that will  build AI future-ready teams.

Author

Martin Woodfield is a Digital Marketing Trainer, running courses for M Training and various universities. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing and has worked for some of the UKs leading companies. He has 20 years experience in digital marketing and has worked in senior marketing roles for over 30 years.

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