Artificial intelligence (https://www.inc.com/artificial-intelligence) isn’t slowing down. If anything, it’s ramping up. As a leader, if you aren’t learning about AI (https://www.inc.com/shumanghosemajumder/artificial-intelligence-is-amazing-but-please-dont-use-it-for-these-common-tasks/91301980), the reality is you’re falling behind. Maybe you’re part of the group saying, “I’m not 100% sold and not sure I understand how all this works.” I completely understand. I know I was like this before I started digging deeperinto the complexities (https://www.inc.com/tim-mobley/automation-gets-you-most-of-the-way/91327379) and visionary aspects of AI. However, I paid attention to the nagging feeling that I couldn’t continue to lead if I didn’t understand AI from a strategic perspective. While there’s not a single right way to learn about thisevolving technology (https://www.inc.com/jessica-stillman/mark-cubans-ai-warning-the-difference-between-learning-and-brain-rot/91339814), there are a few methods that work well for busy business leaders. Here are three ways to help you translate AI into usable actions. 1. Online learning Online learning is one of the most accessible ways for business leaders to get started. It’s self-paced, low-commitment, and increasingly high-quality. It’s where I got my feet wet by exploring content on platforms such as LinkedIn Learning. LinkedIn’slibrary of courses (https://www.linkedin.com/learning/topics/artificial-intelligence) includes introductory topics like “What is Generative AI?” and “AI Essentials for Business Analysis.” If you want something more advanced that enhances your skills with large language models, it’s there, too. Coursera is an additionalonline resource (https://www.coursera.org/courses?query=artificial%20intelligence) with individual courses and certification tracks. Examples include overviews of the technology, AI for business, and AI agents (https://www.inc.com/ben-sherry/what-are-ai-agents-heres-how-they-can-help-you-get-stuff-done/91160443) for leaders. You might also find YouTube channel content from AI practitioners helpful. You don’t have to get too technical, as many of these resources focus on AI’s impact on business applications. Don’t let a course’s multiple-week or months’ timeline overwhelm you. Even spending 20 to 30 minutes learning each week can quickly add to your skill set. 2. Keynote speakers Another bite-sized method I’ve come to appreciate is listening to keynote speakers. Ever walked away from a whitepaper wondering what you just read? Keynote speakers break down complex AI concepts into business-relevant takeaways you can digest, not shake your head at. When I listen toAI keynote speaker Joel Comm (https://joelcomm.com/ai-speaker/), he strips out the tech jargon and focuses on strategic frameworks leaders can act on immediately. He’s known for explaining AI’s disruption cycle of disruption, doubt, clarity, confidence, and momentum, and why knowing where AI sits in that cycle matters more than technical expertise.