Marketers today face the challenge of doing more with less: more personalization, faster turnarounds, and tighter budgets. AI offers an answer, however integrating AI into workflows often feels like uncharted territory. We’re working with many clients who are dipping their toes into becoming an AI Champion. Okay that’s not a formal title, sure, but it is a role that anyone, including mid-level marketers, can step into to spark meaningful change. If you’re thinking along there same lines, here’s how you can take the lead.
Who Can Be An AI Champion?
An AI champion isn’t necessarily someone in senior leadership. Most commonly it’s a marketer who sees the potential of AI and has the passion to make it work. Someone willing to swivel their chair and look at new ways of working. Indeed we’re noticing that most AI champions in our network are hands-on doers who:
- Understand their team’s pain points and inefficiencies.
- Experiment with specific use cases to address those challenges.
- Collaborate to adapt workflows, demonstrating measurable improvements.
If you’re mid-level and wondering if this could be you, the answer is yes! Being an AI champion starts with a willingness to roll up your sleeves and lead by example.
Building a Strong Foundation for AI Success
Before diving into AI adoption, you need a solid foundation. Here’s how to get started:
Document Baseline Performance
To prove AI’s impact, you first need to know where you stand. How many hours do you really spend on existing jobs and tasks, and what else could you be spending that time on that would actually support the business? Map out your current workflows and track any existing performance metrics. For example, how long does it take to create content, or what’s your average campaign response rate? These benchmarks will help you measure AI’s benefits later.
Find Allies
AI adoption isn’t a solo mission. Look for like-minded colleagues who share your enthusiasm for innovation. Together, you can brainstorm use cases, share insights, and strengthen your pitch when presenting results.
Start with High-Impact, Low-Risk Use Cases
Choose manageable projects with clear benefits. For example, streamlining repetitive tasks like drafting email copy or creating campaign briefs can quickly demonstrate AI’s potential. It goes without saying (but we’ll say it anyway!) that any work you do must adhere to your company AI Policy. Only work with Gen AI tools that you are approved to, and within the confines of compliance. If your company doesn’t have meaningful access to what you need then make the case for it internally first, or look for AI tools that you already have embedded in your technology stack.
Creating a Proving Ground for AI
A successful AI initiative starts with focused experimentation. Here’s how to create a strong proving ground:
Launch Small, Focused Pilots
Test AI in specific areas where it can make an immediate difference. For instance, use AI tools to generate content drafts or complete research phases. Choose areas that are usually time-intensive but low complexity.
Collaborate Across Departments
Work with legal, compliance, and IT as required to ensure your pilots align with organizational policies and maintain data security. Building these relationships early will help you scale your efforts later.
Measure and Document Results
Track tangible outcomes like time saved, improved engagement, or enhanced quality. Document these results meticulously to build your case for broader adoption. If it’s possible – ladder your findings up to a core marketing or business goal to better communicate effectiveness internally. If you’ve freed up some time to better deliver on an important core task, then your CMO will see immediate benefits.
Scaling AI and Building Influence
Once your pilot projects show results, it’s time to scale up. Here’s how to take your AI efforts to the next level:
Secure Executive Buy-In
Use the success of your pilots to approach leadership with a compelling case for AI. Highlight the measurable impact on productivity and outcomes to secure resources and legitimacy for scaling.
Leverage AI Councils
If your organization doesn’t have an AI council, propose forming one. AI councils bring together cross-functional teams to coordinate efforts, set standards, and identify new use cases. Alternatively, join existing councils in areas like product development or business strategy to collaborate on broader AI initiatives.
Leading by Example
As an AI champion, you set the tone for adoption in your team and for effective leadership. It’s common for brilliant new ways of working to fail due to a lack of communication, and that’s what you’re trying to avoid:
Model the Behavior You Want to See
Incorporate AI tools into your own workflow and share your experiences openly. Whether you’re using AI to generate content ideas or streamline reporting, your example can inspire others to follow suit.
Empower Your Team
Celebrate early adopters and recognize their contributions both formally and informally. Provide opportunities for others to experiment, whether through workshops, informal learning sessions, or shared resources. A culture of curiosity and collaboration will drive adoption across your team.
Conclusion
Becoming an AI champion isn’t reserved for senior leadership — it’s a role anyone can take on. By documenting your baseline, collaborating with allies, starting small, and scaling strategically, you can lead the way in transforming how your team works. It all begins with one step. Are you ready to champion AI in your marketing team?