BLOG POST
How L&D Leaders Can Build Real-world AI Skills
5 minute read
AI is becoming part of how learning and development (L&D) leaders design, deliver, and sustain impactful training programs. Yet for many teams, it still feels abstract, like something happening around them, not for them.
L&D leaders are under pressure to do more with less: launch learning faster, show measurable results, and stay ahead of what’s next.
You don’t need to become an AI expert to keep up. You just need to understand how it saves you time, reduces manual work, and gives your team the capacity to deliver more.
Here are six practical ways to start learning about AI and what it means for the future of learning, grounded in Wisetail’s belief that AI should empower, not overwhelm.
1. Follow the Right Voices in Learning Technology
AI moves fast, but not every voice brings clarity. Follow practitioners who connect AI to performance and engagement, not just theory.
Start with experts like Josh Bersin or JD Dillon. Look for websites, social media accounts, and videos from people who connect technology to learning strategy in a way that’s accessible and actionable.
Why it matters: You need more than just hype. You need info that you can use right away, that’s curated for learning and development. The best voices don’t just describe what’s possible. They help you uncover what’s useful.
2. Explore Online AI Courses and Certifications
Choose courses that balance fundamentals with hands-on use. Platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and Udemy offer great options for learning the basics of generative AI, automation, and data-driven decision-making.
Look for content that connects directly to L&D challenges, like personalizing learning experiences or automating repetitive admin work. For instance:
Applying Generative AI as a Business Professional explores how AI supports everyday business work, from drafting communication to turning raw information into usable learning content
No-Code Generative AI for Business Professionals digs into workflow improvements and shows how to use AI tools without technical setup. It’s a good pick if you're testing ways to scale training or speed up content refreshes
Why it matters: Understanding AI’s building blocks gives you context for the tools you already use. It helps you ask smarter questions about your vendors, data, and learning strategy.
3. Join Peer Groups Where AI Meets L&D
Whether in person at events or online via forum, webinars, or videos, learning from peers accelerates real-world adoption of new tech. Join spaces where leaders share how they are using AI to scale onboarding, automate content, and personalize training.
Some communities and events you can explore include:
Learning Guild and ATD forums for ongoing discussions.
Chief Learning Officer for thought leadership and peer discussions on the business impact of AI
ATD International Conference & EXPO to see how AI meets workplace learning.
DevLearn for hands-on learning tech demos
Training Industry Conference & Expo (TICE) for strategies that connect learning and business impact
CHART Conferences for hospitality and restaurant trainers exploring AI for frontline enablement
Why it matters: Peer groups, forums, and conferences surface uses for AI that you can use immediately. Use their information about pilot projects, experiments, and wins (and misses) to plan better, more impactful initiatives. More importantly, you can see for yourself where AI adds value today versus where it’s still maturing.
4. Experiment Safely with AI Tools
The best way to learn AI is to use it. Start small: generate a sample course outline, simplify a learning objective, translate a learning objective into plain language, or summarize a long policy document.
Test within clear boundaries, make sure to validate accuracy, and avoid sharing proprietary data. These actions help you understand what AI can accelerate (and what still needs a human touch).
Wisetail’s approach to AI follows this same principle: responsible, embedded AI, built for the everyday work of learning teams. Our tools automate repetitive admin work and make content creation faster, without adding complexity or risk.
Why it matters: When used with intention, AI helps you scale your efforts securely and accurately.
5. Learn from Your Platform Partners
If you use platforms like Wisetail, you already have access to AI in action. Wisetail’s AI is practical, embedded, and helps teams deliver enterprise-level results.
Why it matters: Your platform partners are your safest place to explore and experiment.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to master AI to lead with it. Start small. Follow impactful voices. Test a few tools. Ask good questions. Experiment safely.
Your goal is to learn how AI can make you better at what you already do best – helping people learn, perform, and grow. With a little research, it’s easy to see how AI fits into your toolset.
And if you’re ready, check out ”The Future is Smart: How AI Will Power the Wisetail Platform” to see how we’re bringing AI to life within the Wisetail Employee Enablement Platform.
