Accelerating AI Adoption in Research and Insight Teams

Understand why AI adoption often feels slower, patchier or less impactful than expected, and learn practical ways to help research teams move forward.

Many research and insight teams are experimenting with AI, however progress often feels uneven. Some people embrace new tools enthusiastically, while others remain cautious, uncertain or overwhelmed. Even organisations with high levels of AI use can struggle to turn individual experimentation into consistent ways of working and measurable impact.

Drawing on behaviour change principles, organisational psychology and real-world examples, this practical course explores the human barriers that can slow AI adoption in research teams.

Through discussion, case studies and interactive exercises, participants will learn how to identify what's getting in the way, understand what successful organisations are doing differently, and develop practical actions to increase the impact of AI in their teams.

Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of what's happening in their organisation, greater confidence about what to do next, and practical ideas they can apply immediately.

Who will benefit?

Research Managers, Insight Managers, Team Leaders, Associate Directors, Directors and anyone responsible for helping research and insight teams make effective use of AI. Suitable for organisations at any stage of their AI journey, from early experimentation through to scaling adoption across teams.

Learning outcomes:

• Explain why AI adoption often feels slower, patchier or less impactful than expected
• Identify the most common human barriers that can prevent AI becoming part of everyday practice
• Recognise where capability, motivation and organisational factors may be affecting adoption in their own teams
• Identify opportunities where AI could create greater value within their team or organisation
• Learn from practical examples and peer discussion about what is helping organisations make better use of AI
• Develop realistic actions to increase confidence, capability and adoption within their teams

Leave with a practical framework for helping AI deliver greater impact in their organisation

Trainer Biography

James Holden is a business psychologist, facilitator and executive coach who works with leadership teams and organisations on how people adapt to change, especially around AI.

During more than 20 years at the BBC, James led multi-disciplinary teams across research, data, marketing and audience insight, including serving on senior leadership teams and boards as Director of Audiences and Director of Marketing. He now works with leadership teams and organisations to understand why AI adoption often feels harder than expected and how to create the conditions for successful change.

Drawing on organisational psychology, behaviour change principles and real-world leadership experience, James combines evidence-based frameworks with practical examples to help leaders and teams move from uncertainty to action.