Why Every Company Needs an In-House AI Educator

I’ve heard it all my life: never stop learning. Early in my career, that meant continuing education credits, conferences, or finding a mentor to show me the ropes. But in today’s business landscape, that phrase carries a sharper edge. The pace of change is relentless, and nowhere is that clearer than in the rise of artificial intelligence.

Here’s the reality: AI is no longer a futuristic buzzword. It is here, woven into daily operations, customer service, and strategic decision-making. Yet most companies are trying to “figure it out as they go,” relying on staff to dabble, experiment, or learn from scattered online resources. That approach wastes time, erodes confidence, and often creates more fear than progress.

Think about it this way. When interns step into a funeral home for the first time, we don’t just sit them down in front of a family and say, “Good luck.” We teach them why the work matters, how to listen, what to notice, and how to respect the privilege of being invited into a sacred space. The same principle applies in every company exploring AI. Staff don’t just need to know which buttons to push. They need to understand the purpose, the risks, and the potential for transformation.

That is why forward-thinking companies are designating in-house AI educators. These are not IT troubleshooters or outside consultants who parachute in for a workshop. They are embedded leaders who continuously train staff, interpret emerging tools, and connect the technology to the company’s mission. They help teams ask better questions, spot patterns, and unlock efficiencies while maintaining ethical standards and human judgment.

Lifelong learning is no longer optional. It is strategic. Just as professional associations give funeral directors or physicians the frameworks to adapt to cultural shifts, businesses across industries need dedicated guides who make AI understandable, approachable, and useful. An in-house AI educator becomes that guide, keeping the organization nimble, curious, and prepared for what’s next.

Technology will keep evolving. People will only grow if we keep learning. The investment you make in staff education today will pay off in resilience, innovation, and trust tomorrow.

Never stop learning. Not because you are behind, but because you are invested. And in this moment, investment looks like having someone at the table whose job is to make sure your people do not just adopt AI, but understand it.