> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://academy.pathfindr.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Identifying A Good 'Champion'

> A guide for Sponsors and Drivers on selecting effective AI Champions.

## Video overview

<iframe title="vimeo-player" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/1145115041?h=2f09c3e220" className="w-full aspect-video rounded-xl" frameborder="0" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allow="autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; web-share" allowfullscreen />

## Why this matters

<Columns cols={3}>
  <Card title="Act as Pioneers" icon="bridge">
    AI Champions are a small group that get upskilled, pilot tools, and lead the shift.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Make It Real" icon="list-check">
    They turn ideas into outcomes and sustain momentum across adoption.
  </Card>

  <Card title="The Right Fit" icon="person-circle-check">
    The right fit accelerates adoption, the wrong one stalls momentum.
  </Card>
</Columns>

## The Champion's role

Champions are the **hands-on advocates for AI** within their teams. They:

* Identify and test real use cases that align with business priorities
* Share practical wins and help peers adopt new workflows
* Contribute to a collective "learning loop" — what's working, what's not
* Model safe, responsible use of AI tools day-to-day
* Dedicate around **1–2 hours per week** to structured exploration, check-ins, and sharing

## What makes a great Champion

A strong Champion is:

<Columns cols={2}>
  <Card title="Curious and self-motivated" icon="head-side-brain">
    Experiments naturally and learns by doing.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Comfortable with change" icon="arrow-down-arrow-up">
    Sees AI as opportunity, not threat.
  </Card>
</Columns>

<Columns cols={3}>
  <Card title="Open and pragmatic" icon="window-frame">
    Shares both wins and blockers.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Trusted and influential" icon="megaphone">
    People already turn to them for help or tips.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Organised and reliable" icon="list-tree">
    Follows through and communicates clearly.
  </Card>
</Columns>

<Note>
  *Champions do not need to be technical. Their credibility comes from how they
  work, not what they code.*
</Note>

## Who to avoid nominating

<Warning>
  **Avoid selecting someone who:**

  * Is overloaded with other strategic work
  * Is highly technical but disconnected from operations
  * Resists change or prefers to "wait until things are proven"
  * Might treat the role as symbolic rather than active
</Warning>

## Our recommendations

To build a balanced and effective Champion group:

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Ensure representation across teams and levels">
    Include people from different business units, functions, and seniority levels so AI adoption feels inclusive — not top-down.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Prioritise influence, not title">
    Choose people who are trusted by their peers and naturally shape behaviour. Champions don't need formal authority to create impact.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Mix levels of AI literacy">
    Select a blend of beginners, confident users, and early adopters — it creates peer learning and better cross-pollination.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Avoid AI sceptics or resistors">
    The Accelerator is designed for upskilling, not convincing. Focus energy on those open to exploring and experimenting.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Include one 'connector'">
    Aim to have at least one champion who links across multiple teams or projects — they often spot common use cases early.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Keep the group size lean">
    Smaller, engaged groups work faster. You can always expand once early wins are visible.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## How many to choose

The number of champions you can nominate is outlined in your contract.

## Selection process

<Steps>
  <Step title="Reach out to team leads and managers">
    Receive nominations. Ensure that the nominee has been informed of their potential participation in the accelerator program.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Shortlist 1–2 people per team">
    Review nominations and select the most suitable candidates.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Send welcome email">
    Once the full list of champions is confirmed, send out an email welcoming them to the program (see below for template).
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Champion expectations

| **Rhythm**             | **Time**            | **Key responsibilities**                                     |
| ---------------------- | ------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **Masterclass**        | 60 mins fortnightly | Learn and apply AI tools to live workflows                   |
| **AI huddle**          | 30 mins fortnightly | Share progress, blockers, and new ideas                      |
| **Weekly exploration** | \~1 hr              | Test tools and log outcomes in the AI backlog                |
| **Async updates**      | 10 mins weekly      | Post "Tried / Learned / Adopted" notes in the champions chat |

## How to introduce the role

**Sample email to Champions:**

<Card title="Welcome to the AI Champions Program 🚀" icon="envelope">
  *Hi everyone,*

  ***Welcome to the AI Champions group — you're part of a select team helping to lead the way in our Accelerator Program.***

  *As Champions, you'll:*

  * *Explore how AI can make real work simpler, faster, and smarter*
  * *Share experiments, wins, and lessons across the business*
  * *Act as a bridge between strategy and practice — turning good ideas into action*

  *Here's what to expect over the next few weeks:*

  * ***Masterclasses every fortnight to learn and test new tools***
  * ***Team huddles to share what's working (and what's not)***
  * ***Chat updates for quick wins, new ideas, and opportunity alerts***

  *Your energy and curiosity will make a huge difference in how quickly AI adoption takes hold.*

  ***We'll kick off together in our first Champion Session, where we'll walk through your toolkit and the opportunities ahead.***

  *Let's make this an experiment-driven, high-impact journey.*

  *Thanks again for stepping up — it's going to be a great ride.*
</Card>

## Success looks like

<Check>
  * Each team has at least one engaged Champion posting regular updates
  * Opportunity notifications are acknowledged and acted on quickly
  * New AI workflows are shared through the champions chat
  * Small, measurable productivity or quality improvements appear **within 6–8
    weeks**
</Check>

## Quick reminder

<Tip>
  **Champions drive culture, not just change.**

  Pick people who spark curiosity, connect peers, and make learning visible.
</Tip>