This article is sponsored by the David Eccles School of Business at the University of Utah.

By now, we’ve all seen the headlines. AI is optimizing workflows, streamlining hiring, and upending customer service across industries. In Utah, startups are pushing AI into new markets, enterprise teams are launching pilot programs, and investors are betting big on automation.

But inside most companies? Things still feel uncertain.

If you’ve been asked to “figure out what we should be doing with AI,” you’re not alone, and chances are, you haven’t been given the tools or time to answer confidently. The result? Piecemeal experiments, internal friction, and a growing fear of being outpaced.

It’s not a lack of interest. It’s a lack of strategy.

That shift, from curiosity to strategic clarity, is what separates the companies experimenting with AI from the ones transforming with it.

Strategy starts with structure

Across Utah’s business landscape, sharper questions are being asked:

  • What are the most realistic use cases for my industry?
  • How do we balance innovation with risk?
  • Who inside my organization should own this work?
  • Are we chasing buzzwords or building real capability?

These are the exact questions the University of Utah’s Executive Education team is tackling in its two-day course: Developing an AI Strategy for Your Business.

This isn’t a coding bootcamp or a technical deep dive. It’s designed for leaders like you who need clarity, not complexity. You’ll explore practical frameworks for assessing readiness, aligning AI projects with business goals, and identifying where this technology can actually drive results.

Through peer discussions, guided workshops, and case-based analysis, you’ll leave with something tangible: a working roadmap tailored to your business.

Why now?

AI capability is no longer a differentiator; it’s becoming a baseline. What used to be a future conversation is now a boardroom priority. Whether it’s automating operations, improving forecasting, or rethinking the customer journey, companies that move now will build lasting strategic advantage.

Those that wait may find themselves solving problems their competitors have already moved past.

Who should consider this course

This course is designed for leaders expected to turn AI potential into business results, even without a technical background. It’s a strong fit if you are:

  • An executive or director navigating pressure to “do something with AI”
  • A business unit leader seeking ways to drive efficiency, revenue, or insight
  • An operator or strategist trying to align AI pilots with broader organizational goals
  • A founder building scalable systems without a dedicated AI team
  • A functional manager preparing to lead cross-functional AI initiatives

If your organization is asking AI questions and looking to you for answers, this course is designed to help you respond with clarity, confidence, and a plan.

If you’re ready to build a strategy

Developing an AI Strategy for Your Business is a two-day, in-person course offered through Executive Education at the University of Utah’s David Eccles School of Business. It’s built for executives, directors, and high-level decision-makers ready to move from interest to implementation.

The course is led by Matt Pecsok, MSBA, an experienced educator and AI strategist with more than 25 years in analytics, product development, and executive consulting. His background spans both academia and industry, including work as lead data scientist at the Utah Education Policy Center and senior technical product manager for AI platforms at Optum.

Participants also earn credit toward the Executive Leadership Certificate, designed to help professionals lead modern teams through evolving challenges in technology, strategy, and innovation.

What you’ll walk away with

  • A tailored AI roadmap for your organization
  • A framework for evaluating vendors, pilots, and internal readiness
  • Insight into what’s working across industries (and what’s not)
  • Clear next steps for buy-in, adoption, and measurable outcomes
  • A network of peers facing similar decisions

If you’re ready to turn AI into a strategic asset, not just another initiative, this course can help you lead the shift. Explore details and enrollment at https://go.eccles.utah.edu/business-ai.