Understand AI for Executives

AI is transforming industries. Vendors are pitching AI solutions for everything. Your board is asking about AI strategy. Your competitors are announcing AI initiatives.

But do you actually understand what AI is? What it can and can’t do? How to evaluate whether an AI project makes sense?

This path gives you that understanding - without requiring you to write code.

Phase 1: Learn How to Learn (Technical Concepts)

Technical topics can feel intimidating. Start by optimizing how you approach learning them.

Learning How to Learn

Focus on:

  • Part 0: The Science of Learning
  • Part 2: Memory and Retention
  • Part 4: Focus and Deep Work

Time commitment: 2-3 hours for the relevant parts.

Phase 2: Think Critically About AI Claims

AI marketing is full of exaggeration. Build the mental tools to evaluate claims skeptically.

Thinking Clearly

Focus on:

  • Part 1: Testing Your Assumptions
  • Part 2: Beyond Either/Or (AI isn’t magic or useless - it’s a tool)
  • Part 4: Seeking Disconfirmation

Time commitment: 2-3 hours for the relevant parts.

Phase 3: Understand How AI Actually Works

You don’t need to build models, but understanding the basics transforms your ability to evaluate AI projects.

Building an LLM From Scratch (Selected Parts)

Focus on:

  • Part 0: Quick Start (see a model work, understand the basics)
  • Part 1: Understanding Transformers (conceptual, not implementation)

Time commitment: 1-2 hours for the conceptual overview.

What You’ll Have

After completing this path:

  • Clear mental model of what AI actually is (and isn’t)
  • Ability to ask good questions about AI proposals
  • Framework for evaluating AI vendors and initiatives
  • Confidence to participate in strategic AI discussions

Key Takeaways You’ll Develop

  1. AI is pattern matching, not thinking - Understanding this changes how you evaluate AI projects
  2. Training data is everything - The quality of AI depends on what it learned from
  3. AI fails in predictable ways - Knowing the failure modes helps you plan for them
  4. Not everything needs AI - Sometimes simpler solutions work better
  5. AI is a tool, not a strategy - The strategy is the business problem; AI might be one solution

Going Deeper

If this path sparks interest in understanding AI more deeply, consider the full Build AI From Scratch path. It’s designed for developers but accessible to motivated non-programmers.