Building AI Fluency with Neil Goodrich

Building AI Fluency
A Leadership Briefing with Neil Goodrich, Chief Innovation Officer & CIO, Envista Forensics

Executive Summary
As AI continues to move into the enterprise, many Technology Leaders and Business Executives are asking the same question: how do you become fluent without becoming overwhelmed?

In this Leadership Briefing, Neil Goodrich outlines a practical approach to building AI fluency. Rather than treating AI as one skill to master, he explains how leaders can break it into layers and build capability over time through experimentation and real-world use.

AI Fluency Is Not One Skill
AI fluency is not a single capability. It is more like learning how to cook or repair a car, where multiple skills build on each other. Trying to learn everything at once creates friction, while a layered approach makes progress achievable.

Leaders should focus on building understanding step by step, starting with the basics and expanding over time.

Start with the Fundamentals and Experiment
The first step is to learn the basics and begin using the tools. This includes understanding how AI assistants work and how to write effective prompts.

From there, progress comes through experimentation. Regular use creates practical understanding and builds confidence in ways theory alone cannot.

Build Fluency Through Repetition and Real Use Cases
Fluency develops through repeated use in real scenarios. As leaders begin applying AI to their own work, the tools move from unfamiliar to integrated.

Progress may feel incremental, but over time the cumulative impact becomes significant.

Layer New Capabilities Over Time
Once the foundation is in place, new capabilities can be added. This includes voice interaction, mobile use, and combining inputs like text, images, and presentations.

Each layer expands what is possible, but only when built on a solid base.

Create Sources of Ongoing Inspiration
Building fluency also requires exposure to new ideas. Neil recommends identifying a small number of trusted sources that regularly share practical use cases.

These inputs provide inspiration, spark new ideas, and keep experimentation going.

Use AI to Learn AI

AI tools can also accelerate the learning process. Leaders can use them to explain concepts, summarize information, and point to additional resources.  This creates a feedback loop where the tool becomes part of the learning journey.

A Practical Path Forward

Getting started is straightforward. Find a basic course, choose a primary tool, and begin using it daily.  From there, consistent experimentation, even one new use case per day, builds momentum and capability over time.

Key Takeaways for Technology Leaders

• AI fluency is built in layers, not all at once, and trying to learn everything simultaneously often leads to confusion and inaction.
• Leaders should start with the fundamentals and learn by doing, using real tools in real scenarios to build practical understanding.
• Consistent experimentation, even in small daily increments, creates meaningful progress over time.
• New capabilities should be added progressively, building on a strong foundation rather than jumping ahead too quickly.
• Exposure to new ideas through trusted sources helps sustain learning and introduces new ways to apply AI.
• AI tools themselves can be used to accelerate learning, creating a feedback loop that builds understanding more quickly.

Closing Thoughts

AI fluency will become an essential capability for Technology Leaders and Business Executives. The challenge is not access to tools, but knowing how to use them effectively.

Neil Goodrich provides a practical path forward. By starting small, experimenting consistently, and layering new skills, leaders can build real capability over time.

Learn more about Neil Goodrich and watch all of his Leadership Briefings on his channel here.