Dan Greenleaf:
Hello everybody and welcome to AI Rising, our weekly podcast where we look at cool, new, exciting trends in the world of AI. I am here today with my guest, Kristi Perdue, who is CEO of Alter Bridge Strategies, as well as a certified Chief AI Officer and excited to hear more about her. Kristi, you wanna kick us off and tell us a little bit about yourself?
Kristi Perdue:
Yeah, sure. I am, as you said, a certified Chief AI Officer. I've been one—I don’t know—probably about a year now. And I am focused on helping organizations really understand what AI is, first and foremost—what it’s capable of, what it’s not capable of. So they’re not just throwing AI at everything and hoping for some magic.
And really helping leadership teams understand the power that they have in their hands. Even just with GenAI—it’s capable of a lot more than just creating some content and some email posts and LinkedIn posts that a lot of people are using it for today. I work with them to align the leadership team on the AI strategy.
Working to make sure that we understand the impact it will have through the organization, the impact that it would have to training, and really making sure that we have a full roadmap of how they're going to solve problems—not just throwing it out there again—just really having a plan of attack. And that’s what I do.
Dan:
That's awesome. Yeah, it's exciting to be on the cutting edge and spend all day working with the latest and greatest, newest, fun things. What are you seeing—not just for the average and slow and behind-the-curve folks—but for the innovators and early adopters, organization-wise? How is AI changing their world today?
Kristi:
I work with a lot of companies right now, but what's more impressive are the ones that I’m hearing about—because I have access to my Chief AI Officer network and I hear about companies from across the globe—and I’m hearing everything from 143% increase in efficiency in law offices and how they are using it for document reviews, to 60% increases in productivity from the use of AI agents already.
They’re using AI for their document production processes, vertical AI use in hospitals and healthcare, and in fraud detection and financial services. It’s amazing stuff.
Dan:
So tell me, how do you see AI impacting the business world in the coming couple—two, three—years?
Kristi:
It’s interesting, because you hear a lot of projections that AI is game-changing, and it’s going to be so different in the next year or two—and I agree with some of that.
What’s interesting is the human dynamic and reality. Businesses have struggled in some aspects with their data for years—with governance and compliance for years. Some have everything under control, but I’d say that’s fewer than most.
So the reality is, to really leverage AI, you have to get your data under control and governed correctly. You have to consider governance concerns to roll out big AI initiatives. But then there’s also one other thing—your people. Your staff. Your employees. They need to know how to use AI to really leverage it. And they need to want to, frankly.
There’s still a lot of fear, uncertainty, and doubt—and there’s a skill gap. Not just using it, but technologists knowing how to integrate it. So there’s a lot to happen. Most organizations are realizing this, and are starting to get people trained—but sending one person to a course or online isn’t going to cut it.
You need continuous upskilling, because AI changes daily. Organizations need dedicated learning programs, a constant education force within the organization.
Dan:
Talking about looking forward and what companies need to be doing—I believe you have a book coming out: Power Moves: The No BS Guide to Leading with AI. Tell us a little about it?
Kristi:
Yeah. Number one, the title says it all—“No BS Guide.” I’m pretty direct. When something has this big of an impact on your business, you have to shoot straight. That’s my style.
Paying a management consulting firm hundreds of thousands for a PowerPoint? I’d rather just get to the point. Either do it or don’t.
The book is all about what you need to implement AI and be successful. It outlines what I call “Power Moves”—the things that, if you do them, will set you above everyone else.
Upskilling and training is one. Everybody tries, but those who create a continual, dedicated training program—that’s a power move. AI isn’t static. You need to keep evolving.
Dan:
Suppose I’m running a company and I want to get my staff trained up. How do I know it’s good training?
Kristi:
Great question. I would go to one of the organizations certifying Chief AI Officers or experts. Look for the kind of training they offer—not just certifications.
I would consult with someone certified. A lot of people call themselves experts. Look at credentials. YouTube can be a mess—some of it’s wrong.
Sure, you can use Coursera, but if you want strategic skills, go to the organizations that certify specialists. Find alumni or look at their programs.
Dan:
Any you recommend?
Kristi:
Yes, the one I went through is ChiefAIOfficer.com. The certification comes through the International Association for Chief AI Officers. It’s a live program—constantly updating. That’s why I chose it.
Other programs are out-of-date fast. This one requires a capstone and a panel to earn your certification. They have six- and ten-week programs, plus ongoing training nearly every day. I’m a fellow and faculty, helping others through it. You don’t have to keep training, but if you’re a real expert—you must.
Dan:
For those of us with a day job—what’s a good baseline for learning AI?
Kristi:
Start with the basics. ChatGPT, Claude, LLaMA, Gemini—learn how to communicate with an LLM. That’s the most important skill. Then learn how to strategically use it.
That’s what I teach—how to get game-changing results from GenAI.
Dan:
What’s another power move?
Kristi:
Form a strategic mindset. AI isn’t just a tool—it’s a different way of doing business. You have to reframe how you think.
Ask: “Can AI help with this?” Sometimes the answer is no. But then ask: “How could it help?”
You’ll look at marketing, customer service, sales differently. I’m not saying replace people—but loop in AI and let people use their critical thinking at the next level. That’s how businesses grow.
Dan:
Can you give an example?
Kristi:
Marketing is a perfect one. Marketers spend weeks building campaigns. AI can do it in minutes if it’s given the right info. Then, the team can focus on strategy, personalization, creativity. AI also helps understand your customers in ways you never had time for before. That’s invaluable.
Dan:
Final question. What’s your top advice to business leaders facing the AI wave?
Kristi:
Can I give two?
Dan:
Absolutely.
Kristi:
First—train your people. Teach them how to communicate with AI. Whether it’s Copilot, GenAI, or embedded tools, they’ll need it. That’s how you’ll get value.
Second—from a leadership standpoint—train yourself. Learn to communicate strategically with AI. Work with someone like me or another Chief AI Officer. There are techniques most don’t know—and they make a big difference.
Dan:
When’s the book out?
Kristi:
April. It’ll be on Amazon, and hopefully Audible in May. Maybe even in airport bookstores.
Dan:
Perfect. Thanks for joining us, Kristi. And everyone—pick up her book next month. We'll talk to you soon.
Kristi:
Thank you so much.
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