Executive Lunch Series: Building Leadership Readiness in the AI Era
Schedule
Tue Jan 13 2026 at 11:00 am to 01:00 pm
UTC-05:00Location
Columbia Club | Indianapolis, IN
About this Event
As artificial intelligence reshapes the workplace, the true differentiator won’t be who has access to AI—but who knows how to lead it. In the next three years, your staff will need to master not just new tools, but new ways of thinking, communicating, and managing in partnership with intelligent systems. The leaders who thrive will be those who can clearly articulate vision, ask the right questions, and translate between human intent and AI execution.
This session explores how to cultivate those capabilities now. We’ll discuss why communication, critical thinking, and empathy—skills once considered “soft”—are now mission-critical to orchestrating teams of humans and machines. You’ll learn how to identify and develop your subject matter experts (SMEs) and your “superstars”—the individuals poised to rise as leaders of hybrid teams, guiding AI agents as collaborators rather than competitors.
In this talk, we’ll examine what it means to build a culture of adaptive learning, empower employees to communicate effectively with both people and AI, and create an environment where innovation and accountability flourish. The question is no longer if your team will work alongside AI—but how well they’ll lead it. This is your roadmap to ensuring they thrive.
Agenda
11:00 am - Check-In & Networking
11:30 am - Lunch is Served, Speaker & Peer Discussion
12:45 pm - Wrap-Up
About our Speaker
Harrison Painter helps executives grow revenue, strengthen teams, and compete in fast-changing markets through practical, results-driven AI strategies. With nearly two decades of marketing experience, he has helped organizations build trusted brands, drive measurable growth, and scale with confidence.
A pioneer in AI education and adoption, Harrison facilitates Ivy Tech Community College’s AI Certification Course, co-founded Blaizing Academy at Indiana Wesleyan University, and co-created the nation’s first high school AI internship program, AI Protégé. He has led Indiana’s first AI workshops for business leaders, produced the state’s first AI-generated music album, and hosts AI for Everyone, a YouTube channel that surpassed 2.2 million views in its first 100 days.
Blending artificial intelligence with emotional intelligence, Harrison’s approach empowers leaders to harness technology with purpose—building trust, collaboration, and smarter decision-making in the age of AI.
Where is it happening?
Columbia Club, 121 Monument Circle, Indianapolis, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:



















