OpenCourser brand icon
Sign in
We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Course image
edX logo

Introduction to Generative AI for Executives and Business Leaders

4.8 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Based on 12 ratings
see reviews
IBM AI Academy

The Generative AI for Executives and Business Leaders, presented by IBM AI Academy, explores topics and assets that span three core learning areas: strategic essentials, key elements for enterprise AI, and how to put AI to work.

This course is designed for executives and business leaders. In addition, line of business leaders and practitioners curious about the rapidly developing field of generative AI and its capabilities across industries and domains can benefit by taking the course.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Understand the history and impact of generative ai for business.
  • Learn about the importance of your data in relation to generative ai.
  • Know the importance of trusted, transparent and governed ai.
  • Apply generative ai to key use cases like customer service and application modernization.

Syllabus

Module 1: Generative AI for Business Leaders: Overview
Lesson 0: Welcome to the course
Lesson 1: Strategic essentials
Lesson 2: Elements of AI in enterprise
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Teaches the importance of trusted, transparent, and governed AI, which is critical for responsible implementation in business
Explores the strategic essentials of generative AI for executives and business leaders, providing valuable insights for decision-making
Introduces key elements of enterprise AI, helping learners understand how generative AI fits into larger organizational strategies
Provides practical guidance on applying generative AI to key use cases, such as customer service and application modernization
Examines the history and impact of generative AI for business, offering a comprehensive understanding of its evolution and significance

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Strategic generative ai for business leaders

According to students, this course provides a clear and concise overview of generative AI, specifically tailored for executives and business leaders. Learners appreciate its focus on strategic essentials, business implications, and how to practically put AI to work within an enterprise, often praising its ability to cut through technical jargon. Many found the emphasis on trusted, transparent, and governed AI particularly valuable for navigating the complexities of implementation. While largely seen as a highly relevant and excellent starting point for understanding generative AI from a non-technical perspective, a minority of reviewers suggest it might lack deeper strategic frameworks or more advanced insights for those with existing AI knowledge.
Best suited for those with minimal prior AI knowledge.
"Good for absolute beginners, perhaps, but not for those with even a slight background."
"It explains complex concepts clearly. I recommend it to anyone who needs to understand gen AI without becoming a data scientist."
"Much of it felt like common sense or information I could easily find elsewhere."
Perfectly suited for those without deep technical backgrounds.
"It cut through the hype and provided a grounded understanding of generative AI's potential and challenges for enterprises."
"It explains complex concepts clearly. I recommend it to anyone who needs to understand gen AI without becoming a data scientist."
"Perfect for leaders. Concise, relevant, and actionable. It really highlighted the strategic implications of generative AI rather than getting bogged down in the technical minutiae."
Focuses on real-world use cases and enterprise considerations.
"I appreciated the focus on practical applications and governance. Highly recommended for leaders."
"The segments on putting AI to work were especially practical. The quizzes reinforced understanding..."
"The emphasis on 'trusted, transparent, and governed AI' was particularly valuable for risk assessment. I can now have more informed conversations with my technical teams."
"I particularly liked the discussion around data and enterprise-level considerations. My time was well spent."
Delivers an essential, non-technical understanding of Generative AI.
"This course was exactly what I needed as a busy executive. It provided a clear, strategic overview of generative AI, its business implications..."
"A solid introduction to generative AI for non-technical business professionals. It covers the high-level concepts and strategic considerations well."
"I found the course quite insightful for understanding the landscape of generative AI from a business perspective. It clarified many doubts..."
Some sought more advanced strategic or implementation detail.
"Decent overview, but I was hoping for a bit more depth on specific use cases or implementation strategies."
"It felt a bit too introductory, even for executives. If you already have a basic understanding of AI, some parts might seem redundant."
"Honestly, I felt this course was too superficial. While it claims to be for executives, it really only scratches the surface."
"I was expecting more advanced strategic frameworks or deeper insights into competitive advantage from AI."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to Generative AI for Executives and Business Leaders with these activities:
Review elements of Artificial Intelligence
Start the course off on the right foot by revisiting the basics and improving your familiarity with AI
Browse courses on Artificial Intelligence
Show steps
  • Reread your old AI notes
  • Watch videos on YouTube about the history of AI
  • Take practice quizzes on AI concepts
Review probability and statistics
Review the basics of probability and statistics to strengthen your understanding of generative AI models.
Browse courses on Statistics
Show steps
  • Go through your notes or textbooks on probability and statistics.
  • Solve practice problems to test your understanding.
  • Take an online quiz or assessment to gauge your proficiency.
Follow online courses or tutorials on generative AI
Supplement your learning by exploring online courses or tutorials that provide step-by-step guidance on generative AI concepts and techniques.
Show steps
  • Search for reputable online platforms or MOOCs offering generative AI courses.
  • Enroll in a course that aligns with your interests and learning goals.
  • Follow the course modules, complete assignments, and engage in discussions.
Seven other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all ten activities
Build a generative AI model using a tutorial
Gain practical experience by building a generative AI model from scratch following a structured guide
Browse courses on Generative AI Models
Show steps
  • Find a well-rated tutorial on generative AI modeling
  • Follow the tutorial steps carefully
  • Troubleshoot any issues you encounter
  • Deploy and test your generative AI model
Join a study group or discussion forum on generative AI
Engage with peers by joining study groups or discussion forums to share knowledge, collaborate on projects, and deepen your understanding of generative AI.
Show steps
  • Search for online or in-person study groups or discussion forums dedicated to generative AI.
  • Join the group or forum and actively participate in discussions.
  • Share your insights, ask questions, and collaborate with other members.
Experiment with generative AI platforms
Gain hands-on experience by exploring and experimenting with different generative AI platforms and their capabilities.
Show steps
  • Sign up for free trials or use open-source generative AI platforms.
  • Try out different models and techniques to generate text, images, or code.
  • Experiment with different parameters and settings to optimize results.
Create a slide deck on AI use cases
Deepen your understanding of generative AI's usage in business by creating your own informative content
Browse courses on AI use cases
Show steps
  • Brainstorm a list of AI use cases in various industries and sectors
  • Gather relevant data and insights to support each use case
  • Design visually appealing and informative slides
  • Present your slide deck to an audience
Develop a generative AI use case
Create a practical use case for generative AI within a specific industry or domain, outlining its potential benefits and challenges.
Browse courses on Generative AI
Show steps
  • Identify a specific industry or domain where generative AI can be applied.
  • Research and understand the challenges and opportunities within that domain.
  • Develop a detailed use case that outlines the problem, solution, and expected outcomes.
  • Present your use case to a group or mentor for feedback.
Attend a workshop on Generative AI for Business
Enhance your understanding by engaging in hands-on learning and networking with industry experts
Browse courses on Generative AI Applications
Show steps
  • Find and register for a relevant workshop
  • Attend all sessions and actively participate
  • Ask questions and connect with experts
  • Implement what you learned in your work
Practice applying generative AI to business problems
Put your generative AI knowledge to the test by solving realistic business challenges
Browse courses on AI Applications
Show steps
  • Identify a real-world business problem
  • Research and explore different generative AI techniques
  • Develop and implement a generative AI solution
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of your solution

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Generative AI for Executives and Business Leaders will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Chief Data Officer
Chief Data Officers oversee an organization's data. They manage data storage, protection, analytics, and reporting to help drive business decisions. The course can help you understand the importance of data in relation to generative AI and how to use data to drive business outcomes.
See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Data Officer
Chief AI Officer
Chief AI Officers are responsible for developing and executing an organization's AI strategy. They work with business leaders to identify AI use cases and ensure that AI is used ethically and responsibly. The course can help you understand the history and impact of generative AI for business, the importance of trusted, transparent, and governed AI, and how to put AI to work in key use cases.
See salaries and explore the career path for Chief AI Officer
Data Scientist
Data Scientists analyze data to extract insights and build predictive models. They use a variety of statistical and machine learning techniques to solve business problems. The course can help you build a foundation in generative AI, which is a rapidly growing field with a high demand for skilled professionals.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist
Machine Learning Engineer
Machine Learning Engineers build and deploy machine learning models. They work with data scientists to identify the right models for a given problem and then develop and deploy those models in a production environment. The course can help you learn about the key elements of enterprise AI and how to put AI to work in key use cases.
See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer
AI Architect
AI Architects design and build AI systems. They work with business leaders and technical teams to ensure that AI systems are aligned with business goals and that they are scalable, reliable, and secure. The course can help you understand the strategic essentials of AI and how to put AI to work in key use cases.
See salaries and explore the career path for AI Architect
AI Strategy Consultant
AI Strategy Consultants help organizations develop and execute their AI strategies. They work with business leaders to identify AI use cases, develop AI roadmaps, and build AI teams. The course can help you understand the history and impact of generative AI for business, the importance of trusted, transparent, and governed AI, and how to put AI to work in key use cases.
See salaries and explore the career path for AI Strategy Consultant
Product Manager
Product Managers are responsible for developing and launching new products. They work with engineers, designers, and marketers to bring new products to market. The course can help you understand the strategic essentials of AI and how to put AI to work in key use cases, which can be valuable for Product Managers who want to develop AI-powered products.
See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager
Business Analyst
Business Analysts analyze business processes and identify opportunities for improvement. They work with business leaders to develop and implement new solutions. The course can help you understand the history and impact of generative AI for business, the importance of trusted, transparent, and governed AI, and how to put AI to work in key use cases, which can be valuable for Business Analysts who want to help their organizations adopt AI.
See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst
IT Manager
IT Managers are responsible for managing an organization's IT infrastructure. They work with business leaders to ensure that IT systems are aligned with business goals and that they are secure and reliable. The course can help you understand the key elements of enterprise AI and how to put AI to work in key use cases, which can be valuable for IT Managers who want to help their organizations adopt AI.
See salaries and explore the career path for IT Manager
CIO
CIOs are responsible for overseeing an organization's IT strategy and operations. They work with business leaders to ensure that IT is aligned with business goals and that it is delivering value to the organization. The course can help you understand the strategic essentials of AI and how to put AI to work in key use cases, which can be valuable for CIOs who want to help their organizations adopt AI.
See salaries and explore the career path for CIO
CEO
CEOs are responsible for the overall success of an organization. They work with the board of directors to set the strategic direction of the organization and to ensure that the organization is meeting its goals. The course can help you understand the history and impact of generative AI for business, the importance of trusted, transparent, and governed AI, and how to put AI to work in key use cases, which can be valuable for CEOs who want to help their organizations adopt AI.
See salaries and explore the career path for CEO
COO
COOs are responsible for the day-to-day operations of an organization. They work with the CEO to implement the strategic direction of the organization and to ensure that the organization is running smoothly. The course can help you understand the key elements of enterprise AI and how to put AI to work in key use cases, which can be valuable for COOs who want to help their organizations adopt AI.
See salaries and explore the career path for COO
CMO
CMOs are responsible for marketing and sales. They work with the CEO to develop and execute the marketing and sales strategy of the organization. The course can help you understand the strategic essentials of AI and how to put AI to work in key use cases, such as customer service and application modernization, which can be valuable for CMOs who want to help their organizations adopt AI.
See salaries and explore the career path for CMO
CTO
CTOs are responsible for the technology strategy and operations of an organization. They work with the CEO to ensure that the organization is using technology to its full potential. The course can help you understand the history and impact of generative AI for business, the importance of trusted, transparent, and governed AI, and how to put AI to work in key use cases, which can be valuable for CTOs who want to help their organizations adopt AI.
See salaries and explore the career path for CTO
Data Architect
Data Architects design and build data management systems. They work with data engineers to ensure that data is stored, processed, and analyzed efficiently. The course can help you understand the importance of data in relation to generative AI and how to use data to drive business outcomes.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Architect

Reading list

We've selected 17 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Introduction to Generative AI for Executives and Business Leaders.
Cover image
Artificial Intelligence in Practice
Save
Provides real-world examples of how companies are using AI and ML to solve problems. It covers a wide range of use cases, from customer service to fraud detection.
Generative AI in Practice: 100+ Amazing Ways...
Hardcover
$$
Artificial Intelligence in Practice: How 50...
Hardcover
$$
Cover image
Human + Machine, Updated and Expanded
Save
Explores the impact of AI on the workplace and how businesses can adapt to the changing landscape. It provides practical advice on how to integrate AI into business processes, manage the workforce, and create a culture of innovation.
Human + Machine, Updated and Expanded
Paperback
Check
Human + Machine, Updated and Expanded
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Policy-Driven Mobile Ad hoc Network Management
Save
Provides a practical guide to using AI in business. It covers topics such as AI applications, data analytics, machine learning, and AI ethics.
Policy-Driven Mobile Ad hoc Network Management
Hardcover
$$$$
Cover image
Hands-On Machine Learning with Scikit-Learn, Keras,...
Save
Provides a hands-on approach to machine learning using Python libraries such as Scikit-Learn, Keras, and TensorFlow. It covers topics such as data preprocessing, model selection, and hyperparameter tuning.
Hands-On Machine Learning with Scikit-Learn, Keras,...
Paperback
$$
Hands-On Machine Learning with Scikit-Learn, Keras,...
Paperback
$$$
Hands-On Machine Learning with Scikit-Learn, Keras,...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Deep Learning for Coders with fastai and PyTorch
Save
Practical guide to building deep learning models using Fastai and PyTorch. It provides a step-by-step approach to developing and deploying deep learning solutions for various applications.
Deep Learning for Coders with Fastai and PyTorch:...
Paperback
$$
Deep Learning for Coders with fastai and PyTorch:...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Deep Learning with Python, Second Edition
Save
Provides a comprehensive guide to deep learning using Python and the Keras library. It covers topics such as convolutional neural networks, recurrent neural networks, and generative adversarial networks.
Deep Learning with Python, Second Edition
Paperback
$$
Deep Learning with Python, Second Edition
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Computer Vision
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of computer vision algorithms and their applications. It covers topics such as image formation, feature extraction, object recognition, and motion analysis.
Computer Vision
Paperback
Check
Computer Vision
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Deep Learning
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of generative adversarial networks (GANs), a type of generative model that has shown promising results in generating realistic images, text, and other data.
Deep Learning (Adaptive Computation and Machine...
Hardcover
$$$
Deep Learning (Adaptive Computation and Machine...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Deep Learning
Save
Comprehensive reference on deep learning. It covers the latest advances in the field, and provides a detailed explanation of the underlying mathematics.
Deep Learning
Paperback
$$$
Deep Learning (Adaptive Computation and Machine...
Hardcover
$$$
Deep Learning (Adaptive Computation and Machine...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
The Elements of Statistical Learning
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of statistical learning. It covers the latest advances in the field, and provides a detailed explanation of the underlying mathematics.
The Elements of Statistical Learning: Data Mining,...
Hardcover
$$$
The Elements of Statistical Learning: Data Mining,...
Hardcover
$$$
The Elements of Statistical Learning: Data Mining,...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Pattern Recognition and Machine Learning
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of pattern recognition and machine learning. It covers the latest advances in the field, and provides a detailed explanation of the underlying mathematics.
Pattern Recognition and Machine Learning...
Hardcover
$$$
Pattern Recognition and Machine Learning...
Paperback
$$$
Pattern Recognition and Machine Learning (text...
Unknown Binding
$$$$
Cover image
Reinforcement Learning, second edition
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of reinforcement learning. It covers the latest advances in the field, and provides a detailed explanation of the underlying mathematics.
Reinforcement Learning, second edition: An...
Hardcover
$$$
Reinforcement Learning, second edition: An...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Natural Language Processing with Python
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of natural language processing. It covers the latest advances in the field, and provides a detailed explanation of the underlying mathematics.
Natural Language Processing with Python: Analyzing...
Paperback
$$$
Natural Language Processing with Python: Analyzing...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Probabilistic Machine Learning
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of machine learning from a probabilistic perspective. It covers the latest advances in the field, and provides a detailed explanation of the underlying mathematics.
Probabilistic Machine Learning: Advanced Topics...
Hardcover
$$$$
Cover image
The Quest for Artificial Intelligence
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of artificial intelligence. It covers the latest advances in the field, and provides a detailed explanation of the underlying mathematics.
The Quest for Artificial Intelligence
Paperback
Check
The Quest for Artificial Intelligence
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Speech and Language Processing. An Introduction to...
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of speech and language processing. It covers the latest advances in the field, and provides a detailed explanation of the underlying mathematics.
Speech and Language Processing An Introduction to...
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Probability and Statistics for Computer Science
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of computer vision. It covers the latest advances in the field, and provides a detailed explanation of the underlying mathematics.
Probability and Statistics for Computer Science
Paperback
$$$
Probability and Statistics for Computer Science
Kindle Edition
$$$

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:
Facebook
LinkedIn
Reddit
X
Link
Email

Similar courses

Here are nine courses similar to Introduction to Generative AI for Executives and Business Leaders.
GenAI for Sales Teams
Most relevant
GenAI for Sales Analytics
Most relevant
Generative AI for SEO: Be the #1 Answer in AI Search
Most relevant
Predictive Analytics with SPSS: Analyze & Apply
Most relevant
Financing Biotech Innovation
Most relevant
Agile Product Owner Level 2 – Certification & Mock Exams
Most relevant
Copy.AI for Beginners: Generate texts for various use...
Most relevant
Learn SQL with Databricks
Most relevant
GenAI for Talent Acquisition: Smarter Candidate Screening
Most relevant

edX Buyer Protection & Guarantee

Verified partner policies & purchase protections

World-Class University Partner
Free Trial & Audit

Free Audit Track Available

Free audit track available for most courses, giving open access to video lectures, course readings, and assignments at no charge.

Return & Refund Policy

14-Day Full Refund Window

14-day full refund available up to 14 days after course start or 14 days after payment (whichever comes second, up to 6 months max), provided verified certificate has not yet been earned.

Buyer Protections

Verified Academic & Industry Partner

University-backed credentials authored by elite institutions like Harvard, MIT, and Oxford, with tamper-proof certificate verification.

Key Purchase Protections
Free audit track for open learning access
14-day money-back guarantee on verified certificates
Prestigious university credentials (Harvard, MIT)
Automatic unenrollment refund process via dashboard
OpenCourser Verified Partner Policy details last reviewed: 2026-10-22
Course image
Rating
4.8 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Effort
2 to 3 hours per week for 1 week
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
IBM
Instructor
IBM AI Academy
Language
English
Transcript
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Teaches the importance of trusted, transparent, and governed AI, which is critical for responsible implementation in business
Explores the strategic essentials of generative AI for executives and business leaders, providing valuable insights for decision-making
Introduces key elements of enterprise AI, helping learners understand how generative AI fits into larger organizational strategies
Provides practical guidance on applying generative AI to key use cases, such as customer service and application modernization
Examines the history and impact of generative AI for business, offering a comprehensive understanding of its evolution and significance
Share this
Share to help others discover this course.
Facebook LinkedIn X Reddit Link Email
Begin learning today
Enroll now to gain full access to Introduction to Generative AI for Executives and Business Leaders.
Enroll now
Save for later
Add this course to your list. Find it anytime.
Save
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser