Our Research
The ROI of Generative AI
for Lower Middle Market Companies
This white paper makes the business case for generative AI - not as hype, but as a proven ROI engine for mid-sized firms. It provides real-world examples, a practical ROI framework, and a step-by-step implementation guide to help companies compete with larger players by achieving more with fewer resources. If you're unsure where to start or how to justify the investment, this paper gives you the blueprint.
This White Paper Is Ideal for:
CEOs and CFOs evaluating AI investments
COOs and Operations Leaders looking to drive efficiency
CMOs and content leaders seeking scalable content creation solutions
CIOs and IT leaders tasked with implementing emerging technologies
Private equity operating partners supporting mid-market portfolio companies
What You'll Learn:
How real companies (like CarMax and Marketing Evolution) are generating 30× ROI and cutting costs by up to 85% with GenAI
A clear, 5-step framework to define AI opportunities, measure ROI, and ensure cost-effective deployment
How to launch high-impact AI pilots and scale them responsibly across the organization
Key considerations for data readiness, governance, and employee training to ensure success
Why acting now gives you a strategic edge—and how to start with manageable, high-yield initiatives
ROI of Generative AI: A Practical Guide for Lower Middle Market Companies
This guide strips away the hype and delivers a real-world, ROI-driven playbook for lower middle market companies looking to adopt generative AI. Packed with success stories, financial benchmarks, and a no-fluff framework for evaluating and implementing AI, it shows how even resource-constrained businesses can see measurable results—fast. If your leadership team needs clarity and confidence around AI investments, this is the roadmap.
This White Paper Is Ideal for:
CEOs, COOs, and CFOs in LMM firms
Strategy and innovation leads exploring AI integration
IT and operations teams evaluating generative AI tools
Change managers responsible for digital transformation
PE-backed portfolio company leaders needing fast results
What You'll Learn:
How companies like CarMax and Marketing Evolution are achieving massive productivity gains and cost reductions with GenAI
A clear, executive-ready framework for calculating ROI—down to dollars per hour saved and percentage boosts in output
How to launch AI pilots, track success metrics, and scale solutions without massive technical overhead
The critical role of governance, ethics, and employee training in sustainable AI adoption
Practical steps to embed AI into strategic priorities while avoiding common implementation pitfalls
Industry-Specific AI Implementation Guides for Lower Middle Market Companies
Artificial Intelligence is no longer reserved for tech giants—it’s a strategic weapon for mid-sized companies seeking to cut costs, boost revenue, and outpace the competition. This white paper delivers a step-by-step guide to implementing AI in lower middle market businesses, complete with real-world case studies and a practical framework designed for rapid ROI and long-term success.
This White Paper Is Ideal for:
CEOs, COOs, and CTOs of mid-sized companies
Senior managers and department heads exploring AI initiatives
Directors of Operations, IT, or Innovation
Private equity firms with mid-market portfolios
Consultants advising on digital transformation for SMBs
What You'll Learn:
How mid-sized companies in industries like manufacturing, finance, healthcare, and professional services are using AI to drive measurable impact
A 5-phase AI implementation framework—from opportunity identification to scaling and optimization
Best practices for leadership to align AI with business goals and secure organizational buy-in
Governance and ethical considerations critical for responsible AI use in smaller firms
Practical advice on tool selection, pilot project execution, and building an AI-friendly culture
Generative AI in SG&A:
A Guide for Lower Middle Market Companies
This guide is your executive cheat sheet for slashing SG&A costs and boosting productivity with generative AI. It demystifies how tools like ChatGPT, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Jasper, and Grammarly can immediately improve sales, marketing, HR, finance, and admin workflows—without needing a tech team or massive overhaul.
This White Paper Is Ideal for:
COOs, CFOs, and functional heads of sales, marketing, HR, and finance
IT leaders exploring AI tools for cross-functional productivity
Operational excellence or transformation leads at mid-sized firms
PE-backed company execs tasked with SG&A efficiency improvement
Team leaders or department heads managing lean teams under pressure
What You'll Learn:
Which generative AI tools work best across key SG&A areas—and how companies like CarMax, Morgan Stanley, and Akbank are using them
A side-by-side breakdown of popular platforms (ChatGPT, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Jasper, Grammarly, Notion AI) and how they apply to sales, HR, finance, and admin tasks
A 5-point evaluation framework to choose the right AI tools based on business goals, integration, scalability, and user adoption
Tactical pilot ideas, adoption tips, and change management strategies to get quick wins and organization-wide buy-in
How to build governance and data privacy standards around AI use to ensure secure, responsible deployment
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Explore AI Consultant Certification
Get certified as an AI-Empowered Consultant and unlock proven strategies to build a profitable business, generate new income streams, and succeed in today's AI-driven economy.
Who Should Enroll?
Consultants, entrepreneurs, mid-level managers, project leads, or professionals wanting practical AI deployment skills.
What to Expect
Duration: 6 Weeks (3 classes per week)
Focus on hands-on generative AI prompts, business applications, automation & agents.
Ideal for consultants, mid-level managers, or anyone seeking practical AI implementation skills.
Explore Chief AI Officer Certification
Get AI Certification Online to become an AI-Empowered Chief AI Officer, and master executive-level strategies to transform businesses & be a leader in the AI-powered economy.
Who Should Enroll?
Sr Managers, Directors, VPs, and C-suite who need to drive AI initiatives, ensure governance & ethics, and transform the enterprise into an AI forward company.
What to Expect
Duration: 10 Weeks (3 classes per week)
Focus on AI strategy, governance & ethics, scaling & enterprise transformation.
Ideal for senior managers, VPs, or executives leading company-wide AI.
Hear From Our Students
Read what our past students have to say about our courses
Yves Binda
CAIO & AI Strategist
Eli Lilly
"Best career choice ...
it's outstanding training - nobody knows the stuff I know about AI"
Steve Ferman
CAIO & Business Coach
4 Pillar Coaching
"With this training, I have zero fear that I will be left behind because of AI. Man, I'm LEADING in AI"
Kristen Perdue
CAIO & CMO
AlterBridge Strategies
"I'm now the go-to
AI expert for my professional network ... so many opportunities"
Teri Moten, CAIO & MBA
Became the go-to AI expert in business coaching, now commanding higher fees and media features.
Wayne Clayton, CAIO
Transformed from a newspaper executive to an AI strategist, leading major industry shifts.
Comprehensive Online Courses
Learn from industry experts and take your podcasting skills to the next level
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Meet Our Team
Get to know the talented individuals behind our courses.
John Chan
Podcast Expert
John is a seasoned podcaster with years of experience in the industry.
Mark Johnson
Marketing Guru
Mark is an expert in podcast marketing, helping our creators reach a wider audience.
FAQs
Find answers to commonly asked questions about
our AI trainings & certifications
What is the difference between the AI Consultant Certification and the Chief AI Officer Certification?
The AI Consultant Certification (6 weeks) focuses on hands-on, practical AI skills—prompt engineering, real business applications, and automation/agents—suitable for professionals who want to implement AI-driven solutions.
The Chief AI Officer Certification (10 weeks) targets executives and senior leaders, covering strategic AI leadership, governance & ethics, and enterprise scaling.
Who should enroll in each program?
AI Consultant: Ideal for consultants, mid-level managers, tech-savvy professionals, or anyone who wants to deploy AI solutions quickly in real-world projects.
Chief AI Officer: Best for directors, VPs, or C-suite executives needing to drive AI strategy and governance across the entire organization.
Do I need any prior AI or coding experience?
AI Consultant: Basic familiarity with technology is helpful, but no deep coding knowledge is required. We teach the fundamentals of prompts, generative AI tools, and simple automation frameworks.
Chief AI Officer: No coding background is required—this certification focuses on strategy, leadership, and governance, though awareness of AI concepts is beneficial.
What is the total time commitment per week?
AI Consultant: Typically 3 live classes per week (~2 hours each), plus about 1–2 hours of homework or quizzes.
Chief AI Officer: Same live class schedule (~2 hours per session, 3 times a week), with additional reading and a capstone project requiring extra time.
How are these certifications delivered?
All sessions are live online (via Zoom or a similar platform). We emphasize interaction, real-time Q&A, and up-to-date content reflecting the latest AI developments.
When do new cohorts start?
We typically run new cohorts every [X weeks or months]. Exact start dates are listed on each certification page. If you miss one, you can sign up for the next available cohort.
What if I miss or fail a class?
We record all live sessions, so you can catch up if you’re absent. You may also attend an office hour or roll over that specific module to a future cohort (depending on our make-up policy).
Are the sessions recorded?
Yes, each session is recorded. Participants can watch the replay for a limited time if they miss a class, or to review difficult topics.
Do you offer any discounts or payment plans?
We offer early-bird pricing, potential installment plans, and group discounts for companies enrolling multiple participants. Contact us for details.
Is there a refund policy?
Our refund policy typically allows for a partial or full refund if you withdraw before the cohort’s [cut-off date]. Please check our [Refund/Terms & Conditions page] for the most up-to-date policy.
How do I enroll or apply?
Click the “Enroll Now” (for AI Consultant) or “Apply Now” (for Chief AI Officer) button on the respective page. You’ll be guided through a registration form. For further help, you can also contact our admissions team directly.
Are your programs accredited?
We are not a traditional university. However, our certifications carry industry recognition through the hands-on, practical nature and recognized instructor expertise. Many participants use this credential to advance their careers.
What language is the instruction in?
Currently, English is the primary language for all lectures, materials, and discussions.
Do you provide ongoing updates or refresher courses?
Yes. We occasionally host alumni refresher sessions or “what’s new in AI” webinars to keep you updated on major changes or advancements.
How are the classes structured each week?
Each week features three live sessions—one for each major topic track (Prompts & Tools, Business Applications, Automation/Agents for AI Consultant; or Strategy, Governance, Scaling for CAIO).
What kind of assignments or assessments are required?
Each session typically has a short quiz or practical assignment.
For AI Consultant: a final mini-project demonstrating a real AI solution (e.g., building a chatbot or setting up an automation).
For CAIO: a capstone AI strategy blueprint or presentation tailored to your organization’s context.
Will I receive a certificate upon completion?
Yes, you’ll earn an official Certificate of Completion once you pass all required quizzes/assignments and the final project/capstone.
What happens after I complete the certification?
You join our alumni network, gain ongoing access to monthly update sessions or special events, and have the chance to stay on top of new AI developments.
We also share exclusive AI resources and job opportunities (where relevant).
Is the content truly up-to-date with the latest AI advancements?
Yes! We refresh our curriculum every cohort, integrating newly released AI tools, frameworks, and notable industry case studies.
Do you offer corporate/group training?
Absolutely. We provide group discounts for teams of 3 or more, and can host private cohorts if you have a large group (10+ participants).
Can you tailor the curriculum for our industry?
For enterprise clients, we can customize examples and case studies to match your industry (finance, healthcare, retail, etc.). Let us know your needs!
How do we measure ROI on this training for our staff?
Participants work on real-world projects or strategy roadmaps tied to your company’s goals, allowing you to see direct improvements in workflow, cost savings, or innovation.
We also provide performance metrics or final project outcomes you can track internally.
What if our executives have busy schedules?
We record all sessions and have flexible make-up options. Executives can catch up anytime, and we offer one-on-one coaching calls if they need deeper support.
How do we get started with a corporate package?
Visit our For Business page to request more info or schedule a call with our corporate solutions team. We’ll discuss your organization’s goals and create a tailored proposal.
Do I need any special software or hardware?
A reliable internet connection, a computer with a microphone/camera for live sessions, and access to basic office software. We’ll guide you through any optional AI tool installations.
What time zone are the classes held in?
Live sessions are scheduled at 11 AM Central Time (US). If you’re international or in a different time zone, you can watch recordings if you can’t attend live.
Can international students join?
Yes, our training is fully online. Participants from around the globe can enroll. Just note the time zone for live sessions.
Will I receive job placement assistance?
We’re not a job placement agency, but we do offer career support resources (resume tips, LinkedIn optimization) and maintain an alumni network that can help you find leads.
Life is Better with AI Certification
Leaders in AI have immediate opportunities to apply their skills, and won't get left behind in the AI boom.