AI Demystified

This 90-minute executive briefing helps leaders, managers, and decision-makers understand the real technologies behind today’s AI movement — in clear, practical terms.
Rather than avoiding key terms, the session translates them: LLMs, RAG, Copilots, Agents, and the Model Context Protocol (MCP) — showing how each fits into the way organizations build and use AI.

Participants gain an intuitive understanding of how AI systems think, retrieve, and act — and how those capabilities are already showing up in tools across the enterprise.
Through relatable analogies, visuals, and examples, attendees will learn how to talk confidently with technical teams, evaluate AI initiatives, and lead with insight and accountability.

The presentation blends conceptual clarity, leadership relevance, and visual storytelling. It’s designed for executives and non-technical professionals who need to grasp how AI fits into their organization’s strategy, operations, and governance.
1.How Modern AI Really Works
Understand how Large Language Models (LLMs) learn patterns from data and generate responses. See why they don’t “know” — they predict — and why context and validation are essential for business use.
2.Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG): Making AI Current
Learn how RAG extends an AI’s capabilities by connecting it to trusted enterprise data sources. Understand how this approach keeps responses accurate, relevant, and policy-compliant.
3.Copilots and AI Assistants
Explore how copilots combine AI reasoning, enterprise context, and workflow integration to support human work. See how GitHub Copilot, Microsoft 365 Copilot, and internal copilots assist teams without replacing them.
4.Agents and AI Autonomy
Examine how AI agents can plan, call tools, and make structured decisions using the “Thought → Action → Observation” loop. Understand how this differs from static chatbots — and how to govern it.
5.MCP (Model Context Protocol): Standardizing AI Connections
Discover how MCP enables AI systems to safely discover and use tools, APIs, and data through a shared protocol — simplifying integration and improving control across departments.
6.Security, Guardrails, and Governance
Discuss the emerging field of AI security: preventing prompt injection, protecting data, and enforcing responsible use. Learn how leadership shapes trust and compliance in AI-enabled operations.
7.The Leadership Playbook for AI Adoption
Gain a framework for evaluating AI initiatives.

About Brent Laster

Hi, I'm Brent Laster - a global trainer and book author, experienced corporate technology developer and leader, and founder and president of Tech Skills Transformations LLC. I've been working with and presenting at NFJS events for many years now and it is always exciting and interesting.

Through my decades in programming and management,I've always tried to make time to learn and develop both technical and leadership skills and share them with others Regardless of the topic or technology, my belief is that there is no substitute for the excitement and sense of potential that come from providing others with the knowledge they need to help them accomplish their goals.

In my spare time, I hang out with my wife Anne-Marie, 4 children and 2 small dogs in Cary, North Carolina where I design and conduct trainings and write books. You can find me on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/brentlaster), Twitter (@brentclaster) or through my company's website at www.getskillsnow.com.

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