On November 18, NationSwell hosted a virtual Leader Roundtable dedicated to unpacking how artificial intelligence is transforming the way we work, communicate, and create impact. From advancing organizational efficiency to reshaping advocacy and service delivery, AI holds enormous potential — and raises equally pressing questions around ethics, equity, and governance.

Some of the most salient takeaways from the conversation appear below:

Key takeaways

Treat AI adoption as a culture-change initiative, not just a tech rollout. Invest in thoughtful change-management strategies: designate AI champions, embed AI into everyday workflows, and ensure all staff achieve at least baseline competency through training.

Build an AI Champion network to accelerate culture change. Identify early adopters across functions and empower them to model practical use cases, lead demonstrations, and mentor peers. Champions make AI visible and approachable, increasing the likelihood of shifting day-to-day behaviors.

Recognize that this moment requires upskilling and unlearning. Encourage teams to move beyond legacy workflows and reimagine how work gets done with AI as a strategic partner. Beyond technical training, this requires a mindset and behavioral shift that fosters adaptability and continuous learning.

Establish clear policies to guide responsible, mission-aligned AI use. Staff need clarity on what is encouraged, allowed, and off-limits. Transparent guardrails reduce anxiety, build trust, and empower teams to deploy AI confidently and ethically.

Enable each team to define AI applications relevant to their work. Functions such as philanthropy, marketing, compliance, and operations will leverage AI differently. Facilitating team-specific exploration uncovers meaningful use cases that improve workflows and drive impact.

Clarify AI’s sustainability footprint to remove barriers. Many hesitations arise from misconceptions. Provide accurate context on energy use, environmental impact, and organizational commitments, ensuring sustainability concerns do not hinder adoption.

Identify opportunities where AI can deliver strategic value. Look for high-volume, operational, or repetitive tasks where AI can save time, enhance rigor, and create consistency, freeing teams to focus on higher-impact work.