“AI is the biggest workplace transformation since the Internet, but it isn’t about coding, it’s about communication.”

That’s the message from Downings native and Harvard Kennedy School graduate Joanne Sweeney, who took to the stage in Las Vegas last week to share insights from her new book, AI Playbook.

Fresh from delivering a keynote at Planet Hollywood Hotel in Las Vegas to over 800 US local government officials, Joanne, who lives in Galway, is bringing her global insights home.

Her book argues that the leaders who thrive in the AI era will be those who learn to communicate in two ways: with AI models (through prompting and workflow design), and about AI adoption (through policy, strategy, and trust-building with staff and stakeholders).

“The winners in this revolution won’t be coders,” said Joanne.

“They’ll be the professionals who know how to get value out of AI through smart communication, and then explain, manage, and govern that change in a way that builds confidence and trust.

“This includes policymakers and legislators, it’s vital they have AI literacy and competency too.”

The book has been described by early readers as ‘the AI Bible’ helping public and private sector professionals master the real skills of AI: how to interact with the technology, and how to communicate its value to staff, customers, citizens and stakeholders.

AI Playbook will be officially launched in Ireland tomorrow (Friday) at Dublin’s Mayson Hotel with an interactive AI Masterclass, where Joanne will demonstrate her frameworks and show how professionals can apply them in real campaigns and strategies.