Influence is how leaders get things done, especially when they don’t have the authority over the people they need to move. In this executive education course on influence, AI is used to strengthen your ability to persuade, align stakeholders, and mobilize teams. You’ll learn how to use AI to sharpen messaging, rehearse conversations, and stress-test strategies.
Leading with AI: Influence
Hybrid course schedule
May 21: Self-paced, online GenAI 101
May 28: In person in Indianapolis, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
June 4: Live virtual, 1 to 3:30 p.m.
June 11: Submit project for digital badge (optional)
Fee: $1,495 per person (IU alumni, IU staff, and team discounts available)
Learning objectives
Through guided practice and AI-supported exercises, you’ll learn to:
- Clarify your influence map: Identify key stakeholders, their motivations, and credible paths to “yes.”
- Elevate messaging: Use AI to draft, tighten, and tailor communications for different audiences and channels.
- Build trust and credibility: Strengthen evidence-based reasoning, transparency, and timing.
- Prepare for resistance: Rehearse tough conversations and “what if” scenarios with AI-driven simulations.
- Act ethically: Apply privacy controls, bias checks, and responsible use of generative AI tools.
Interested in bringing this program to your company or organization? Email kelleypd@iu.edu to discuss our custom program options.
You’ll leave with
- A practical framework for engaging the people who matter most
- Tighter narratives and talking points you can use immediately
- Tools to practice and improve high-stakes conversations
- An Action Learning Project focused on your real-world influence challenge
This course is ideal for mid- to senior-level managers and executives who lead through collaboration, persuasion, and credibility and want to understand the influence of AI on business and leadership.
Want to learn more?
Fill out the form below to request more information.
Showcase your new skills
Each course offers the opportunity to complete an optional Action Learning Project, applying course concepts to a real organizational challenge you face. Participants who complete this project earn a digital badge, a verifiable credential you can showcase on platforms like LinkedIn.
Build toward a professional certificate
Complete four courses from the Leading with AI professional development series and earn the Kelley Professional Certificate in AI Leadership.
Course outline
Asynchronous, online introduction to the course, including short pre-reading assignments and an overview of GenAI
Hands-on practice and peer discussion; one day, in person (Indianapolis)
Use case clinic: 2.5 hours of live, online, instructor-led training
Create and submit an Action Learning Project tailored to your organization
Course details
- Format: Combination of asynchronous online, live online, and in-person classes
- Schedule: Thursdays, May 21 to June 11; in person in Indianapolis on May 28, live online on June 4 from 1 to 3:30 p.m.
- Discounts: Available for IU alumni, staff, groups of three or more participants, and purchases of four or more courses*
*Purchase four or more courses in the Leading with AI series and receive a $1,500 discount. Pay a total of $4,480 (regularly $5,980), a 25% savings.
Access a customizable supervisor request letter to support your case for attending a Kelley professional development course.
Meet your instructors
Trent Deckard
Lecturer, Kelley School of Business
Trent Deckard is a lecturer at the Indiana University Kelley School of Business and is a recipient of the Trustees’ Teaching Award. He teaches business communication classes to undergraduate students and participants of Kelley Executive Education Programs. Additionally, he provides communication coaching to executive education participants and other clients.
A former communication lecturer on the IU Indianapolis campus, Trent also worked for a member of Congress, led an agency for the State of Indiana, served as chief of staff for a legislative caucus in the General Assembly, and currently serves on the Monroe County Council. He is a member of Rotary International, a Vanguard Chair for United Way, and an active Toastmaster. His areas of expertise include business communication, public address and persuasion, rhetoric, and confidence building.
Trent received his BS in Political Science, Criminal Justice, and Criminology from Ball State University and his MA in Applied Communication from Indiana University.
Anna Deeds
Senior Lecturer, Kelley School of Business
Anna Deeds is a senior lecturer at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, where she has been shaping business communicators for more than a decade. A two-time recipient of the Trustees’ Teaching Award and multiple student-selected Teaching Excellence Awards, she was most recently honored with the Panschar Undergraduate Teaching Excellence Award, the school’s highest recognition for undergraduate instruction.
At Kelley, Anna teaches business communication courses to undergraduates and professionals in Kelley Executive Education Programs, where her courses in executive presence, influential communication, and data storytelling help connect ideas to action. She also provides individualized coaching for Kelley Executive Education learners, guiding them to tell compelling stories with data and to influence with credibility.
Her expertise includes business communication, executive presence, influential communication, storytelling with data, and imposter syndrome. She develops curriculum and workshops for audiences ranging from first-year students to senior executives, drawing on her experience in communications at General Electric’s Appliance Park and as associate director of admissions at Kelley. Anna earned her BA in Communication from Bellarmine University and her MS in Higher Education from Indiana University.
Questions?
Email kelleypd@iu.edu and our team will be happy to assist you.