Hands-On Learning
Practical, step-by-step activities designed for executive education professionals to master generative AI tools and workflows.
Complete each lab in 25-55 minutes
Clear instructions with multiple options
Solve actual business challenges
Each lab teaches you to leverage AI tools strategically, with downloadable materials and clear learning outcomes.
Master the complete AI research workflow: from brainstorming research questions to creating polished deliverables. Learn to use Gemini Deep Research, NotebookLM, and Gemini Canvas.
Challenge:
"Is there a market for a short, high-impact 'AI Governance & Ethics' program for C-Suite leaders?"
Goal: Transform a vague idea into specific, actionable research questions
Choose ONE of these options based on your preference:
Option 1 - Open-Ended Discovery (Best for beginners)
I need to research the demand for an AI Ethics program for executives.
Where do I even start? What questions should I be asking?
Option 2 - Structured Framework Request (Best for those wanting guidance)
I'm exploring whether to launch an AI Governance & Ethics program for C-Suite leaders. Help me create a research framework covering: market demand, competitive landscape, pricing, and executive pain points.
Option 3 - Direct Question Generation (Best for efficiency)
Generate 10 specific research questions I should answer to validate market demand for a 2-day AI Governance program targeting CFOs, CEOs, and Board Members. Focus on questions that are answerable through desk research.
You should now have 5 specific questions like:
Goal: Get comprehensive, sourced answers to your specific questions
How to Access:
Choose ONE approach:
Option 1 - Single Comprehensive Query (Recommended)
Research the market for executive education programs on AI Governance and Ethics. Specifically investigate: 1. Top 5 providers offering programs on 'AI Governance' or 'Responsible AI' for C-suite executives (include program names, duration, price, and key topics) 2. Recent regulations driving demand (EU AI Act, US state laws, industry-specific rules) 3. Common AI governance concerns expressed by executives in 2024-2025 4. Market size and growth projections for AI executive education 5. Gaps in current offerings (topics not being covered, underserved audiences) Provide sources for all key findings.
TROUBLESHOOTING:
Goal: Transform raw research into an actionable executive summary
How to Access:
Upload the PDF from Step 2, then use this prompt:
Executive Summary Prompt:
Based on this research, create a concise 1-page executive summary for the Dean of Executive Education. Structure it as: 1. Market Opportunity (size, growth, urgency drivers) 2. Competitive Landscape (who's offering what, at what price) 3. Clear Gaps We Could Exploit (underserved niches, missing topics) 4. Risks or Concerns (market saturation, pricing pressure) 5. Recommended Next Step (one specific action) Use bullet points and include 2-3 key statistics that make the case compelling.
Goal: Transform your summary into a polished, presentable document
Copy the executive summary from NotebookLM, then choose your output format:
One-Page Proposal Prompt:
Transform this summary into a structured one-page proposal document with these sections: **Market Opportunity** - What's driving demand for this program right now? - Market size and growth potential **Competitive Analysis** - Current players and their offerings - Pricing benchmarks - What they're missing **Our Proposed Differentiation** - How our program would be unique - Our competitive advantages - Target audience and positioning **Financial Projections** - Estimated pricing - Projected enrollment - Revenue potential (Year 1) **Next Steps** - Immediate actions required - Timeline - Resources needed Use professional formatting with clear headers, 2-3 bullet points per section, and bold key statistics.
Refine in Canvas Mode:
Once generated, you can interact with it:
Step 1
10-15 min
Step 2
5-10 min
Step 3
10-15 min
Step 4
10-15 min
Total Lab Time: 35-55 minutes
Learn to rapidly create professional marketing materials using AI. Build a complete marketing kit including program descriptions, presentations, emails, and social media content.
Challenge:
"Create a full marketing kit for a new 'Financial Acumen for Non-Financial Executives' program."
Goal: Generate a compelling program description that captures attention
This structured approach ensures your AI understands context and produces relevant content. Copy and customize this template:
WHO ARE YOU? I am the Marketing Director for a top-tier executive education center. Our brand voice is authoritative, forward-thinking, and inspirational. WHAT'S THE CONTEXT? We are launching a 2-day 'Financial Acumen for Non-Financial Executives' program for senior leaders in operations, marketing, HR, and technology. The program demystifies financial statements, teaches ROI analysis, and builds confidence in budget negotiations and strategic financial decisions. WHAT DO YOU WANT? Generate a compelling 150-word program description that hooks the reader by explaining why financial literacy is essential for every executive's career advancement. Include: - A powerful opening statement - 2-3 key benefits - One striking statistic or insight - A clear call to action
ChatGPT
Best for conversational refinement
Gemini
Great for creative variations
Your AI Tool
Works with most AI assistants
💡 Customization Options:
Option A - Change the Program Focus:
Replace "Financial Acumen for Non-Financial Executives" with:
Option B - Adjust Brand Voice:
Change tone descriptors to match your institution:
Option C - Add Specific Requirements:
Additional constraints: - Must mention our partnership with [Wharton/Kellogg/Stanford GSB] - Target audience: Fortune 500 VPs and above - Emphasize ROI and measurable outcomes - Avoid buzzwords like "synergy" or "paradigm shift" - Include a sense of urgency (limited cohort size)
You should have a 150-word description that feels compelling and on-brand. Here's what to look for:
Goal: Make the description match your existing brand voice perfectly
The first draft is good, but now we need to ensure it sounds like YOUR organization, not a generic training center. Choose the option that best fits your situation:
Option A - Upload Brand Guidelines (Recommended)
If you have brand documents:
1. Locate your materials:
2. Upload to your AI tool:
3. Use this refinement prompt:
Now, refine this description to better match the tone and style of the attached document. Specifically: - Match the vocabulary level and sentence structure - Adopt similar formatting (if they use bold, bullets, etc.) - Mirror the emotional tone (formal vs casual, serious vs playful) - Use similar examples or analogies if patterns exist - Make it more concise and punchy (aim for 120 words) Keep the core message but make it sound like it came from OUR team.
Option B - Describe Your Brand Voice (If No Documents)
If you don't have written guidelines, describe your voice characteristics:
Refine this description to match our brand personality: Our typical program descriptions: - Start with a relatable pain point or challenge that executives face - Use accessible language (avoid academic jargon and overly complex terms) - Include ONE powerful statistic or real-world example - Focus on confidence and capability building, not just knowledge transfer - Use active voice and action verbs - End with an empowering statement about transformation Example opening from our Leadership program: "You don't need an MBA to speak the language of business—you just need the right tools." Example closing: "Walk into every budget meeting with the confidence of a CFO and the strategic perspective of a CEO." Now rewrite the Financial Acumen program description in this style, keeping it to 120-150 words.
Option C - A/B Testing Approach
Not sure which direction to go? Generate multiple versions to compare:
Create 3 different versions of this description: Version A: Aspirational & Empowerment-Focused (Emphasize confidence, career advancement, having a seat at the table) Use phrases like: "Finally understand...", "Join the ranks of...", "Elevate your executive presence..." Version B: Problem-Focused & Practical (Highlight frustrations with finance meetings, budget season anxiety, difficulty defending resources) Use phrases like: "Stop feeling lost when...", "Never again struggle with...", "Master the skills to..." Version C: Results-Driven & Skills-Based (Focus on specific capabilities: read P&Ls, calculate ROI, build business cases) Use phrases like: "Learn to...", "Gain the ability to...", "Walk away with practical tools to..." Keep each to 120-150 words. I'll test which resonates most with our audience.
Pro Tip: You can then ask, "Which version is most likely to appeal to senior operations leaders who feel intimidated by finance discussions?" to get AI guidance on selection.
Time Check:
You should spend 5-7 minutes on this step. Don't overthink it—you can always refine further later. The goal is to get something that feels authentically "you."
Goal: Transform your description into a persuasive pitch deck
How to Access Gamma.app
Alternative if Gamma isn't available: You can use the same prompt structure with ChatGPT or Gemini, then manually create slides in PowerPoint or Google Slides. The content will be identical; you'll just need to format it yourself.
Copy your refined program description from Step 2. This becomes the foundation for your presentation.
Paste your refined description, then add this detailed prompt:
Create a 5-slide presentation from this content for our sales team to use in client pitches. Structure: Slide 1: TITLE SLIDE - Program name: "Financial Acumen for Non-Financial Executives" - Compelling tagline: "Speak Finance, Drive Results, Advance Your Career" - Target audience: VPs and Senior Directors in Operations, Marketing, HR, IT - Visual suggestion: modern, professional, confidence-building imagery (avoid cliché calculators or charts) Slide 2: THE PROBLEM Title: "Why Financial Literacy Matters for Every Executive" - Why non-financial executives struggle in strategic discussions - 2-3 compelling statistics: * % of executives who avoid finance meetings * Career advancement limitations without financial skills * Budget approval success rates for those with vs without financial acumen - Common pain points presented as relatable scenarios: * "Your CFO asks about your department's EBITDA contribution and you freeze" * "Budget season brings anxiety instead of opportunity" * "You have great ideas but can't prove the ROI" - Visual suggestion: split screen showing "before" (confusion) and "after" (confidence) Slide 3: THE SOLUTION (Our Program) Title: "The Solution: Hands-On, Jargon-Free Financial Training" - Core program description (from the refined description above) - Key learning approach: * Real company case studies, not abstract theory * Interactive simulations and hands-on practice * Taught by finance leaders who remember what it's like to NOT understand finance - What makes this different from typical finance training: * No prior finance knowledge required * Focus on practical application, not certification * Small cohort (max 20) for personalized attention - Visual suggestion: photos of engaged participants in workshop setting Slide 4: PROGRAM BENEFITS & TAKEAWAYS Title: "What You'll Be Able to Do After This Program" Present as specific, achievable outcomes with icons: - 💼 Read and interpret financial statements confidently (P&L, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow) - 📊 Calculate ROI, NPV, and build compelling business cases - 💰 Participate effectively in budget planning and financial reviews - 🎯 Ask the right questions to challenge assumptions and drive decisions - 🤝 Negotiate for resources using financial evidence and strategic framing Format: Use icons and short, action-oriented phrases Slide 5: CALL TO ACTION Title: "Join the Next Cohort" - Program format: 2-day intensive - Options: In-person at [location] OR Live Virtual - Investment: $3,500 per participant (Group discounts available for 3+ participants) - Next cohort: [Date - leave placeholder] - Limited to 20 participants - Strong closing statement: "Stop feeling lost in finance meetings. Start leading with data." - Contact information: [Email/Phone - leave placeholder] - Visual suggestion: Confident professional in meeting, looking engaged Design preferences: - Professional but approachable aesthetic - Use visuals showing confidence and capability (people in meetings, collaborative work) - Color scheme: Professional blues, greens, or your brand colors - Avoid intimidating Wall Street imagery or overly complex charts - Include white space - don't overcrowd slides Make the presentation feel inspiring and achievable, not intimidating.
What to Do Next:
Once your presentation is generated, refine it with these follow-up prompts:
Make Content More Relatable:
"Make slide 2 more emotionally compelling - add a specific scenario like 'Your CFO asks about your department's EBITDA contribution and everyone looks to you for an answer'"
Reduce Text Density:
"Slide 4 is too text-heavy. Condense to 5 punchy benefits with one-line descriptions each. Use action verbs like 'Decode,' 'Calculate,' 'Defend'"
Add Social Proof:
"Add a testimonial placeholder to slide 3 from a past participant: 'I finally understand what the finance team has been talking about all these years. This program gave me a seat at the executive table.' — VP of Operations, Tech Industry"
Add Credibility Elements:
"Suggest three credibility boosters I should add: client logos of past participants, faculty credentials (CPA, former CFO), or program statistics (500+ executives trained)"
Improve Visual Storytelling:
"Suggest a simple visual for slide 3 showing the learning journey: Before (confused by numbers) → During (hands-on practice) → After (confident contributor)"
Adjust Tone:
"Make the language throughout more conversational and less formal. Replace 'participants will acquire competencies' with 'you'll gain the skills to...'"
You now have a complete pitch deck! Before moving on, verify:
Download & Share
Gamma allows you to download your presentation as PowerPoint, PDF, or share via link. Export it and you're ready to pitch to potential clients or corporate partners!
Goal: Generate a complete marketing kit in minutes
Now that you have your core description and presentation, let's multiply that content into a full marketing ecosystem. Each prompt below can be run in your AI tool of choice.
Create a 3-email drip campaign to announce and promote your program.
Prompt:
Based on the program description and presentation, create:
EMAIL 1: Initial Announcement (Send to past participants and prospects)
- Subject line (provide A/B test options):
* Option A: "Finally understand what your CFO is talking about"
* Option B: "Finance for the rest of us: New program for non-financial executives"
* Option C: Create a third option using curiosity/FOMO
- 200-word email body that:
* Opens with the pain point
* Introduces the program as the solution
* Highlights 2-3 key benefits
* Includes program dates and format
* Clear CTA: "Reserve Your Spot"
- Tone: Encouraging and empowering, not sales-y
EMAIL 2: Follow-Up Reminder (Send 1 week after Email 1)
- Subject line options focusing on different angle (career advancement benefit)
- 150-word email that:
* Takes a different angle: focus on career advancement
* Include a testimonial placeholder:
"This program transformed how I approach strategic decisions. I'm no
longer intimidated by finance discussions—I lead them."
— Sarah Chen, VP of Operations
* Mention limited seats remaining (if true)
* CTA: "Claim Your Seat"
EMAIL 3: Last Call (Send 3 days before registration closes)
- Subject line emphasizing scarcity and urgency
- 100 words, direct and action-oriented
- Urgency elements:
* "Only 5 seats remaining"
* "Registration closes [date]"
* "Don't miss this cohort—next one not until [future date]"
- Strong CTA: "Secure Your Spot Now"
For all emails:
- Use [FIRST_NAME] merge tag
- Include unsubscribe language
- Keep mobile-friendly (short paragraphs, scannable)
Generate 5 LinkedIn posts with varied angles to maximize reach and engagement.
Prompt:
Create 5 LinkedIn posts to promote this program: Post 1: Announcement Post (Launch Day) - Hook: Start with a relatable question or scenario "Ever felt lost when the CFO starts talking about EBITDA and free cash flow? You're not alone." - Introduce the program as the solution - Include registration link - 150-200 words Post 2: Myth-Busting Educational Post - Title: "You DON'T need an MBA to understand financial statements" - Share one key insight or tip that demonstrates value - Soft CTA to the full program at the end - Include an engaging visual suggestion (infographic idea) - 150-180 words Post 3: Success Story / Transformation Post - Create a compelling (fictional) before/after transformation "Meet Sarah: She went from avoiding budget meetings to leading them. Here's how..." - Frame as a mini case study - End with "Want results like Sarah's?" - 180-200 words Post 4: Behind-the-Scenes / Program Preview - "Here's what happens in our Financial Acumen program..." - Give a sneak peek at Day 1 activities or a key module - Build curiosity and FOMO - Include testimonial snippet - 140-170 words Post 5: Urgency Post (Registration Deadline Approaching) - Social proof: "Join 500+ non-financial executives who've transformed their careers" - Urgency: "Only 5 spots left in next cohort" - Clear deadline - Strong CTA - 120-150 words For each post: - Write the complete post text - Suggest 5 relevant hashtags (mix of popular and niche: #FinancialLiteracy #ExecutiveDevelopment #Leadership #CFO #BusinessAcumen) - Recommend visual type (photo of workshop, infographic, quote card, video) - Best posting time suggestion Make posts conversational and authentic, not overly promotional.
Design content for a downloadable PDF that participants can share.
Prompt:
Design the content for a one-page PDF flyer with these sections: [HEADLINE - Top of Page] "Stop Feeling Intimidated by Finance. Start Speaking the Language of Business." [SUBHEADLINE] A 2-day intensive for operations, marketing, HR, and technology leaders who want to drive strategic impact [WHO SHOULD ATTEND Section] Use bullet points, include: - VPs and Directors who participate in budget planning - Senior leaders presenting to boards or investors - Executives making resource allocation decisions - Anyone who needs to defend departmental budgets - Leaders who want a seat at the strategy table [WHAT YOU'LL LEARN Section] Present as 5 modules with brief descriptions: Module 1: Demystifying Financial Statements - Learn to read and interpret Income Statements, Balance Sheets, and Cash Flow Statements - Understand what the numbers really mean for strategy Module 2: Business Case Development & ROI Analysis - Build compelling financial arguments for your initiatives - Calculate NPV, payback periods, and cost-benefit analyses Module 3: Budget Planning & Resource Negotiation - Navigate the budgeting process with confidence - Defend your departmental needs with data Module 4: Financial Strategy & Performance Metrics - Link your functional goals to company financial performance - Speak the CFO's language in strategic discussions Module 5: Real-World Application Workshop - Bring your actual business challenges - Get personalized coaching on financial analysis [PROGRAM DETAILS Section - Formatted as a box] Duration: 2 days (9am-5pm both days) Format: In-person at [LOCATION] OR Live Virtual Next Cohort: [DATE] Investment: $3,500 per participant Group Discount: 10% off for 3+ participants from same organization Led by: Former CFOs and finance leaders turned educators Limited to 20 participants for maximum interaction [TESTIMONIAL Section - Include quote box] "I used to dread quarterly business reviews. Now I walk in confident, armed with the numbers to back up my strategies. This program gave me a seat at the executive table." — Alex Chen, VP of Operations, Technology Sector [CALL TO ACTION Section - Bottom of page] Ready to master finance without the MBA? Register at: [URL] Questions? Contact: [email/phone] [Footer] [Organization logo placeholder] [Organization name and tagline] Design notes for your graphic designer: - Use your brand colors - Include relevant imagery (confident professionals, collaborative meetings) - Make it scannable with clear hierarchy - Ensure it's print-friendly (high resolution) - Leave space for logo and contact info Format this so it's easy to copy into Canva or Adobe InDesign.
Complete copy for a dedicated program landing page.
Prompt:
Create compelling copy for a landing page with these sections: HERO SECTION: - Headline (8-12 words): "Master Finance Without the MBA" - Subheadline (20-30 words): "The executive program that transforms non-financial leaders into confident, strategic business partners" - Primary CTA button text: "Secure Your Seat - Next Cohort [DATE]" - Secondary CTA: "Download Program Brochure" THE CHALLENGE (Problem Section): Opening: "You're brilliant at your job. But when the conversation turns to P&Ls, EBITDA, or cash flow projections, you feel like everyone else is speaking a foreign language..." Write 3-4 compelling paragraphs (400 words total) addressing: - The isolation of not understanding finance terminology - Missed opportunities for career advancement - Frustration during budget season and strategic planning - Inability to prove ROI of initiatives - Watching finance-savvy colleagues get promoted Use emotional language that makes readers say "that's exactly how I feel" THE SOLUTION (Program Overview): Write 300 words describing: - Our jargon-free, practical approach - Real company case studies and hands-on simulations - Small cohort size (max 20) for personalized attention - Taught by finance leaders who remember what it's like to NOT understand finance - Immediate applicability - use these skills the next day CURRICULUM (Detailed Modules): Expand each of the 5 modules with: - Module title - 2-sentence description of what's covered - Key skills/tools learned - Real-world application example WHO SHOULD ATTEND: Create 4-5 detailed persona descriptions: Operations Leaders: You're optimizing processes and driving efficiency, but struggling to translate those operational improvements into financial impact that resonates with the C-suite. Marketing Executives: You know your campaigns drive value, but you can't prove marketing ROI in the language finance understands, making it hard to secure bigger budgets. HR Directors: You need to build business cases for talent investments, but lack the financial framework to justify headcount or compensation decisions. Technology Leaders: You're pushing for innovation and digital transformation, but can't quantify the financial return on IT investments in terms executives trust. Any Senior Leader: You aspire to the C-suite but recognize that financial acumen is the missing piece in your leadership toolkit. FACULTY (Instructor Bios): Create 2-3 sample instructor bios (75 words each): - Name, credentials, background - Why they're great at teaching finance to non-finance professionals - Teaching philosophy - Notable career achievements FAQS Section (Write full answers): Q1: Do I need any finance background or prior knowledge? Q2: I'm really not good at math. Will I be able to keep up? Q3: Will this program be too basic or too advanced for me? Q4: Can I get continuing education credits or professional development hours? Q5: What materials do I need to bring? Do I need Excel skills? Q6: Is this program available virtually? Q7: What's your refund/cancellation policy? FINAL CTA SECTION: Persuasive closing paragraph (150 words): "Your expertise got you here. Financial acumen will take you further..." End with: [Button: Apply Now] [Secondary link: "Questions? Schedule a call with our team"] Include trust signals: - "500+ executives trained" - "4.8/5 average rating" - "92% report career advancement within 6 months" SEO NOTES: - Primary keyword: "financial acumen for non-financial executives" - Secondary keywords: executive education, finance training, business acumen - Meta description (160 characters) - Page title
You now have a complete marketing toolkit! Here's how to deploy it:
Step 1
5 min
Foundation prompt
Step 2
5-7 min
Brand refinement
Step 3
10-12 min
Gamma presentation
Bonus
8-10 min
All materials
Total Lab Time: 28-34 minutes
From blank page to complete marketing kit in under 35 minutes!
Problem: Description feels generic
Solution: Add: "Include a specific example of an executive who succeeded/failed due to financial literacy" or ask for 3 versions and pick the best
Problem: Gamma slides look boring or template-y
Solution: Prompt: "Make this more visual - suggest specific images, charts, or infographics for each slide" or manually adjust design after generation
Problem: Tone doesn't match your brand
Solution: Upload 2-3 examples of your existing materials and explicitly ask AI to "mimic this exact style"
Problem: Output is too long
Solution: Add: "Maximum [X] words" or "Cut 30% without losing impact"
Problem: Need more variety
Solution: Ask for: "3 different approaches to this content" then pick the best or blend elements
These labs are just the beginning. Partner with Rihana to develop custom AI training programs for your entire organization.