AI workforce training: How BDO USA trains its employees
Summary
BDO USA adopted a structured, people-centred approach to scale AI skills across the firm. CIO Russ Ahlers describes creating a chief data and AI officer, forming a Research and AI Development (RAID) team, and recruiting AI ambassadors to deliver tailored, hands-on training. The programme emphasises responsible AI, practical prompt engineering, and role-appropriate learning.
Training methods ranged from multi-session workshops to an interactive virtual escape room. Embedding AI into existing learning and development and involving business-line representatives helped normalise AI use and produced measurable uptake — an 89% rise in usage of BDO’s internal Chat BDO system after workshops.
Key Points
- BDO appointed a chief data and AI officer and set up a RAID team to lead AI strategy and training.
- AI ambassadors deliver peer-led, role-tailored training to meet employees where they are.
- Practical skills taught include prompt engineering and responsible AI usage for a regulated professional services environment.
- Interactive formats — including a Chat BDO virtual escape room — made learning engaging and boosted adoption.
- AI training is being integrated into broader learning and development rather than treated as a separate initiative.
- BDO currently builds AI skills internally (train-the-trainer for new graduates) while monitoring technology trends to keep skills relevant.
Content summary
This piece is an edited interview with Russ Ahlers, who explains BDO’s multi-pronged AI training strategy. The firm prioritised responsible AI from the outset due to regulatory and client-trust concerns. After assessing skill gaps via workshops, BDO ramped up practical training on prompt engineering and internal AI tools. Ambassadors and a RAID team distribute knowledge across business units, supporting grassroots adoption alongside formal programmes for regulated roles. Ahlers stresses tailoring training to different comfort levels with technology and keeping learning fun and accessible.
Context and relevance
As organisations grapple with rapid AI adoption, the real bottleneck is not just tools but people. This article is important for CIOs, L&D leads and HR professionals who must operationalise AI while managing risk and compliance. BDO’s approach shows how to balance central strategy with decentralised, peer-led delivery — a model that aligns with trends toward practical, role-specific AI upskilling and ethical usage frameworks.
Why should I read this?
Short version: if you’re responsible for getting people to actually use AI (not just buying it), this is a neat playbook. It’s full of practical, easily copied moves — ambassadors, workshops, an escape room — that make training stick without scaring staff. Saves you time and gives you ideas you can try tomorrow.
Author style
Punchy. The interview is direct and actionable — essential reading for CIOs and training leads who need clear, replicable tactics for rolling out AI in a regulated, client-facing environment. If you care about practical adoption over hype, pay attention to the details here.