Why Working Memory Limits Make Expert-AI Collaboration Work Expertise is shaped by a simple cognitive limit: we can hold only
In our Chronicle study tracking how over 1,000 professionals adapt psychologically to AI, the highest-performing AI collaborators were using AI to help them build better abstractions.
This week we explore the evolving boundaries between human and artificial intelligence across multiple dimensions. We examine how AI multiplies
AI Course for Leaders: Become More Essential with Artificial Intelligence
While most AI courses focus on tools, we focus on minds—helping you build the human capabilities that make you more essential in a machine-shaped world.
AI is a force multiplier on expertise—and right now, that force is reshaping how professional knowledge gets created, applied, and valued. If you've spent years building deep expertise that others rely on, you're feeling this shift acutely. This course is designed to help you co-evolve with AI in ways that increase the value of your expertise rather than diminish it.
Our research with 1000+ professionals reveals that a key difference between those who become more valuable with AI versus those who become replaceable isn't technical skill, it's their psychological strategy. Read about the research that is behind this course from our The Chronicle initiative here.
The course structure is four, 90-minute sessions at midday Pacific Time on Wednesdays in August. It is immersive, personal learning. This is a small group format and space is limited. Price is $495.
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Your guides are Helen and Dave Edwards, co-founders of the Artificiality Institute. For more than a decade, they have studied the human experience of AI and taught people about building healthy relationships with AI. They are extending their research as Visiting Researchers at the UC Berkeley Center for Human-Compatible AI. Helen also serves as a Commissioner on the State of Oregon's Higher Education Coordinating Commission.
Helen and Dave previously founded Intelligentsia.ai, an AI-focused market research firm, deepening their experience in analyzing and shaping human interactions with AI technologies. Helen's experience includes transformative work in critical infrastructure—leading dynamic, customer-centered technology initiatives at Pacific Gas & Electric—while Dave brings human-centered design and market strategy expertise from companies like Apple. Together, they position the Artificiality Institute uniquely at the intersection of technology and human flourishing.
This course is built on groundbreaking original research documented in "How We Think and Live with AI: Early Patterns of Human Adaptation"—a comprehensive study of over 1,000 professionals navigating AI integration in their work and lives.
Through workshop observations, interviews, and analysis of first-person accounts, this research revealed the three psychological orientations that determine AI relationship success: Cognitive Permeability (how AI responses blend into thinking), Identity Coupling (how closely identity becomes entangled with AI interaction), and Symbolic Plasticity(capacity to revise meaning frameworks when familiar categories break down).
The study also identified five psychological states people navigate during AI adaptation—Recognition, Integration, Blurring, Fracture, and Reconstruction—providing the roadmap for conscious rather than accidental AI evolution that forms the backbone of this course.
This isn't theory—it's a systematic understanding of what actually happens when professionals like you encounter AI. You'll learn frameworks grounded in real human experience, not speculation about what might work.
Learn the psychological strategy required to co-evolve your expertise with AI.
Wednesday August 6, 12-1.30 pm Pacific Time
Wednesday August 13, 12-1.30 pm Pacific Time
Wednesday August 20, 12-1.30 pm Pacific Time
Wednesday August 27, 12-1.30 pm Pacific Time
Q: What makes this different from other AI courses? A: While most AI courses focus on tools and technical skills, we focus on the psychological strategy needed to co-evolve with AI. Our research with 1000+ professionals shows that success isn't about technical ability—it's about your psychological approach to AI collaboration.
Q: Is this a technical course? Will I learn to use AI tools? A: No, this isn't a technical course. We focus on building the human capabilities that make you more essential when working with AI. You'll learn strategic decision-making frameworks, not specific tools or coding.
Q: How small is the group? A: We limit enrollment to just 20 people to ensure personalized attention and meaningful interaction. This intimate setting allows for deeper exploration of individual AI psychology patterns and real-time coaching.
Q: What's the time commitment? A: Four 90-minute sessions on Wednesdays at 12:00 PM Pacific Time throughout August (August 6, 13, 20, and 27). Sessions are designed to fit into your workday schedule.
Q: Are sessions recorded if I miss one? A: Yes, all sessions will be recorded so you can catch up if you miss one or revisit key concepts later.
Q: How interactive are the sessions? A: These are workshop-style sessions combining expert frameworks with hands-on application. You'll engage with the material through discussion, practical exercises, and peer learning—not passive lectures.
Q: Will there be homework or between-session work? A: Yes, you'll have experiences to complete between sessions that help you apply the frameworks to your real work and life situations. These practical applications are essential for developing conscious AI relationships.
Q: Are there any prerequisites or recommended preparation? A: No prerequisites required. Whether you're new to AI or already using it extensively, the psychological frameworks apply universally. We meet you where you are in your AI journey.
Q: I'm not a senior leader—is this still relevant for me? A: Yes, if you're an experienced professional in knowledge work who's built deep expertise over years. You don't need to be C-suite to benefit from understanding how to position yourself as more essential with AI.
Q: What if I'm already comfortable with AI tools? A: Being comfortable with tools is different from having a psychological strategy for professional evolution. This course addresses the deeper questions about identity, value, and long-term positioning that tool proficiency alone doesn't solve.
Q: I work in [specific industry]—will this apply to my field? A: The psychological frameworks and strategic approaches apply across knowledge work fields. The principles of cognitive permeability, identity coupling, and symbolic plasticity are universal, regardless of your specific industry.
Q: What if someone is completely new to AI? A: The psychological frameworks work regardless of your AI experience level. We focus on building self-awareness and strategic thinking that applies whether you're taking your first steps with AI or already deep into daily use.
Q: What's included in the $495 investment? A: Your investment includes four 90-minute workshop sessions, session recordings, practical templates and frameworks, between-session experiences to deepen your learning, ongoing access to our digital community, and continued resources to support your AI evolution journey.
Q: Is there a refund policy? A: Due to our limited enrollment of just 20 participants, we cannot offer refunds since we may not be able to refill your spot once registration closes. We ask that you commit thoughtfully to this learning journey. All sessions are recorded, so you won't miss content if unexpected conflicts arise.
Q: Will I have access to other participants for networking? A: Yes, you'll join our digital community where you can connect with fellow participants, share experiences, and continue learning from others navigating similar AI adaptation challenges.
Q: What materials will I receive? A: You'll receive practical frameworks, templates, and assessment tools for understanding your AI psychology, building conscious boundaries, and developing your evolution strategy. Plus access to session recordings and ongoing resources.
Q: Do you offer corporate group rates or team enrollment? A: Yes! We offer special arrangements for teams and organizations. Contact us at hello@artificialityinstitute.org to discuss group enrollment and customized corporate programs.
Q: How quickly will I see results? A: You'll begin recognizing your AI psychology patterns in Session 1. By Session 4, you'll have a complete framework for leading AI change in your organization. The real impact comes from applying these insights to your daily work.
Q: What if my organization isn't ready for AI change? A: The course teaches you how to become the person others look to for navigating human-AI collaboration. You'll learn to lead cultural change, not just adapt personally.
Q: Is this relevant if AI hasn't significantly impacted my role yet? A: Yes—the goal is to position yourself ahead of disruption, not react to it. If you're feeling even quiet anxiety about AI's potential impact, this course will help you navigate that change consciously.
Q: This is the first offering of this course—how do I know it will be valuable? A: While this specific course format is new, it's built on extensive research and our years of experience helping professionals navigate AI adaptation. You'll be part of a pioneering cohort exploring these frameworks in real-time, which means you get direct access to the researchers and maximum personalization as we learn what works best.
Q: What if I'm already using AI extensively in my work? A: This course is especially valuable for experienced AI users who want to develop more conscious, strategic relationships with these systems. You'll gain frameworks for understanding what's happening psychologically and how to guide the collaboration more intentionally.
Q: Will I receive any certification for completing the program? A: Yes, you'll receive a Certificate of Completion from the Artificiality Institute, recognizing your commitment to conscious AI adaptation and your understanding of the psychological frameworks for human-AI collaboration. This credential demonstrates your proactive approach to developing essential future-of-work capabilities.
Writing and Conversations About AI (Not Written by AI)
