AI Masterclass
May 18-22, 2026 | UT Campus | $7,350

Leverage AI as a Catalyst for Innovation

The AI Masterclass is designed for C-suite executives, senior leaders, and rising next-generation leaders across industries who want to understand Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a catalyst for innovation and competitive advantage.

During the program, participants will gain the insights, frameworks, and executive-level tools needed to evaluate AI’s risks and opportunities, align investments with business strategy, and lead their organizations confidently through transformation.

Equip today’s executives – and tomorrow’s leaders – with the clarity, foresight, and confidence to adopt AI responsibly, turning disruption into innovation and sustained growth.

Upcoming Sessions

Class Concentration Date Location Instructors
AI MasterclassLeadership & Management05/18/2026 - 05/22/2026UT CampusMichael Housman
Salvador Ceron
Ben Bentzin
Andrés Ponce de León

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

Foundations and Creative Potential

  • Explore the history of AI (how we got here), and how to distinguish between the various eras of technology to better predict future shifts. 
  • Learn the basics of using Generative AI tools to move from being a consumer of content to a creator. 

Strategy, Hype, and Rapid Prototyping

  • Learn how to build a tech-driven business strategy that uses innovation as a competitive advantage rather than just a buzzword.
  • Cut through the “AI hype” to identify where the technology provides real-world business impact and ROI. 
  • Develop a “speed-to-market” mindset, gaining the skills to take a concept to a formal business pitch in just a few hours. 

Technical Ecosystems and Leading People

  • Learn the architecture of AI Ecosystems, understanding how different technologies (data, models, and apps) work together.
  • Gain technical “Prompt-to-Prototype” skills, creating a working model of an AI solution.
  • Explore the psychology of leading change, specifically how to manage employee fear and organizational resistance during an AI rollout.

Strategic Partners, Governance, and Risk

  • Learn to use AI as a “Strategic Thinking Partner” to augment your own decision-making and cognitive abilities.
  • Examine the legal landscape as it relates to AI, including corporate liability, IP protection, and regulatory compliance.
  • Apply ethics and human-centered AI frameworks to ensure your tech remains responsible and unbiased. 

Culture and The Roadmap

  • Learn how to foster an “AI-First Culture” that encourages high adoption rates and continuous usage across all departments.
  • Synthesize everything into a final AI Roadmap for Innovation, providing you with a concrete plan to execute once you return to your office.

Who Should Attend

The AI Masterclass is designed for senior leaders and executives who want to harness Artificial Intelligence as a driver of strategy, innovation, and long-term growth. It is ideally suited for the following:

  • C-level executives and senior leaders seeking to align AI with organizational strategy
  • Next-generation leaders preparing to take on executive roles in their companies
  • Directors and managers responsible for innovation, digital transformation, or technology adoption
  • Leaders across industries including corporations, startups, nonprofits, and government
  • Entrepreneurs and business owners exploring AI for competitive advantage

Attendance Details

Team/Group Registration
Organizations often send pairs or small teams to support the launch of new initiatives. Contact us to learn more about registering a group.
Course Requirements
There are no prerequisites for this course.
Course Credit

Participants earn:

  • 2.8 CEUs
  • 28 CPEs
  • 2 Texas Executive Education Certificate Credits

Our classes are also available for university credit. Please contact us for more information.

Course Schedule

This course is 5 days long and the schedule is as follows:

  • Monday: 1pm – 4:30pm
  • Tuesday – Thursday: 8:30am – 4:30pm
  • Friday: 8:30am – 12pm

Instructors

Ben Bentzin

Associate professor of instruction of marketing at The McCombs School of Business. Focused on helping faculty integrate AI into the classroom. Marketing practitioner and previous co-founder and chairman of Interactive Health Technologies LLC.

Salvador Cerón

Economist and consultant specializing in organizational strategy and governance. Partner at Ceron & Co., with international consulting and teaching experience at IE Business School.

Robert M. Chesney

Dean of the University of Texas School of Law and holds the James A. Baker III Chair in the Rule of Law and World Affairs. Before becoming dean, he was Texas Law’s associate dean for academic affairs for 12 years. Dean Chesney founded and continues to guide the Integrated Cybersecurity Studies program at UT’s Strauss Center for International Security and Law. 

    Dr. Michael Housman

    Technologist and data scientist recognized for bridging AI and human behavior. Former tech executive leading large AI teams; published widely and featured in NYT, WSJ, The Economist.

    Andrés Ponce de León

    Co-founder and CEO of Entropía.ai. Former Director General of Economic Analysis at Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs; has consulted for the World Bank and IDB. Holds an MPP from the University of Chicago and a BA in Economics from ITAM.

    Mellie Price

    Assistant Professor of Instruction in the Department of Management, Executive Director of the Jon Brumley Texas Venture Labs, and Director of the the Master of Science in Technology Commercialization Program. A recognized educator, thought leader, and public speaker specializing in innovation and entrepreneurship.

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    REIMBURSEMENT OPTIONS
    Learn more about course credits and options for course reimbursement. Get tips on the best way to approach your manager and download a customizable template to facilitate making the ask.
    COURSE LOCATION
    In person courses take place at the AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center and adjoining Rowling Hall on the UT campus in Austin. These world-class facilities provide a comfortable and convenient learning environment, with direct access to the 40 acres of campus and within walking distance of downtown Austin. Live online and on-demand course options are available for many courses.

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