Expanding Horizons: How Real AI Tools Are Turning Curiosity into Capability

Artificial intelligence has been the headline act for years, but in 2026 the real story is about what’s possible and what’s practical.

Across UK industries, we’re seeing a quiet revolution. AI is no longer confined to lab experiments or speculative pilots; it’s becoming a tangible part of how work gets done. From automating routine reporting to enhancing creative problem-solving, enterprise AI is moving from potential to productivity, powered by people with the skills, confidence and tools to use it well.

At Corndel, we call this expanding horizons with real tools – the moment where curiosity meets capability.

From curiosity to confidence

In boardrooms across every sector, the conversation has shifted. Where once leaders asked “What is AI?” they’re now asking “How can my people use it responsibly and effectively?”

The answer, it turns out, isn’t another generic training course or one-size-fits-all demo. It’s about real-world learning – hands-on experience with the same AI tools already transforming industries, guided by expert Coaches who understand both technology and human behaviour.

As Corndel’s work with Imperial Executive Education and Microsoft demonstrates, the most effective AI adoption journeys blend world-class insight with human support. Our AI Academy, developed in partnership with Imperial Executive Education and supported by Microsoft, helps organisations shift from cautious exploration to confident execution – equipping teams with the tools, ethics and mindset to make AI deliver measurable value.

Turning technology into tangible outcomes

It’s a common story: a business invests heavily in new software licences or automation platforms, only to find usage lagging and value unrealised. According to leaders we’ve spoken to, the challenge isn’t lack of access. It’s a lack of understanding, confidence, and context.

That’s where Corndel’s approach makes the difference. Throughout our programmes, people aren’t just shown what AI can do; they apply it directly to their organisation’s challenges. Whether that’s using Microsoft Copilot to streamline reporting or leveraging analytics to uncover new efficiencies, our learn through doing translates theory into immediate business impact.

Kathryn Dolan, Chief People Office at Mitie says 'our objective is that we use AI to streamline productivity but also create more capacity for our people to really harness those skills that are uniquely human.' Within weeks, they saw smarter decision-making, faster workflows, and a renewed appetite for innovation across teams. These are measurable outcomes, visible in productivity and engagement data.

Why human coaching still matters in an AI world

For all the sophistication of today’s AI tools, adoption still comes down to people. Behavioural change takes more than a manual or online tutorial. It takes conversation, challenge and support.

That’s why every Corndel Academy is built around one-to-one coaching. Our 250+ Coaches are more than subject-matter experts; they’re mentors who help professionals translate new tools into lasting habits. As one individual put it, "I got a huge amount of value from the Senior AI Leadership programme. It’s changed how I work with AI, especially in big teams."

Coaching is the bridge between technical skills and cultural transformation. It’s proving to be the missing ingredient in many organisations’ AI strategies. According to recent data from our Leadership and AI programmes, 83% of participants report increased confidence in their roles.

Ethical, evidence-based, and enterprise-ready

The rush to adopt AI hasn’t been without its risks. As regulatory scrutiny grows, boards are rightly cautious about compliance, data ethics, and governance. That’s why responsible AI sits at the core of Corndel’s curriculum.

Through our partnership with Imperial Executive Education, participants engage with leading research on ethical AI and innovation, gaining access to exclusive masterclasses from world-class academics. Supported by Microsoft’s technical expertise, they also gain a clearer view of what good governance looks like in practice, building AI systems that are secure, transparent, and aligned with organisational values.

This dual focus of technical mastery and ethical confidence ensures that Corndel graduates aren’t just proficient users of AI, but trusted champions of responsible innovation.

A moment to expand your horizon

The AI era is here. But while the technology evolves at pace, the most transformative change happens when people expand their horizons: exploring new tools, experimenting critically, and seeing how AI can enhance their human potential rather than diminish it.

At Corndel, that’s the journey we’re proud to champion. Through hands-on learning, one-to-one coaching, and partnerships with the best in academia and technology, we’re helping organisations turn curiosity into confidence, and investment into impact.

Because when people and technology work in harmony, the future stops being a headline. It becomes a reality.

Curious? Of course you are.