AI Advocate: Educational Path to Transform Squads to the Future

2026-05-05

AI Summary

This study addresses the pervasive capability gaps and cultural barriers that traditional software teams encounter when integrating AI collaboration. It proposes an “AI champion” development framework—a systematic educational pathway that leverages internally cultivated talent to simultaneously drive organizational cultural transformation and technical architecture evolution. Implemented empirically within a Brazilian technology firm, the initiative combines principles of organizational learning, upskilling, and change management. Findings demonstrate the effectiveness of this paradigm in establishing effective human-AI collaborative teams and yield actionable insights into key enablers and recurring challenges. The work contributes both theoretical understanding and practical guidance for building organizational capacity in human-AI collaboration.

Abstract

This paper analyzes the strategic education process aimed at transitioning traditional software development squads into hybrid structures centered on collaborative work between humans and Artificial Intelligence (AI). In a context where human-AI collaboration can significantly increase productivity, this study explores how the upskilling of XPTO professionals, referred to as AI Advocates, acts as a catalyst for cultural and technical transformation. The objective is to present an experience report on the education and enablement process of AI Advocates within a private Brazilian technology company, highlighting key lessons learned and identified challenges.

Problem

• AI Advocates
• human-AI collaboration
• software development squads
• upskilling
• organizational transformation

Innovation

• AI Advocates
• human-AI collaboration
• upskilling
• organizational transformation
• hybrid software development