AI Proficiency: From Users to Builders

<p>As AI continues to reshape how organizations work, companies are increasingly asking what AI proficiency should look like across their workforce, and how they can help employees adapt without simply mandating AI adoption. Our returning guest Mike Lewis, Chief AI Architect at TiER1 Performance, joins Dan and Chris to explore AI proficiency through the L0–L3 framework, with a particular focus on the role of non-technical builders. They discuss AI resistance, identifying the right people to build AI-powered solutions, turning tacit knowledge into durable processes, and finding measurable business value from AI.</p><p>Mike Lewis was previously on Practical AI episode 289: <a href="https://practicalai.show/289">https://practicalai.show/289</a></p><p>Featuring:</p><ul><li>Mike Lewis – <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/aisolutionist/">LinkedIn</a></li><li>Chris Benson – <a href="https://chrisbenson.com/">Website</a>, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisbenson">LinkedIn</a>, <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/chrisbenson.bsky.social">Bluesky</a>, <a href="https://github.com/chrisbenson">GitHub</a>, <a href="https://x.com/chrisbenson">X</a></li><li>Daniel Whitenack – <a href="https://www.datadan.io/">Website</a>, <a href="https://github.com/dwhitena">GitHub</a>, <a href="https://x.com/dwhitena">X</a></li></ul><p>Links:</p><ul><li><a href="https://tier1performance.com/">TiER1 Performance</a></li><li><a href="https://creatoreconomy.so/p/your-new-job-is-to-onboard-ai-agents">Your New Job Is to Onboard AI Agents: How AI Native Companies Actually Operate</a></li></ul><p>Sponsors:</p><ul><li><strong>Midwest AI Summit:</strong> Join AI practitioners on October 15 in Indianapolis for practical sessions, hands-on discussions, and real-world AI solutions. Use code PracticalAI20 to save 20% on your registration. <a href="https://midwestaisummit.com/#tickets">https://midwestaisummit.com/#tickets</a></li><li><strong>Prediction Guard: </strong>A self-hosted AI control plane for running agents in high impact environments. <a href="https://predictionguard.com/practicalai">predictionguard.com/practicalai</a></li></ul><p>Resources and Events:</p><ul><li>Register for <a href="https://practicalai.fm/webinars">upcoming webinars here</a>!</li><li>Prior <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRpRdFmBfdF6boDgAD3nNaLm8Yx4KN2Vt">Webinars from our partner Prediction Guard</a></li><li><a href="https://midwestaisummit.com/">Midwest AI Summit 2026</a></li></ul>