About the Program:
AI adoption represents a distinct leadership challenge that differs from previous technology implementations. When the technology itself learns, adapts, and operates with autonomy, traditional change management frameworks require modification rather than replacement. Healthcare executives face specific pressures: workforce concerns about job displacement, regulatory uncertainty, data governance complexities, and the need to demonstrate ROI while maintaining quality and safety standards. This session examines how the ADKAR model, familiar to many healthcare leaders, must be adapted when the change has no defined end state and the technology continues evolving after deployment. Participants will apply a structured readiness assessment framework and learn how to modify each ADKAR element for AI-specific challenges, drawing from real-world implementation experiences. Leaders will leave with practical tools for assessing organizational readiness, addressing stakeholder resistance across role types, and building sustainable adoption patterns.
Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to:
Differentiate the change management requirements for AI integration from traditional technology implementations, identifying where established frameworks like ADKAR require modification.
Apply a structured framework to assess organizational readiness for AI adoption across three dimensions: technical infrastructure, workforce capability, and organizational culture.
Adapt the five ADKAR elements to address AI-specific challenges, developing role-based communication strategies that build stakeholder competency and sustained engagement.
These objectives align with the ACHE Leadership domain competency for Managing Change and connect to Communication and Relationship Management through the stakeholder engagement component.
About the Speaker:
Dr. Laura-Kathryn Neal serves as the CEO and Founder of The Neal Institute and the National Dean of Colleges and Curriculum at DeVry University. With over 20 years of experience spanning healthcare leadership and higher education, she brings a unique blend of academic and operational expertise. Before joining DeVry full-time in 2022, she held leadership roles in both academia and healthcare, including serving as a CFO and COO. At DeVry, she oversees curriculum development, assessment, and accreditation for healthcare programs. At The Neal Institute, she focuses in leadership development and AI literacy for healthcare leaders. Dr. Neal holds advanced degrees in management, business, and public health, and is a published author and active contributor to academic research.