By FCB Chicago President Jennifer Neumann

With client needs evolving and agencies facing rapid transformation, it’s clear that our future depends on betting on our people, not just the latest technology. AI isn’t a magic solution or a strategy in itself; it’s a tool that can amplify creativity, collaboration, and impact. But for it to work, our talent must be empowered, inspired, and equipped to lead the way.

That’s why FCB Chicago asked every employee, from every department and level, to join us for our first-ever AI Day. The goal was simple but ambitious: celebrate all things AI, foster hands-on learning, and spark inspiration across the agency. We transformed our workspace into a conference-style hub packed with sessions, demos, and stories — all led by FCB talent.

What did we learn?

1. Empowering talent is everything

AI Day put our people front and center. Team members across every department shared what they’ve built and learned, breaking down silos and creating a culture of knowledge-sharing and experimentation. 

One key session explored our own AI tech stack, highlighting the problems AI can solve, showcasing the tools available across the agency, and encouraging exploration and learning. By opening dialogue about current applications and untapped potential within our own agency, the entire team is empowered to stay curious and push innovation forward.

The openness and generosity on display made it clear: when our people lead, the whole agency benefits.

2. Strive for the balance between “Top-Down” and “Bottom-Up” initiatives

Success with AI requires both leadership and grassroots momentum. During AI Day, department leaders introduced pilots and unlocked access to new tools, while team members showcased the workflows and solutions they’ve adopted in their day-to-day work. The mix of agency-wide initiatives and homegrown pilots proved that transformation happens when everyone has a voice and a role. This is what takes AI from being merely implemented in workstreams, to being truly embedded in an agency’s culture.

3. Personal Use Cases Make AI Accessible — and Fun

Adoption skyrockets when people find real value and enjoyment in AI, both at work and in their personal lives. Throughout the day, employees shared stories of using AI to plan weddings, conduct family research, and even help with fantasy football drafts. These personal use cases made AI approachable, democratized the technology, and inspired others to imagine new possibilities. The creativity and curiosity on display showed why our teams are among the best in the business.

What’s Next

AI Day was a resounding success, drawing nearly 400 team members and sparking a sharp uptick in workplace AI tool usage in the days that followed. Feedback from the team was very positive, with some expressing it was one of their favorite days at the office.

Empowering our people is how we’ll continue to lead and innovate. The energy, engagement, and learning proved that investing in days like this pays off — not just in skills and adoption, but in agency culture and momentum.

The pace of agency transformation is only accelerating. By fostering an environment where innovative thinking and creativity thrive, we’ll not only be equipped to adapt to industry changes, but actually shape them. The way forward isn’t only about adopting the latest tech, it’s about investing in our people and giving them the tools and confidence to lead the way.