Jay Fontanini
Module 1
Curriculum / Module 1 / Session Guide
Foundation - Week 1

Session Guide

Duration 60 minutes
Format Discussion + Hands-On

Session Agenda

15 min

Introductions + Concerns Discussion

Round robin introductions followed by open discussion using the Concerns Guide.

  • Keep intros tight: name, role, one sentence on hopes for the program
  • Open with: "What's your biggest concern about AI in your work?"
  • Let the group respond to each other
  • Reference Concerns Guide for honest responses
  • Validate concerns while providing perspective
Key Moment

This sets the tone for the entire program. Don't rush it. If it runs long, cut from other sections rather than short-changing this discussion.

10 min

Why AI Matters

Frame the transformation. AI as performance enhancer, not replacement.

  • "Right now you spend 9 hours organizing for every 1 hour of real thinking. We flip that ratio."
  • "Your experience doesn't become worthless. It becomes leverage."
  • "What you're good at, you'll become great at. What you're great at, you'll become exceptional at."

The Intelligence Crossover

CAPABILITY 20s 30s 40s 50s+ crossover Fluid Crystallized AI + Experience

AI provides fluid intelligence on demand. You bring the crystallized half.

Adapted from Arthur C. Brooks, From Strength to Strength
Keep It Brief

This should be memorable, not exhaustive. Plant the vision, then move to hands-on work.

10 min

Getting Started: Perplexity Setup

Get everyone set up with Perplexity and demonstrate replacing a Google search.

  • Everyone opens perplexity.ai
  • Walk through account creation if needed
  • Live demo: Pick a question relevant to the room (insurance-adjacent works well)
  • Show the answer, sources, suggested follow-ups
  • Have everyone ask one question they'd normally Google
Make It Real

Use an actual question, not a hypothetical. The more genuine, the more impactful. First hands-on success matters.

15 min

Query Refinement Practice

Teach the difference between weak and strong queries. Hands-on practice with real questions.

Query Progression Example

Weak "Tell me about insurance"
Better "What are the main distribution channels for personal auto insurance?"
Best "Compare direct-to-consumer vs. independent agent distribution for personal auto insurance. What are the tradeoffs?"
  • Walk through the progression: bad → better → best
  • Have participants practice with real questions from their work
  • Key point: "If the first answer isn't right, don't start over. Refine."
Time Management

If short on time, skip the sharing. The practice itself is what matters. Let advanced users share their techniques, but don't let them dominate.

5 min

Source Evaluation

Brief introduction to verification. Plant the seed for multi-model validation later.

  • "AI doesn't know things. It predicts plausible things."
  • "Check claims that matter. Citations are starting points, not proof."
  • "We'll go deeper on verification in Module 5."
Keep It Brief

This is just planting a seed. Don't over-explain. The goal is awareness, not mastery.

5 min

Time-Boxing + Homework

Introduce time-boxing discipline and assign homework.

  • "It's easy to fall down rabbit holes. Set a timer. Give yourself constraints."
  • Homework: Use Perplexity instead of Google for one week. Document 3 wins and 3 losses.
  • Homework: Read "The Shape of Meaning" - be ready to discuss reactions at Module 2.
  • Optional: "The Two Roads of AI" for historical context.
  • Preview Module 2: "Next week we introduce Claude. Context management, why Claude specifically."

Participants Should Leave With