Back to Agentic AI and AI Agents: A Primer for Leaders
Vanderbilt University

Agentic AI and AI Agents: A Primer for Leaders

Forget everything you know about traditional AI. Agentic AI doesn’t just analyze data; it acts on it. From drafting sales emails to updating CRMs, it’s not just a tool—it’s a game-changer. Are you ready to harness its power? Agentic AI combines Generative AI with tools and actions, enabling the creation of "agents" that revolutionize how work is done. Unlike tools that simply generate static outputs, these agents take action—drafting emails directly in your inbox, updating a CRM with client meeting notes, or analyzing sales data and producing a PowerPoint presentation. In the fast-paced world of AI-enhanced work, understanding Agentic AI isn’t optional—it’s your competitive advantage. These intelligent agents are reshaping how tasks are executed, decisions are made, and value is created across industries. By automating repetitive workflows and enhancing high-value tasks, they empower teams to focus on innovation and strategy. Agentic AI is transforming industries, and this course will ensure you’re leading the charge, not playing catch-up. Understanding their capabilities and limitations is essential for staying competitive in this rapidly evolving landscape. This course demystifies Agentic AI, teaching you how these agents work and how to design them to suit your needs. By the end, you’ll not only know how to differentiate genuine AI innovation from overhyped gimmicks but also be equipped to build tools that deliver tangible value. Whether you’re in business, technology, or leadership, this course will help you stay ahead of the curve.

Status: Responsible AI
Status: Generative AI
BeginnerCourse5 hours

Featured reviews

SR

5.0Reviewed Aug 9, 2025

Insightful, practical and very relevant. Helps inspire so many ideas on leveraging AI agents and customization of GPTs for task automation for my role.

PC

5.0Reviewed Jan 6, 2025

Practical, quick and interesting. Enabled me to quickly create a career advice GPT tailored specifically to my work experience.

VM

5.0Reviewed Feb 7, 2025

I have really enjoyed learning about Agentic Ai and Custom GPT from Jules White from Vanderbilt University - they are explained in a simple way so that everyone can understand!

JR

5.0Reviewed Feb 7, 2025

It's hard not to be contaminated by Jules' enthusiasm and engagement. He's great at giving context, both zooming out and in as required. Fully recommended.

KM

5.0Reviewed Mar 29, 2025

This course is fantastic. It's super easy to follow and the delivery is perfect for teaching. The instructor is the absolute best.

JG

5.0Reviewed Aug 16, 2025

This is an amazing course. It has also taught me how to customize specific information that is familiar to research analyst.

TS

5.0Reviewed Dec 3, 2025

I over-estimated the faults of AI. This course was an eye opener with regard to shaping the responsiveness of generative Ai. It is a very good introduction to Agentic AI, a term new to me.

JS

5.0Reviewed Jan 25, 2026

This a great course to help show different ways to use GPT, how to view it in different ways, and give the skill sets to start to develop in this topic.

AV

5.0Reviewed Apr 29, 2025

The Agentic AI course exceeded my expectations with its clear explanations, hands-on assignments, and real-world applications that made complex concepts easy to grasp. Great instructor.

DK

5.0Reviewed Jul 20, 2025

Jules' facilitation skills are amazing. He has truly simplified the course. The use of background screen for demo is also smoothly done.

CM

5.0Reviewed Jul 29, 2025

wonderful understandable explanations and modules that build up on each other, so you know what was learned and link it. Going to see more from Mr. White

KD

5.0Reviewed Sep 4, 2025

Very good! Professor White provided valuable information in way it was easy to understand. Most scenarios were spot on. Looking forward to creating my own GPT!

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