Clear Internal Communication on AI is the New Leadership Imperative

Thought Leadership
Written By Paul Kontonis

When technological shifts happen, companies face a critical choice: hesitate and risk irrelevance, or lead with clarity and urgency. Duolingo, the language-learning powerhouse founded in 2011, is showing how internal communication can be the catalyst for transformational success. In a recent internal memo, CEO Luis von Ahn made it official: "Duolingo is going to be AI-first."

This bold, direct communication isn't just about a new toolset — it's about setting a mindset. In the memo, von Ahn draws a vivid parallel to 2012, when Duolingo bet early on mobile at a time when competitors treated mobile apps as an afterthought. "That decision helped us win the 2013 iPhone App of the Year and unlocked the organic word-of-mouth growth that followed," he reminded employees. Betting big on mobile made all the difference then; betting big on AI, he argues, will make all the difference now.

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Paul Kontonis

Paul is a strategic marketing executive and brand builder that navigates businesses through the ever changing marketing landscape to reach revenue and company M&A targets with 25 years experience. As the former CMO of Revry, the LGBTQ-first media company, he is a trusted advisor and recognized industry leader who combines his multi-industry experiences in digital media and marketing with proven marketing methodologies that can be transferred to new battles across any industry.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kontonis/
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