Learning, Leading, and Letting Go: A Midlife Leap into AI Business Strategy

By Sonalika

Not all professionals stay in their lanes; some reinvent themselves to meet the moment. Cesar Bejar is one of them. He’s not just an experienced HR and organizational development professional; he’s also an entrepreneur, a father, a food-loving traveler, and a passionate advocate for inclusivity and the dignity of labor.

Born and raised in Mexico City and now based in San Antonio, Texas, Cesar’s career spanned corporate transformation and small business consulting. When the world of work shifted during the pandemic, he embraced flexibility, reflected deeply on the evolving workforce, and chose to reskill for the future. 

A New Chapter Rooted in Values

When the pandemic reshaped the world of work, Cesar began reflecting on what the future demanded not just for himself, but for those often left out. “I don’t see a plumber fixing things from home, right?” he says, pointing to his deep respect for trades and the blue-collar workforce.

Motivated by a desire to stay relevant, embrace flexible work, and learn something new, not just for his career but as a role model for his son, Cesar chose to pursue a  Business AI Program that aligned with his values and future vision. Cesar started his career with an extensive educational background, holding a Bachelor of Arts in Human Resources, a degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Human Resources, and a Master’s in Organizational Development.

His experience was centered around organizational development and human resources. Later in his career, Cesar also began exploring entrepreneurship. However, as technology began changing the business world, Cesar recognized that staying effective meant staying current.

“After reviewing many online AI programs, I found Johns Hopkins University’s Certificate Program in AI Business Strategy. What stood out was their focus on project management and the ethical use of AI,” he says.

“Sometimes, as humans, we become the flaw. We need to be aware of our biases to lead AI responsibly,” he adds. Ethics wasn’t a nice-to-have, it was non-negotiable. It was not just about adding a new skill. For Cesar, it was about choosing a program that reflected his values: ethical responsibility and purposeful leadership. After reviewing many options, the Certificate Program  in AI Business Strategy stood out for its emphasis on responsible AI use and practical project management. It felt like the perfect fit.

Adapting to Change: Why I Chose to Learn GenAI

Once enrolled, Cesar found himself stepping into a world that was both exciting and unfamiliar. The initial modules were dense and technical, but instead of being discouraged, he embraced the challenge. “Some parts were deep,” he shares, “but that depth gave me the foundation I needed to lead AI projects with confidence.”

The focus wasn’t just on learning tools or languages; it was about building the confidence to lead in an AI-enabled world. From day one, the program pushed him to think differently, not just about AI, but about the kind of leader he wanted to be in a tech-driven world. He appreciated that the instructors brought more than just technical expertise. “They’re legit, down-to-earth people who share their stories. That human side of learning really stuck with me.”

A Father-Son Bond Strengthened by Learning

One of the most touching parts of Cesar’s story is how the program brought him closer to his son. As his child prepared to leave for college, their conversations began to shift. “I used to ask him about his grades. But once I started the program and began sharing what I was learning, Antonio, my son, started asking me, ‘How about your grades? Are you doing well?’” Cesar shares with a smile.

The Certificate Program in AI Business Strategy did not just improve Cesar’s understanding of AI; it also helped create a shared experience at home. He and his son would challenge each other, not just to score well, but to truly learn and apply what they were learning in real life.

“It has become like a dad-kid challenge,” Cesar laughs. “Not just to get good grades, but to gain knowledge that’s actually useful, knowledge we can use to build a better society, support businesses, and help people.” Through these shared learning moments, Cesar was also able to model resilience and curiosity for his son. “I’ve been able to share with him my learning challenges, and I’m sure he’s going to face similar ones in college. We’ve had real conversations about overcoming them.”

From Self-Doubt to Self-Belief

Looking back, Cesar sums up his learning journey in three emotions: uncertainty, amazement, and joy. What began as a leap of faith into a highly technical field turned into one of the most fulfilling chapters of his life, both professionally and personally. “At first, I didn’t know what I was getting into, it was uncertain,” he says. “Then came amazement at the depth of knowledge. And  now? Pure joy.” 

“Every page I turn, every white paper I read, brings me joy, not just because I’m learning, but because it equips me to help others embrace AI,” he says. Cesar’s joy isn’t limited to the professional sphere; he lives it. Whether he’s traveling through the Hill Country with his family or working on the go, he celebrates the flexibility the modern workforce offers. “We’re foodies, we travel, and I can still get work done on the road, it all blends together in a good way.”

Coming from a human resources and organizational development background, Cesar understands how intimidating the world of AI can seem at first. But through the Certificate Program in AI Business Strategy, he discovered not just technical insights but also the confidence to lead meaningful change. “Many of my co-learners had two master’s degrees and were leading professionals in IT, project management, and the healthcare sector. Yet, coming from a small business consultancy, I was still able to absorb that knowledge and apply it to real GenAI projects. If I can succeed with my background, so can you,” Cesar says. “AI won’t replace skilled trades; it will support and elevate them,” he adds thoughtfully. “That’s how we move toward a future where everyone has a role to play.”