Level 01The vision
Build a secure, practical operating foundation that helps Alchemy's team work efficiently today and expand deliberately as the business grows
Level 02The idea
Build capacity first, add people where judgment matters
Instead of disconnected tools or hiring a large team too early, six simple moves
Learn how the team works today
Find high-value AI and automation opportunities
Build standard workflows and systems
Manage, monitor, document and keep improving them
Bring in qualified professionals where human judgment is needed
Give every new team member systems that help them do their role well
Level 03Where we begin
The role is set, now we build
AI Lead
The title Alchemy has given me, and the responsibility I'm stepping into
A working prototype already exists
I've asked for it to be shared. I'll review it, then choose one of two paths
Level 04The operating model
One connected system, not a pile of tools
Level 05My role as AI Lead
Four abilities, one owner
Business and AI discovery
Map how decisions, documents, approvals and follow-ups really move, then rank opportunities by impact, effort, security and risk
Standard workflows
Consistent intake, tasks, documents, approvals, reporting and escalation, with human review on anything sensitive
Ongoing systems management
Monitor, troubleshoot, document and improve. Manage access, train new people and escalate specialist work
Early-stage operations
While the team is small, clearly defined operational support, with the scope agreed in advance
Level 06Human accountability
AI prepares, people decide
The system
Collects, organizes, drafts, flags and tracks
My oversight
Quality control, workflow and escalation
A professional
Reviews, decides, approves and signs off
The outcome
Faster execution with accountable judgment
As Alchemy grows, one professional per judgment-heavy function can step straight into systems that already work
Level 07External specialists
The party grows when the quest needs it
I or Alchemy bring in professionals only when the work needs them
Integration engineer
Complex buildsJoins when neededCybersecurity professional
Security and incidentsJoins when neededLegal professional
Legal reviewJoins when neededDomain professional
Investment and financeJoins when neededHR specialist
People decisionsJoins when neededLevel 08How we'll work
Three stages, each one earns the next
Discovery and prototype review
- Working sessions with the team
- A close look at the prototype, extracts, FDDs and tools
- Workflow and AI opportunity mapping
- A prioritised roadmap
Includes a build-on or start-clean recommendation
Foundation and implementation
- Core systems and records
- Standard workflows and automations
- Review, approval, logging and escalation built in
- Training and documented procedures
Milestone-based, each workflow accepted first
Ongoing AI operations
- Monitoring and troubleshooting
- Continuous improvement and new opportunities
- Reporting, documentation and training
- Onboarding future team members
Monthly retainer with a defined scope
Level 09Why this works
Power-ups you collect on the way
Lean growth
Capacity before headcount
Clear ownership
One person sees how it connects
Human accountability
Judgment stays with people
Controlled risk
Review, approval and access
Continuity
Documented, not held in memory
Adaptability
Evolves with your priorities
Cost visibility
Every cost kept separate and clear
Level 10Clear boundaries
The rules of the game
- This is an operating-model concept, and it stays subject to discovery
- No AI system gives final legal, investment, financial, HR, compliance or cybersecurity judgment on its own
- Confidential information follows approved security, confidentiality and data-handling requirements
- Production work includes testing, human review, logging, backup, recovery and access controls
- Final scope, pricing, timelines, ownership and specialist costs live in a separate agreement
Level 11What happens next
Your move, then mine
Share the prototype
So I can see exactly what has been built so far
Review and decide
Continue where it left off, or begin from a clean foundation
One working session
With all three of you, to confirm the first area, the highest-value workflows, and the access and judgment each one needs
100%Vision board complete
A focused first project, then the whole system
One that shows value quickly and sets the standard for everything Alchemy builds next
Fiker Abate, AI Lead