AI transformation needs prepared leaders

AI transformation needs leaders who can make the consequential choices.

In a session organised by the Virtual Advisory Board (VAB), we explored the leadership work behind AI adoption: clear ownership, strong governance, thoughtful adoption and human agency. The challenging discussion afterwards brought those responsibilities into focus.

The practical test I put to leadership teams is simple: how able are you to decide on your top three AI bets?

Choosing three forces a discussion about what matters to the business. Each bet needs an owner who can explain the value, the changes people will have to make and the conditions for committing more resources. The leadership team must also settle what will receive less attention so those choices have a chance of succeeding.

That is the kind of judgment our Executive AI Program is designed to develop through practical work with AI. Leaders need enough direct experience to challenge a proposal, recognise a consequential assumption and take responsibility for the next decision.

A useful outcome from an executive AI discussion is a decision the team can defend and people can act on.