Why AI is a non-negotiable for leaders

It’s difficult to imagine many boardroom discussions not touching on – or perhaps even being led by – AI and its future in an organisation. But while debates over AI’s possibilities and pitfalls make little ground, the technology continues to advance at a merciless pace.

The recent launch of GPT-5, lauded by its creators for being “PhD-level” in ability, has already highlighted AI’s ascent beyond routine automation to empowering enterprise-wide decision-making. Forward-thinking leaders must understand that AI is a catalyst for business growth, employee productivity, and even their own career progression.

AI fluency is fast becoming the new C-suite currency, and it’s clear that future leaders are betting on its progress – no matter their title.

Every leader needs to know AI

AI is transforming boardroom dynamics, creating demand for dedicated experts who can harness AI capabilities and mitigate risk. Nearly half (46%) of the executives we surveyed named Chief AI Officer (CAIO) as the most influential up-and-coming C-suite role in the coming two to three years, and CAIOs have been appointed in sectors ranging from retail to government.

But despite the value of a dedicated leader who can bridge the gap between AI strategies and organisational goals, developing an ecosystem of AI leadership knowledge may be a better long-term approach. More organisations are realising that AI expertise needs to be embedded across the entire business, and that having just a single expert in such an all-encompassing and fast-moving technology may not be enough. AI doesn’t sit neatly in a silo – it permeates the entire organisational ecosystem, and those in charge of its various functions.

This shift in attitudes could be well underway: over half (53%) of C-suite executives are reported to use GenAI at work, according to a recent McKinsey study. Moreover, our own C-suite research shows that nine in ten are looking to upskill in AI, rising to 95% for those working in larger organisations (more than 500 employees).

For leaders willing to embrace AI, the rewards could be great: whether that’s leveraging data analysis and predictive analytics to augment their decision-making, automating routine tasks and freeing up more time for strategic thinking, or supporting their search when finding the best talent – perhaps those with the skills needed to thrive in the age of AI.

Securing and developing AI-literate leaders

Understanding and navigating AI-driven challenges and potential requires a new breed of executive – one who isn’t afraid to adapt and move beyond the remit of their title. It’s very possible that your existing leaders – including those from non-technical backgrounds – may already have the core competencies, or soft skills, in place to step up to the job, such as adaptability or emotional intelligence.

But which of these core skills should organisations look out for when assessing or developing an AI-ready leader? When evaluating the overall top soft skills that C-suite professionals need to possess, our surveyed leaders rated problem-solving (35%), communication and interpersonal skills (32%) and critical thinking (30%) to be the most important. Perhaps just as important, however, is a candidate who isn’t afraid to fail when dealing with AI, learning from their mistakes and driving innovation across the board.

When looking externally for leaders who are ready for the future, consider working alongside an executive search expert. Not only is this a proven way of ensuring a more informed, data-driven hiring process, but crucial when tapping into broader leadership talent pools and identifying candidates with the skills that matter.

Leading on AI, not following it

AI has caused a significant shift in the priorities of executive leaders, and whether they like it or not, the future success of their careers. As AI and other emerging technologies take precedence in the business agenda, leaders must focus on how they can implement AI tools into their business. This means understanding AI’s pitfalls and potential, fostering a culture of innovation, and ensuring that they have the right pipeline of future-ready skills in place. And all the while, keeping tabs on how AI could be shaping their career trajectory.

If you’re looking to find the right leader for your organisation, our executive appointment service offers a data-driven and tailored solution.