How Executives Actually Talk About AI

AI headlines are moving at warp speed, but do business leaders really need to react to every piece of news? In this episode of ThinkCast, Gartner Senior Director Analyst Deepak Seth returns to unpack what matters most in enterprise AI right now. From separating hype from reality to managing rising AI costs and preparing organizations for "human + AI" ways of working, Deepak shares practical guidance for CIOs trying to stay focused amid constant disruption. Drawing on conversations with executives across industries, he explains why data, context and governance remain the true foundations of AI success.   You'll learn: Why the latest AI model isn't always the right one for your business How CIOs can cut through AI hype and focus on fit-for-purpose outcomes What "human + AI" workflows mean for jobs, skills and organizational design Why data, context and organizational memory will shape AI's next phase   Dig deeper: Become a client for the latest AI insights Join us at Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo™ See why Gartner is the world authority on AI   Timestamps: (00:00)  Intro (02:40) The fundamentals leaders still can't ignore (05:00) Why the latest model isn't always the best (06:30) Preparing for human + AI work (09:22) Moving beyond productivity gains (11:31) Managing AI costs and business value (14:35)The power of data, context and memory (17:22) The future of intelligence

Strong execution might earn results, but it doesn't automatically build influence. In this episode of ThinkCast, Gartner Vice President Analyst Rob O'Donohue explains why CIOs can no longer afford to leave their leadership brand to chance. From understanding the difference between brand and reputation to diagnosing when a reset is needed, Rob shares a practical "4D" Framework to help leaders intentionally shape how they're perceived and trusted across the organization.   You'll learn: Why "doing a great job" is no longer enough to build executive influence The difference between brand and reputation, and why both matter The three events that signal it's time for a leadership brand reset How CIOs can use feedback, GenAI and behavior change to strengthen their reputation What it takes to turn a desired leadership brand into a lasting perception Dig deeper: Become a client to learn more about building your brand Join us at Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo™ See why Gartner is the world authority on AI   Timestamps: (00:00) Understanding the difference between brand and reputation (03:44) The 4D Framework for shaping executive perception (08:53) How GenAI can help strengthen your executive brand (12:00) Identifying gaps between perception and reality (18:36) Turning your brand strategy into daily habits (22:10) Why reputation changes more slowly than behavior (24:22) How to protect and sustain your executive reputation (27:16)The first step to building a stronger executive brand  

AI adoption is accelerating. But are organizations moving just as fast on AI ethics? In this episode of ThinkCast, Gartner Senior Principal Analyst Shanna Grafeld explores why AI ethics has become a business imperative, not just a technology concern. From human rights risks and workforce trust to governance, accountability and the evolving human-AI relationship, hear how leaders can stay ahead of AI challenges before they become costly problems.   You'll learn: Why AI ethics is shifting from a compliance issue to a strategic business priority The human rights and trust risks organizations should be evaluating today How leaders can encourage AI adoption without creating overdependence What effective AI governance looks like in practice   Dig deeper: Become a client to learn more about AI ethics Join us at Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo™ See why Gartner is the world authority on AI   Timestamps: (00:42) Why AI ethics is now a business issue  (02:31) Lessons from past technologies  (04:40) Rethinking the human-AI relationship  (09:50) Increase capability, not reduce accountability  (12:20) The fears leaders should take seriously  (15:00) Addressing workforce anxiety (19:52) Building proactive AI guardrails  (28:24) The biggest challenges ahead  (31:10) Where leaders should start today

The autonomous business era is no longer a future-state vision. It's already reshaping how supply chains operate. In this episode of Gartner ThinkCast, you'll hear from Gartner Senior Director Analyst Lindsay Azim as she delivers a preview of the 2026 Gartner Supply Chain Symposium/Xpo Opening Keynote. Drawing on both Gartner insights and real-world examples, she explores why success isn't about implementing AI first, fastest, or even best. It's about preparing supply chains for a future where people and machines work together to drive agility, resilience and growth.   You'll learn: Why Gartner believes the autonomous business era is already underway  How leaders should balance short-term AI value with long-term transformation  The difference between an automation mindset and an autonomous mindset  What autonomous-ready operations and workforces look like in practice   Dig deeper: Register to attend a Gartner Supply Chain conference Download the Gartner Supply Chain Top 25 See why Gartner is the world authority on AI   Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (01:31) A new business era begins (05:18) Defining autonomous business (07:10) What autonomous supply chains look like (09:35) The rise of machine customers (12:22) Success isn't about AI first (17:25) Exploitation versus exploration

By 2030, AI models may be everywhere. Competitive advantage won't be. In this episode of Gartner ThinkCast, Distinguished Vice President Analyst and Chief of Research Rita Sallam explores what will separate the true leaders as AI becomes increasingly commoditized. Drawing from Gartner's vision for the AI-native enterprise, she outlines the critical shifts data and analytics leaders need to make now, from building trusted data and context foundations to rethinking workforce design, governance, and the role of AI agents in decision-making. You'll learn: Why trusted data will become the primary sources of AI differentiation How AI agents will reshape data and analytics workflows and operating models What AI-native organizations are doing differently to generate value Why "questioneers" may become the workforce advantage of the future   Dig deeper: Register to watch the full webinar Enhance your data, analytics and AI strategy See why Gartner is the world authority on AI   Timestamps:  (00:00) Intro (01:40) A New AI Advantage (03:25) Beyond Models and Infrastructure (07:57) Three Shifts for D&A Leaders (12:08) Human-Agent Teams (16:45) Analytics Gets Automated (20:42) Hiring for the AI Era (22:40) Making AI Pay Off

AI isn't failing. AI literacy is. Nearly half of CEOs say their AI investments are breaking even at best. In this episode of ThinkCast, Gartner Distinguished Vice President Analyst Mandi Bishop explains why the biggest barrier to AI value isn't the technology — it's people's ability to work effectively with it. Learn how critical thinking, prompt discipline and AI literacy can improve adoption, reduce risk and unlock better business outcomes.   You'll learn: Why AI literacy — not more AI tools — is the foundation for AI success How prompt discipline can improve output quality and reduce AI costs The critical thinking skills employees need to work effectively alongside AI Practical steps leaders can take to drive sustained AI adoption and value   Dig deeper: Become a client to learn more about AI literacy Attend a Gartner CIO Conference near you See why Gartner is the world authority on AI   Timestamps:  (00:00) Intro (02:22) The hidden risks of low AI literacy (05:30) Why leaders keep buying more tools (08:40) Who owns AI literacy? (09:50) Building an AI-literate workforce (15:50) Why AI literacy affects everyone (21:20) Making AI literacy stick  (25:16) The first step leaders should take

Many companies cut talent in pursuit of AI value. Now they're discovering what was lost in the process. In this episode, we explore a shift taking place in organizations' AI journeys: after an initial rush to pursue productivity gains and cost savings, many leaders are rediscovering that human expertise is essential to realizing AI's full value. Gartner Senior Executive Partner Denise McCurdy joins us to share what she's hearing directly from CIOs as they navigate mounting pressure to deliver AI outcomes, implement agentic AI and prepare for new operating models — all while preserving the people, knowledge and relationships that drive lasting transformation.   You'll learn: Why productivity gains alone rarely create lasting AI value The difference between "blue money" and "green money" outcomes How organizations are rehiring talent they initially replaced Why CIOs must deepen collaboration with CFOs and business leaders   Dig deeper: Download the 1H 2026 Gartner CIO Report Attend a Gartner CIO Conference near you See why Gartner is the world authority on AI  

In this episode of Gartner ThinkCast, we explore how executive conversations about AI are rapidly evolving — and why focusing on ROI alone is no longer enough. Drawing from his standout session from Gartner CIO Leadership Forum, VP Analyst Nate Suda unpacks three distinct C-suite perspectives shaping AI strategy today: value, workforce and operating philosophy.   You'll learn: The three critical AI conversations happening across the C-suite Why ROI is no longer a sufficient measure of AI success How "human-plus" work and shifting team boundaries are reshaping the organization What defines an AI-shaped enterprise and how to start thinking like one   Dig deeper: Learn how to communicate AI's value Attend a Gartner CIO Conference near you See why Gartner is the world authority on AI  

In this episode of Gartner ThinkCast, we dive into what strong leadership really looks like when the path ahead is unclear. From economic disruption to AI-fueled transformation, uncertainty is now a defining feature of the business landscape. Gartner expert Mary Mesaglio returns to offer a succinct and timely playbook. Drawing from conversations with CEOs, CIOs and senior leadership around the globe, Mary shares three practical strategies for leading through volatility, ambiguity and change. Learn why clear communication, hyper-focused priorities and transparent guiding principles are the essential tools every executive and new leader needs today.   You'll learn: Why corporate-speak fails in times of change and what to say instead The 10x10x10 rule for reinforcing priorities with your team How guiding principles offer stability and direction   Dig deeper: See why Gartner is the world authority on AI Try out AskGartner for more AI-powered insights Learn how to create a strategic workforce plan  

AI is delivering pockets of productivity, but far less business value than expected. In this episode of Gartner ThinkCast, Distinguished VP Analyst Fran Karamouzis explores why so much AI ROI remains stuck inside organizations, never reaching the bottom line. While many leaders expect gains in individual productivity to translate directly into financial outcomes, legacy processes, siloed structures and outdated operating models often prevent that value from scaling. In a preview of a recent standout webinar, you'll hear what it really takes to unlock measurable impact — from rethinking how work flows across teams, to redesigning end‑to‑end processes, and leading the organizational change required to make AI stick.   You'll learn: Why productivity gains alone don't guarantee financial returns Where AI value gets trapped inside workflows and operating models How to redesign work around end‑to‑end outcomes, not individual tasks What it takes to lead organizational change and consistently convert AI into ROI   Dig deeper: Register to watch the full "Value is Trapped" webinar Learn how to prove quantifiable value from AI See why Gartner is the world authority on AI