How CEOs are Preparing for AI in 2025 - Futurum CEO Insights

The Futurum Group's presentation at AI Field Day 6, focusing on CEO perspectives on AI in 2025, revealed a significant disconnect between C-suite leadership and IT teams. While 59% of surveyed CEOs (from billion-dollar revenue companies globally) believe they're leading AI strategy, this perception is largely driven by board pressure to compete in a rapidly evolving AI landscape. CEOs see AI not merely as a technological tool, but as a strategic imperative for business transformation affecting all organizational levels, understanding that failure to adapt will lead to disruption. The study, conducted in partnership with Kearney, highlights a notable overconfidence among CEOs regarding AI readiness. Despite widespread recognition of AI's potential (e.g., $20 trillion injection into the global economy by 2030, potential 5x return on investment), only 25% feel prepared. This unpreparedness stems from challenges like talent acquisition and the immaturity of AI technologies to address CEOs' long-term strategic goals, which frequently involve developing entirely new products and services. The study emphasizes that successful AI adoption is strongly correlated with a decentralized leadership approach, rigorous ROI tracking, and a culture that addresses employee concerns proactively. Successful AI implementation, according to the study's findings on high-performing firms, hinges on several key factors. Decentralized leadership, where the vision is set at the top but execution is delegated, proves far more effective than a micro-management approach. Rigorous tracking of ROI is critical for demonstrating value and securing further investment. Finally, fostering a fearless culture that directly addresses worker anxieties about AI's impact on jobs is paramount. The study concludes that while many CEOs are forging ahead with ambitious AI plans, a measured, data-driven approach, coupled with effective governance, is crucial to avoid costly failures. Presented by Dion Hinchcliffe, VP of CIO Practice, The Futurum Group. Recorded live in San Jose, California on January 29, 2025 as part of AI Field Day 6. Visit https://TechFieldDay.com/event/aifd6/ or https://info.futurumgroup.com/ceos-ai-2025 for more information.