Bridging Leadership Gaps in the Age of AI and Data
Today’s organizational leaders would be challenged to go one week—even one day—without hearing or reading about the rapid pace of technological change. From generative AI disruption to challenges in data management and mounting cybersecurity risks, the discourse makes one thing clear: organizations that fail to adapt will fall behind.
The urgency is felt at the highest levels. Across industries, executives and board members are facing growing pressure to lead effectively in the digital era—yet many organizations are struggling to keep pace.
Organizations Are Not Adopting and Scaling AI Effectively
Nearly 87% of CEOs agree that the benefits of AI outweigh the associated risks, with companies with cutting-edge AI capabilities achieving nearly 1.5 times higher revenue growth over the past three years. Yet, 74% of organizations today struggle to achieve and scale the value of AI adoption. A report from Boston Consulting Group notes that nearly 70% of the challenges faced with AI implementation stem from people and process-related issues, compared to only 20% attributed to technology issues. This number underscores a critical leadership gap and missed revenue opportunities, with AI projected to contribute nearly $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030.
Leaders Leave Untapped Potential with Data
There are similar gaps when it comes to data management. While 80% of global business leaders agree that data is critical to decision-making, most are not leveraging data to make key business decisions such as pricing, launching in new markets, and climate targets. A Salesforce report highlights that this underutilization stems from several barriers: leaders lack data fluency to understand it fully, have difficulties generating insights, and feel overwhelmed by the sheer amounts of data. International Data Corporation estimates that the amount of available data will double between 2022 and 2026, putting even more pressure on business leaders to not only better leverage data-driven insights but also ensure their data management is meeting evolving data privacy regulations and concerns.
Closing the Gap Through Collaboration
Seeking to address these leadership challenges and bridge the communication gaps between business and tech, Michigan Ross Executive Education has partnered with Michigan Engineering to launch the new Chief Data and AI Officer (CDAIO) Program. The program, built in collaboration with global EdTech leader Emeritus, blends the strategic leadership strengths of Michigan Ross with the technical expertise of Michigan Engineering to equip senior executives with the capabilities needed to lead enterprise-wide AI and data initiatives. Participants will gain a deep understanding of governance, security, analytics, and strategy while learning how to integrate AI into decision-making and lead digital transformations.
The curriculum is rooted in real-world application. Guided by faculty, participants will complete individualized projects to develop a comprehensive AI strategy for their organization. Through cutting-edge use cases and cross-industry examples, they will explore how leading firms use AI to increase efficiency, drive revenue growth, and deliver innovative, customer-focused solutions. The program also emphasizes the often-overlooked but essential leadership skills needed to align AI with business strategy, ensuring that these powerful tools translate into strategic impact. Access to University of Michigan’s innovation labs and opportunities to engage with AI researchers will further enrich the experience for the participants.
As technology continues to redefine the business landscape, the ability to lead at the intersection of strategy, AI, and data becomes a defining factor for success. Programs like CDAIO are not just about upskilling but also about challenging organizational leaders to reshape how they think and operate in a digital age. Michigan Ross Executive Education remains committed to helping today’s leaders not just react to disruption, but actively shape the future.
