Forrester’s updated enterprise architecture (EA) policy emphasizes EA as a staff function, essential for coherent decision-making rather than direct system design. By defining its scope and authority, the policy enhances governance without centralization. This maturity signals EA’s critical role in managing technology risks and promoting effective delivery in organizations.
In this IT Leaders Fast-5 installment, Ryan Downing, CIO at Principal Financial Group, discusses the transformative impact of AI on work processes and the necessity for organizational adaptability. He emphasizes investments in AI literacy and change management across teams while avoiding isolated AI departments, highlighting the importance of embedding AI skills throughout the organization.
INSEAD faculty highlight concerning trends for businesses in 2026, including geopolitical crises, income inequality, and social instability. AI emerges as both a significant threat and opportunity, with potential impacts on productivity and polarization. The focus remains on developing sustainability-minded, trustworthy leadership amid pressing global challenges, including climate change.
The AI landscape in early 2025 is characterized by rapid developments and intense competition, where new models frequently emerge, often promising more than they deliver. The Gartner Hype Cycle illustrates that while many AI tools generate excitement, true progress will be measured by their actual usefulness in real-world applications, moving towards Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) as the ultimate goal.
LVMH’s M&A strategy succeeds by rejecting the pursuit of synergies, focusing on brand independence, and maintaining financial discipline. The company identifies valuable acquisitions and targets long-term growth over short-term returns. This approach, while emphasizing brand loyalty, provides insights applicable across various industries, demonstrating the importance of strategic judgment in acquisitions.
CIOs face intensified challenges in AI compliance and governance amid rapidly changing laws. The struggle between federal and state regulations heightens the risk of financial penalties and reputational damage. To navigate this landscape, CIOs are urged to adopt adaptable governance frameworks and prioritize compliance as a business imperative, not just a regulatory requirement.
Earnings calls for tech companies are increasingly focused on AI ROI, as stakeholders demand tangible results from investments. CIOs face pressure to validate AI initiatives, transitioning from experimental enthusiasm to operational scrutiny. Effective communication of metrics and aligning AI projects with financial goals are crucial to maintaining support amid evolving expectations.
Dr. Marc Hoit, CIO at North Carolina State University, emphasizes the importance of access and transparency in scaling technology across a large public university. He discusses the creation of a research computing unit to support faculty’s evolving needs and highlights ongoing challenges in cybersecurity communication, talent acquisition, and adapting to external budget pressures.
AI-generated content often exists without proper governance, leading companies to face various risks, including legal and compliance issues. Effective data management requires tracking and managing AI outputs through centralized systems and cross-functional collaboration. As regulations evolve, proactive governance can enhance AI literacy and improve organizational efficiency while ensuring compliance.
CIO Shelley Seewald leads a lead-to-cash initiative at Tungsten Automation, reflecting a trend where CIOs are becoming integral to business strategy, combining technical skills with business acumen. In 2026, CIOs face heightened expectations in governance, AI integration, and data management, balancing innovation with risk and accountability in increasingly complex environments.
AI vendors might promise their customers that they will handle data responsibly and deliver provocative outcomes. But do they live up to their promises? The
AI will enhance board effectiveness by improving information synthesis, efficiency, decisiveness, emotional intelligence, and strategic integrity. Rather than replacing directors, AI empowers them to address contemporary governance challenges, enabling boards to function more proactively and responsively. A stronger partnership between AI and human oversight can lead to better corporate governance.
Running an effective executive tabletop exercise (TTX) can significantly benefit a company by identifying process gaps, enhancing understanding, and clarifying roles. Successful TTX requires careful planning, relevant scenarios, and full executive team participation. The exercise should avoid technical jargon, promote open dialogue, and result in actionable follow-up measures.
The CEO role is evolving due to AI’s transformative impact. Traditional tasks remain, but leaders must now orchestrate AI initiatives, ensure value alignment, navigate tensions, and consider broader ecosystem implications. Success requires balancing quick wins with long-term strategy while understanding AI’s ethical and cultural consequences for sustained viability in a changing economy.
