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AI and the CEO of the future
The role of the CEO in tomorrow’s Generative AI world
Those in the C-suite are no stranger to transformation and innovation. But as GenAI accelerates disruption across industries, CEOs must learn to balance technology with human insight.
GenAI isn’t just another tool in the executive toolkit—it’s redefining leadership itself. Through fictional narratives, we’ll illustrate a future in parallell that demonstrates the shift in a CEO’s day from today to not so distant AI-fuelled future. See how AI can ignite innovation and equip yourself with the insights needed to lead the future.
Leading the future of Generative AI
Ever wondered how GenAI can change your entire routine? From the moment you wake up to the minute you end your day, AI has the power to offer a new way of living, working, and playing. But in an era defined by disruption, navigating a future with AI starts with those who are bold enough to innovate and resilient enough to adapt—the C-suite.
Our latest article invites you to walk in the personal and professional shoes of a CEO through two parallel narratives from 2024 to 2030. Explore the unique tensions, challenges, and opportunities that leaders navigate and engage with thought-provoking questions that challenge convention.
This fictional article is intended to provoke conversation about the AI-enabled future. At Deloitte, we believe that human and machine collaboration leads to greater value than either could produce alone.
A day in the life of a CEO
Morning
2024 |
2030 |
CEO Sanjay starts his day with his family over breakfast before meeting his chief of staff for coffee. Before heading into the office, they scramble to fix tight schedules and overflowing workloads. A frantic day continues at the office, where Sanjay is rushed into a media interview, unprepared and bombarded with reporter questions. Despite the nonstop pressure, Sanjay navigates the hectic demands of being a leader, balancing urgent tasks and strategic decisions in a fast-paced environment. |
Starting his day with breakfast from his AI informed meal plan and time with his family, CEO Sanjay gets picked up by his autonomous car and heads to the office. His AI assistant, Erika, has integrated his agenda into its system, helping manage media requests, streamline operations, and anticipate team needs, freeing Sanjay to focus on strategic decisions in the office. With Erika’s support on day-to-day demands, Sanjay is able to stay ahead of the curve. |
Afternoon
2024 |
2030 |
Sanjay navigates a busy day by addressing client concerns over lunch in person. Once back in the office, he relays the potential of AI to his team. To gather real-time feedback, Sanjay calls for a town hall. Despite the day being slowed by long meetings, Sanjay keeps himself organized by relying on his chief of staff to balance client interactions and internal leadership decisions. |
During lunch, Sanjay confronts new challenges as a client accuses him of being recorded without permission. While he navigates this client crisis, Erika communicates the benefits of AI to the team. For real-time feedback, Sanjay calls for a town hall where a hologram replaces him, but board members begin to express unease as AI becomes deeply integrated into executive roles. |
Evening
2024 |
2030 |
Sanjay is caught off guard by an upset investor and frustrated by a mistake from his chief of staff. Teaming up with his mentee, they brainstorm solutions while he selects music to relieve the tension. When he arrives home, he is unable to decompress from the day, leading to an evening in bed on his phone to catch up on emails and attempt to find peace after a hectic day at work. |
Sanjay faces challenges as his virtual assistant fails to warn him about leaked news, leaving him no outlet for frustration over his AI chief of staff’s misjudgment. Nevertheless, he and his mentee work together to develop solutions while his AI assistant curates a better working environment. At home, Erika filters urgent messages, allowing Sanjay quality time with his family before ending his day. |
Whether you’re looking to transform your executive strategy or lead the way to AI-driven leadership, here are some questions to further the conversation:
- Considering the day in 2030, would you still want to be CEO in this future world?
- As a leader and a human, what is added, gained, and lost in this future scenario?
- How might CEOs communicate differently in the GenAI-rich environment of 2030?
- How would you use all the time AI might save?
- What are your observations about the interactions between humans and AI agents in the story?
- What is the price we’ll pay for fast and convenient access to information?
Integrating AI into leadership isn’t a straightforward upgrade—it introduces a spectrum of outcomes that require careful navigation. You can read the full report via our global site
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