Article
As Generative AI continues to revolutionize industries, the responsibilities and expectations of CEOs are evolving in tandem. This paper examines the future of leadership in an AI-driven world, offering a glimpse into how CEOs can leverage Generative AI to stay ahead of the curve and lead their organizations into the future. GenAI isn’t just another tool in the executive arsenal—it is a game changer that redefines leadership itself.
In the AI-driven future, the role of the CEO will evolve, presenting leaders with rational, moral, emotional, and existential challenges
To explore these shifts, we aim to immerse CEOs in the world of tomorrow through fictional narratives. Below, we present a day in the life of an imaginary CEO today, alongside a reimagined version of the same day in 2030, where the characters live in a world transformed by AI. Our intent is not to provide precise predictions or answers but to envision a plausible future and spark a debate on what it means to be a CEO and the requirements for success in this new landscape.
Disclaimer: This fictional paper 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.
Sanjay’s Chief of Staff, Erik, greets him at their favorite coffee shop, two blocks from the office, and they walk and talk, reviewing the calendar. Erik breaks the news of a virtual meeting being rescheduled so Sanjay can fly to Milwaukee and attend in person. Sanjay pinpoints which appointments to move around so he won’t have to miss his tennis tournament. At the office, they begin reviewing the weekly report about the company’s stock price movement, sales data, and operational updates, but as usual, they’re not finished by the half-hour mark.
At reception, a coffee is ready for Sanjay as he walks in. Sitting at his smart desk, he asks the Digital Chief of Staff, Erika, to display the more sensitive parts of his daily download, including stock price movement, and sales and operational data. Erika provides a theory about the recent stock volatility: By scanning social media chatter, it has identified growing discontent among junior staff, as a result of changes in HR benefits, that could’ve caused the concern among investors. Sanjay directs Erika to generate and send a list of questions to Hector, the CHRO, inquiring as to the latest in employee morale.
Sanjay and Erik stroll into their kitchen cabinet meeting around 8:30 a.m. Hector, the CHRO, appears on edge and confesses concerns about a recent benefits communication that has irked some employees. “I’m going to send a follow-up clarification,” he declares. The COO, Marcus, pipes up: “Someone always takes things the wrong way. A clarifying message may help shut down the rumor mill.” After other bits of advice from around the table, the group shifts to rehearsing their talking points for the board meeting.
Sanjay strolls into his kitchen cabinet meeting around 8:30 a.m. The COO, also an AI agent, agrees with Erika’s explanation and recommends retracting the recent benefits communication. “Understood. I’m going to send a follow-up clarification,” Hector declares. The group then views AI simulations of their board members to anticipate questions and align on responses.
Our full article covers a complete day in the life of a CEO and highlights key challenges that executives may need to navigate. We hope these vignettes will prompt you to reflect as you work toward shaping your ideal future.
Here are a few questions to further the conversation. For more insights, download the full article.
About Leading a Generative AI-Fueled Enterprise: A CEO Series
Generative AI is a top priority for CEOs, with 79% citing innovation acceleration as a key use case, according to our Fortune/Deloitte CEO survey.
Through this thought leadership series, Deloitte aims to help CEOs envision and pursue a Generative AI strategy that maximizes value for their organizations.
At Deloitte, we believe in the power of human and machine collaboration, where the human workforce is augmented by AI to become more efficient and productive.
The Deloitte AI Institute helps organizations transform through cutting-edge AI insights and innovation by bringing together the brightest minds in AI services.
A CEO series
