Business leaders must master artificial intelligence to drive digital transformation

The race for artificial intelligence has reached corporate boardrooms. As companies increase their investment in technology, there is a growing need for executives who can identify opportunities, assess risks, and turn projects into measurable results.

The challenge is to find professionals who are proficient in both business and the possibilities offered by AI.

A survey by Gartner found that 77% of executives believe the technology marks a new era for business. However, many are unsure whether their leadership teams are ready to lead this change.

The demand is not limited to algorithm developers. Companies need leaders who can connect technology, operations, finance, marketing, and people management.

It is at this intersection that professionals with AI expertise can expand their career opportunities.

What companies expect from these executives

The first requirement is to understand how artificial intelligence can solve real-world problems. This includes knowledge of applications such as document analysis, task automation, assisted research, and the use of agents that can execute process steps with varying levels of autonomy.

An executive must assess the quality of generated responses, identify privacy and security risks, and define metrics to measure whether an initiative actually improves organizational performance.

The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs 2025 report ranks AI and big data among the skills expected to grow fastest by 2030.

Analytical thinking, creativity, flexibility, and leadership are also among the skills valued by employers.

How to develop the right skills

For those looking to prepare, the starting point is to learn how to apply AI in situations related to their own field of work.

Practical projects help demonstrate knowledge during recruitment processes. For example, present a use case, explain the problem faced, describe how the technology was applied, and show the results achieved.

When there are no verifiable metrics, it is important to make clear that it is a test or prototype.

Business vision and leadership remain essential

AI-specialized executives need to translate technical possibilities into priorities that are understandable to the organization. This requires setting goals, estimating costs, assessing risks, and involving teams affected by the changes.

The ability to lead transformation also makes a difference. Employees need to understand how new solutions change their work, what information they can share, and when human review is necessary.

Without proper guidance, even a promising application can lead to rework or expose data improperly.

How to position yourself for new opportunities

Preparation can begin with a combination of structured study, experimentation, and professional development. While courses help organize knowledge, projects allow for practical application, and interactions with technology professionals broaden understanding of the possibilities and limitations of each solution.

In your resume and on LinkedIn, it’s worth highlighting concrete skills, completed projects, and problems that AI has helped solve.

The key differentiator is combining business experience, technological knowledge, and the ability to turn opportunities into consistent decisions.