Leaders need to master AI, but they don’t need to know how to code

Executives don’t need to master coding to run a company that uses artificial intelligence, but they must have enough knowledge to assess opportunities, question results, and decide where the technology can have an impact.

As these solutions become integrated into operations, a lack of familiarity with AI can become a disadvantage for those in leadership positions.

The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 reveals that half of the executives surveyed consider the skills gap to be one of the main obstacles to the adoption of artificial intelligence. In addition, 43% of respondents point to a lack of vision on the part of managers and leaders as a limiting factor.

The data shows that the challenge is not limited to technical teams. The ability to lead the transformation also depends on those who set priorities, approve investments, and guide people through change.

What changes for those in leadership positions

Artificial intelligence influences decisions in various areas, from customer service to financial analysis. To keep up with these applications, leaders need to recognize which activities can be automated, where technology can support work, and which risks require human supervision.

Without this knowledge, a leader may struggle to evaluate supplier proposals, set realistic expectations, or identify projects that truly meet business needs.

There is also the risk of relying exclusively on specialists for decisions involving budget, people management, and the company’s strategic direction.

A LinkedIn survey published in June 2026 reinforces this change. Nine out of ten senior leaders surveyed said their roles require continuous skill development to keep up with market transformations. In addition, 82% said AI is already creating jobs that did not exist in their organizations a few years ago.

Knowledge of AI does not mean knowing how to code

For executives, developing fluency in artificial intelligence means understanding the possibilities and limitations of the technology and knowing when to use it.

This includes knowing applications such as document analysis, research, information organization, and task automation.

Familiarity with these solutions must be accompanied by the ability to evaluate. Answers produced by AI tools may contain errors, outdated information, or unsupported conclusions. Therefore, professionals must know how to verify results, protect corporate data, and identify situations in which human decision-making remains indispensable.

Technical qualifications also do not replace leadership skills. Communication, analytical thinking, team management, and adaptability remain relevant for implementing change and preparing professionals.

How to avoid letting a lack of updates limit your career

The World Economic Forum points out that 77% of employers surveyed plan to invest in retraining and improving the skills of their professionals by 2030, preparing teams to work with artificial intelligence.

The trend indicates that learning to work with technology will be part of the evolution of different careers. Executives who ignore this change may face more difficulties in keeping up with business decisions and guiding their teams.

The risk is not in being unaware of every new development, but in failing to develop the necessary skills to lead in an environment increasingly influenced by AI.