AI is evolving at an unprecedented pace. In just a few years, 20-30% of jobs paying $100,000 or more could be at risk. But the conversation shouldn’t be about whether AI will eliminate jobs - it’s about how teams of humans, augmented by AI, will redefine work itself.
A new wave of AI, known as "deep research," is transforming how organizations gather insights. Instead of spending weeks compiling reports, AI can now analyze thousands of sources and generate comprehensive insights in under 30 minutes. CEOs must leverage these tools to accelerate decision-making and strategic planning.
In his recent TEDxBoston talk, Paul Baier, GAI Insights's Co-Founder and CEO, highlightsthe urgency for CEOs to move beyond AI curiosity and take meaningful action. Here are six critical steps for executives to take to ensure they are leading, not lagging, in the AI revolution.
1. Don't be an Ostrich
AI is not an IT project that CEOs can throw to technical departments and wait for them to figure it out. Fewer than 10% of CEOs are spending even an hour per quarter aligning AI strategy with their leadership teams. CEOs must take charge, ensure AI is a board-level discussion, and drive enterprise-wide AI literacy.
2. Learn from the Top
One of the most critical things a CEO can do right now is not just embrace GenAI, but encourage experimentation and project initiatives.If an employee has an AI-driven idea that could eliminate manual work and save the organization millions, that initiative shouldn’t just be noticed — it should be fast-tracked. Prioritizing AI innovation will also keep the GenAI advocates in a company as opposed to leaving for the competition. Lead from the top, and others will follow.
3. Spend 1-2 Hours per Quarter with Boards and Leadership on Alignment over GenAI
Too many CEOs throw AI over to IT instead of making it a business priority. The key question in every board meeting should be: How are we using AI to drive value? Having AI initiatives in production - not just in pilot phases - is what separates industry leaders from those playing catch-up.
4. The New Mindset of Team is AI Augmentation
The workforce is shifting from traditional structures to a model where thousands of AI agents augment human teams. The organizations that embrace this shift will win. This means restructuring job roles, training employees to work alongside AI, and fostering a mindset of augmentation rather than replacement.
5. Stay Current with “Eyes Bleed” Case Studies
AI isn’t theoretical; it’s delivering results now. Companies like Blue Cross Blue Shield Michigan have already saved $10 million by using AI for contract management by using tools to scan through contracts instead of manual hours prone to human error. The gap between AI leaders and laggards is growing, and CEOs need to immerse themselves in real-world AI applications and benchmark against competitors.
6. Create Learning Vibrancy In Your Company
Employees are already exploring AI at home with their kids, so why aren’t they doing it at work? Companies that fail to create a culture of AI learning will struggle to retain top talent. A strong internal AI education program ensures employees feel empowered rather than threatened by these changes.
Final Thought: Adapt or Become Roadkill
AI is reshaping industries at a pace faster than most leaders realize. Delaying action is not an option. The organizations that experiment, iterate, and integrate AI today will dominate tomorrow.
As Paul notes in his TedX talk, his hometown of Canton, Onio used to be a vibrant community rife with job opportunities through factory automation. That’s all gone now, and when he returns to his hometown, he sees nothing but empty billboards and homes that haven’t increased in value in decades. This transformation we see in the factories will soon be seen in the corner office - unless we act now.
It’s time to stop watching from the sidelines. The first step? Try OpenAI’s deep research capabilities and start embedding AI into your strategic planning now.
Watch the full TedxBoston Talk from Paul Baier below:
GAI Insights Team
