Deloitte Vice Chair:
The Hardest AI Decisions Facing CEOs

Large companies are making AI decisions that extend beyond technology: how fast to move, which problems to address first, and how to train people as AI takes on junior work. Many companies can show that AI makes work faster or cheaper, but few can show that those savings produce higher revenue, better margins, or new growth. 

The conversation examines how leaders can distinguish between AI that drives efficiency and AI that improves financial results, where AI agents fit, and the questions boards should ask before funding additional AI.

Key points:

• Systems, infrastructure, and people all need work, and CEOs must choose whether to address them one at a time or all three together.
• AI savings in hours and costs do not improve financial results on their own, so leaders must focus on where to redirect that time and money.
• As AI handles more entry-level work, companies need new ways for early-career employees to build judgment, a question Deloitte faces with its own new hires.
• Boards weighing the next round of AI funding must decide what evidence to require and which signals justify stopping a specific initiative.

The conversation also covers the public debate over whether AI is moving too fast or too slow, and how a company can set its own pace based on its readiness in safety, security, and governance. 

Join this CXOTalk conversation to learn how C-suite leaders across industries weigh difficult AI decisions, along with practical guidance for your AI investments and board discussions.

Subscribe for key takeaways from every episode and advance notice of live shows.

Episode Participants

China Widener is Deloitte’s vice chair and US Technology, Media & Telecommunications (TMT) industry leader. She also serves on Deloitte's US Board of Directors.

Michael Krigsman is a globally recognized analyst, strategic advisor, and industry commentator known for his deep business transformation, innovation, and AI leadership expertise.