inc.com · 12 Sep, 17:03 · Business briefing

CEOs Are Using AI, but Few Are Planning for What Comes Next

What it means for you ↓ Courses for this story

26%average salary uplift after a professional certificate

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The briefing

The story
in brief.

What happened, who it affects, and why it landed on our intelligence desk — in plain English, sixty seconds or less.

Recent reporting highlights a critical disconnect in corporate strategy: while chief executive officers are actively integrating artificial intelligence into daily operations, very few are developing comprehensive plans for the subsequent phases of technological adoption. This trend suggests organisations are prioritising immediate efficiency gains over long-term structural adaptation. The findings indicate a widespread lack of foresight regarding how AI will reshape workforce dynamics and business models in the near future, leaving many companies unprepared for the next wave of digital transformation.

Employer demand for AI Strategy skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)

Your move

What this means
for your career.

Every headline redistributes opportunity. Here is who this one rewards — and how to be on the right side of it.

You must look beyond basic tool adoption to understand systemic change. As AI becomes ubiquitous, tactical proficiency loses value compared to strategic foresight. Professionals who can interpret AI outputs and align them with long-term business goals will lead. You should focus on developing skills in change management and ethical governance, as these become critical when technology outpaces policy. Do not merely learn to use AI; learn to manage its organisational impact. Prioritise courses that teach you how to integrate technology into broader business strategies. By positioning yourself as a bridge between technical capability and strategic planning, you become indispensable. Ignore the hype and focus on sustainable, scalable integration methods that prepare your organisation for the next decade.

For this story, the fields that convert it into pay are AI Strategy, Innovation and Leadership, Project Management and Business And Management — exactly the programmes matched below. The chart shows the indicative salary uplift certified professionals report in each of those fields; every one of them is a click away, from £79, finishing in as few as 20 days.

Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
Indicative ranges from published continuing-education salary studies, by field — each field is a recommended course below

Matched to this story

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to benefit.

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