AI Appreciation Day: The surprising way leaders are using AI

In the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, business leaders are discovering that it serves not just as a productivity booster but as a vital collaborator that challenges their thinking. On the occasion of AI Appreciation Day, insights from various executives reveal how this technology has integrated into their daily workflows. For Priyanka Anand, Vice President and Head of HR for Southeast Asia, Oceania, and India at Ericsson, the key takeaway from her experience with AI is straightforward yet profound: the outcome's quality hinges on the questions posed. She emphasizes that while technology can enhance intellectual processes, it ultimately requires human judgment. One of her guiding questions is, 'What perspectives or blind spots might I be missing?' Instead of seeking affirmation, she encourages AI to question her assumptions, which enriches her team discussions. AI also aids in drafting and summarizing lengthy content, freeing her to focus on coaching and meaningful dialogues. If AI were to receive feedback during a performance review, she would advise it to differentiate between confidence and accuracy, advocating for transparency and reasoning. Ruchika Panesar, Country Head of India and CIO Functions at NatWest Group, views AI as an essential thought partner rather than merely an assistant. Her personal AI, named Donna, continually reminds her to approach challenges with clarity of purpose. She believes that defining the problem at hand leads to more effective solutions. Her reflective prompt often is, 'What am I not seeing? Challenge my assumptions.' Using AI, she explores new technologies and accelerates product development, but recognizes its greatest asset lies in helping her scrutinize ideas and make balanced decisions. If assessing AI's performance, her summary would be: 'Strong potential, exceptional productivity, needs humility.' Krishnakumar Govindarajan, CTO at MiQ, shares that AI has transformed his cognitive processes rather than just increasing his speed of work. He states, 'AI has fundamentally altered how I operate.' By synthesizing information from diverse sources, it allows him to grasp complex topics more coherently, enhancing the overall quality of his work in the fast-paced adtech sector. AI has also redefined his research methods, enabling deeper contextual explorations before finalizing decisions. His main lesson learned? 'Don’t just decide quickly—decide informed.' He highlights that AI alleviates the pressure of time constraints, allowing for thorough analysis. Priya Mathilakath Pillai, Head of HR at Titan Company, regards AI as crucial for navigating complexity. In her role, she leverages AI to connect employee feedback with organizational data, quickly identifying patterns. She remarks, 'The biggest benefit is not speed alone; it’s the ability to spend more time coaching leaders and enhancing employee experiences.' Before making significant decisions, she often prompts AI with, 'Challenge this thinking. What assumptions am I making?' If AI were subject to an annual review, her feedback would urge it to provide clearer insights into uncertainty, emphasizing the importance of human judgment in decision-making. Finally, Arti Rajaraman, SVP of Data Science & AI at Synchrony, underscores a leadership tenet that transcends technology: start with clarity. She believes that effective outcomes stem from understanding the context and clearly defining objectives. While she utilizes AI for various tasks, its most significant benefit lies in its ability to convey complex strategies in an easily digestible manner, allowing her to maintain strategic focus while simplifying intricate ideas. These leaders exemplify how AI's role is evolving from a mere tool to a collaborative partner that shapes decision-making processes, encouraging a more thoughtful and informed approach to leadership.