All 2025 Conference Sessions

Gartner Opening Keynote: Walking the Golden Path to Value

Speakers:

• Alicia Mullery, VP Analyst
• Daryl Plummer, Distinguished VP Analyst

Key takeaways

• Avoid extremes of AI disbelief and hype; most GenAI initiatives fail, so focus on realistic value rather than vendor claims.
• Appoint a dedicated AI leader to improve project sustainability, trust, and performance outcomes.
• AI value depends on human readiness: invest in upskilling, change management, and strategic alignment to maximize benefits.
• Evaluate AI readiness, calculate hidden costs, and choose vendors carefully; build human skills and AI literacy to capture long-term value.

Leadership Greatest Hits – 2025 Edition: A Playlist of Actions for CIOs to Lead Better

Speakers:

• Kevin Smith, Sr Director Analyst

Key takeaways

• Leadership is Multidimensional. Leaders must lead up, across peers, down to their own group, outside the organization, and from within as an evolving leader.
• Leveraging AI for leadership success is not cheating, it is simply using emerging technologies to strengthen influence and impact and champions a team-based approach.
• Co-leadership is essential for scaling IT change. Today's technology leaders foster much of the change but will need to co-lead transformation with stakeholder leaders in all parts of the organization.

4 Generative AI Skills to Master in 2025

Speakers:

• Tori Paulman, VP Analyst

Key takeaways

• Bridging the AI Optimism Gap: Executive leaders are enthusiastic about AI’s potential, but most workers feel their skills are underutilized and remain skeptical. Closing this gap is critical.
• Mastering Four Essential GenAI Skills: Success with generative AI depends on proficiency in use case identification, tech fluency, effective prompting, and output discernment. 
• Fostering Ongoing Engagement and Community: Dedicate time for experimentation, reward breakthrough ideas, and form GenAI communities of practice to accelerate skill development and innovation.

The AI Future of Leadership and Management

Speakers:

• Kristin Moyer, Distinguished VP Analyst

Key takeaways

• By 2028, 75% of employees will be trained and coached by AI when entering new roles. Leverage AI as a mentor to accelerate junior employee skills development.
• AI should augment, not replace, managers. Reduce mundane tasks so managers can focus on delivering greater value.
• AI turns good leaders into unstoppable powerhouses. Use AI as a sounding board to magnify executive capabilities and capacity.