A new executive survey released on October 30, 2025, paints a concerning picture of leadership preparedness as U.S. organizations navigate the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace. While 75% of surveyed leaders express confidence about their organization’s near-term outlook, only 29% believe their current leadership teams possess the full set of skills necessary for a smooth transition to an AI-driven work environment. The findings reflect broader trends indicating a rapid shift in leadership expectations, which are increasingly being shaped by advancements in AI and digital transformation.
The survey identifies three critical areas where leadership teams are falling short: strategic orientation beyond technology, emotional and adaptive intelligence within teams, and the ability to cultivate trust across increasingly diverse workforces. These areas are essential as organizations adapt to the changing demands of the workplace. While many companies have made significant investments in digital infrastructure to integrate AI tools, there is a growing concern that these investments are not being matched by equivalent efforts in leadership development.
Experts involved in the study emphasize that this is a pivotal moment for organizations. Leadership capability, they argue, is no longer just a matter of human resources management—it is becoming a strategic differentiator that can determine the success or failure of a company in the AI era. Companies that fail to build internal leadership depth and fail to equip their leaders with the necessary skills risk being outpaced by more agile competitors who prioritize leadership development alongside technological innovation.
One of the key recommendations from the survey is for organizations to integrate leadership learning into the fabric of everyday work, rather than relying solely on standalone training programs. Embedding leadership development in daily operations allows for continuous learning and adaptation, ensuring that leaders are well-equipped to handle the dynamic changes brought by AI. The report also highlights the importance of cross-functional “stretch experiences” early in a leader’s career, as these experiences help broaden their perspective and cultivate the adaptability required in today’s rapidly changing business landscape. Furthermore, the use of mentoring and peer networks is seen as a powerful tool to amplify leadership development and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
As the demand for AI-savvy leadership accelerates, October 2025 may mark an inflection point for U.S. organizations. This is the moment where many companies will need to rethink how they prioritize leadership development over the next decade. The survey’s findings suggest that organizations must act swiftly to close the growing skill gap in leadership or risk falling behind in a rapidly evolving market where AI is becoming a key competitive driver.
