Harnessing AI: Essential Insights for Effective Leadership

WHO:

Fast Company - Jacqui Canney is the chief people and AI enablement officer at ServiceNow.

Fast Company - Becky Schmitt is the executive vice president and chief people officer at PepsiCo.

Fast Company - Omar Abbosh is the chief executive officer at Pearson.

Fast Company - Nickle LaMoreaux is the senior vice president and chief human resources officer at IBM.

WHAT:

Fast Company - "AI adoption is increasing, yet many people aren’t aware of their organization’s AI strategy," highlighting a disconnect that leaders need to address.

Fast Company - "The companies unlocking results are asking the right questions about how work should change," indicating a shift in leadership focus.

Fast Company - "By 2031, the fastest-growing technical skills will be linked to data quality, software development, analytics, and AI," according to new research.

Fast Company - "Real-time learning embedded in daily work beats traditional reskilling programs," emphasizing a new approach to employee training.

Fast Company - "Shadow AI is a signal," suggesting that unapproved AI tools can indicate areas for innovation within organizations.

Fast Company - "One company hosted an AI amnesty month, encouraging employees to share the tools they had been using without fear of reprisal," which revealed that those using shadow AI were some of their best performers.

Fast Company - "AI adoption is increasing, yet many people aren’t aware of their organization’s AI strategy," highlighting a disconnect that leaders need to address.

Fast Company - "We need to rewire occupations. We need to understand where you apply agents to specific tasks, how agents work with people, and how people can supervise and orchestrate," said Omar Abbosh, chief executive officer at Pearson.

Fast Company - "You have to redesign jobs. If you wait too long, you can quickly fall behind, especially at the pace things are moving today," said Nickle LaMoreaux, senior vice president and chief human resources officer at IBM.

Fast Company - Research indicates that only 5% of organizations are redesigning work to incorporate AI effectively, while others are optimizing existing structures.

Fast Company - "AI adoption is increasing, yet many people aren’t aware of their organization’s AI strategy," said a source from Fast Company.

Fast Company - Among organizations surveyed in IBM’s Cost of a Data Breach Report 2026 that had experienced a data breach, 43% reported security incidents involving shadow AI, up from 20% the previous year.

Fast Company - A recent survey found that roughly one in three respondents reported shadow AI use at their companies.

Fast Company - Research shows that only 5% of organizations are redesigning work to incorporate AI effectively, while others are optimizing existing structures.

Fast Company - "When we rebuilt our AI HR operating model at ServiceNow, we considered how we would design it if we were starting from scratch," said Jacqui Canney, chief people and AI enablement officer at ServiceNow.

Fast Company - "As we’ve thought about what it means to adopt AI and harness the full power of this technology, we have five principles. Everything is human-centered. We’re fair, transparent, we have accountability, and we’re safe from the start,” said Becky Schmitt, executive vice president and chief people officer at PepsiCo.

Fast Company - Research indicates that only 5% of organizations are redesigning work to incorporate AI effectively, while others are optimizing existing structures.

Fast Company - By 2031, the fastest-growing technical skills will be linked to data quality, software development, analytics, and AI.

Fast Company - A recent survey found that roughly one in three respondents reported shadow AI use at their companies.

Fast Company - Research shows that only 5% of organizations are redesigning work to incorporate AI effectively, while others are optimizing existing structures.

Fast Company - "With clean data and transparent definitions, employees can better trust and verify what AI tells them," said Becky Schmitt, executive vice president and chief people officer at PepsiCo.

Fast Company - Research indicates that only 5% of organizations are redesigning work to incorporate AI effectively, while others are optimizing existing structures.

Fast Company - "When roles are clear and processes are simple, people move faster and smarter. Governance builds confidence," said Becky Schmitt, executive vice president and chief people officer at PepsiCo.

Fast Company - Research indicates that only 5% of organizations are redesigning work to incorporate AI effectively, while others are merely optimizing existing structures.

Fast Company - A recent survey found that roughly one in three respondents reported shadow AI use at their companies.

Fast Company - Research indicates that only 5% of organizations are redesigning work to incorporate AI effectively, while others are merely optimizing existing structures.

Fast Company - A recent survey found that roughly one in three respondents reported shadow AI use at their companies.

Fast Company - Among organizations surveyed in IBM’s Cost of a Data Breach Report 2026, 43% reported security incidents involving shadow AI, up from 20% the previous year.

Fast Company - Roughly one in three respondents reported shadow AI use at their companies.

Fast Company - One company hosted an AI amnesty month, encouraging employees to share the tools they had been using without fear of reprisal, which revealed that those using shadow AI were some of their best performers.

Fast Company - Only 5% of organizations are redesigning work to incorporate AI effectively, while others are optimizing existing structures.

Fast Company - "When we talk about redesigning jobs, we need to shift our thinking from the job as a whole to the tasks and skills underneath it," said Nickle LaMoreaux, senior vice president and chief human resources officer at IBM.

Fast Company - Only 5% of organizations are redesigning work to incorporate AI effectively, while others are optimizing existing structures.

Fast Company - Companies that are successful with AI are asking the right questions about how work should change.

Fast Company - Only 5% of organizations are redesigning work to incorporate AI effectively.

Fast Company - Companies that are successful with AI are asking the right questions about how work should change.

Fast Company - By 2031, the fastest-growing technical skills will be linked to data quality, software development, analytics, and AI.

Fast Company - AI adoption is increasing, yet many employees are unaware of their organization’s AI strategy.

Fast Company - IBM identified where job redesign was most urgent and shared that analysis with employees.

WHERE:

Fast Company - The insights and strategies discussed are applicable across various organizations, including ServiceNow, PepsiCo, Pearson, and IBM.

WHEN:

Fast Company - By 2031, the fastest-growing technical skills will be linked to data quality, software development, analytics, and AI.

Fast Company - The year 2031 is mentioned as a future point for the fastest-growing technical skills.

WHY:

Fast Company - Organizations need to put a strong people strategy at the core of AI adoption to achieve real transformation.

Fast Company - There is a disconnect between AI adoption and employee awareness of AI strategies that leaders need to address.

HOW:

Fast Company - IBM used an “X-Ray” framework to rethink its organization with an AI-native mindset, focusing on employee-centered redesign.

Fast Company - ServiceNow moved from scattered pilots to a structured process with clear governance and accountability in its AI HR operating model.

Fast Company - IBM used an “X-Ray” framework to rethink its organization with an AI-native mindset, focusing on employee-centered redesign.

Fast Company - ServiceNow moved from scattered pilots to a structured process with clear governance and accountability in its AI HR operating model.

Fast Company - Omar Abbosh, chief executive officer at Pearson, stated, "We need to rewire occupations. We need to understand where you apply agents to specific tasks, how agents work with people, and how people can supervise and orchestrate."

Fast Company - Nickle LaMoreaux, senior vice president and chief human resources officer at IBM, emphasized the need to "shift our thinking from the job as a whole to the tasks and skills underneath it."

Fast Company - ServiceNow moved from scattered pilots to a structured process with clear governance and accountability in its AI HR operating model.

Fast Company - IBM used an “X-Ray” framework to rethink its organization with an AI-native mindset, focusing on employee-centered redesign.

Fast Company - ServiceNow moved from scattered pilots to a structured process with clear governance and accountability in its AI HR operating model.

Fast Company - ServiceNow rebuilt its AI HR operating model by designing it as if starting from scratch, focusing on governance and accountability.

Fast Company - PepsiCo emphasized data hygiene and prioritizing all employees, including frontline and factory workers.

Fast Company - Real-time learning embedded in daily work is preferred over traditional reskilling programs for teaching new skills.

Fast Company - IBM used an “X-Ray” framework to rethink its organization with an AI-native mindset, focusing on employee-centered redesign.

(UPDATED October 14, 2026 19:57 UTC)

AI adoption is on the rise, but many employees remain unaware of their organization's AI strategy, highlighting a critical disconnect that leaders need to address. Research indicates that by 2031, the fastest-growing technical skills will revolve around data quality, software development, analytics, and AI, while companies that are seeing results are focusing on how work should evolve. In an innovative approach to employee training, one company even hosted an AI amnesty month, encouraging staff to share unapproved tools they were using, which revealed that those utilizing shadow AI were among the top performers.

(UPDATED October 14, 2026 19:04 UTC)

AI adoption is on the rise, but many employees remain unaware of their organization's AI strategy, a disconnect that leaders must address. Omar Abbosh, CEO of Pearson, emphasized the need to rewire occupations by understanding how AI agents can work alongside people, while IBM's Nickle LaMoreaux warned that redesigning jobs is crucial to keep pace with rapid changes. One innovative approach included a company hosting an AI amnesty month, which encouraged employees to share their use of tools without fear, revealing that those utilizing shadow AI were among the top performers.

(UPDATED October 14, 2026 17:02 UTC)

Research shows that only 5% of organizations are effectively redesigning work to incorporate AI, while many others are simply optimizing existing structures. A recent survey found that about one in three respondents reported using shadow AI at their companies, and among organizations that experienced a data breach, 43% reported security incidents involving shadow AI, a significant increase from 20% the previous year. In an interesting approach, one company hosted an AI amnesty month, allowing employees to share their shadow AI tools without fear of reprisal, revealing that those users were among their top performers.

(UPDATED October 14, 2026 16:01 UTC)

Research indicates that only 5% of organizations are effectively redesigning their work structures to incorporate AI, while many others are simply optimizing what they already have. Leaders from companies like ServiceNow and PepsiCo emphasize the importance of human-centered principles and accountability in adopting AI, with ServiceNow's Jacqui Canney noting the need to rethink their HR operating model from the ground up. Additionally, IBM has implemented an “X-Ray” framework to foster an AI-native mindset, while encouraging open discussions about AI tools among employees, revealing that those using shadow AI often emerged as top performers.

(UPDATED October 14, 2026 14:58 UTC)

Research shows that only 5% of organizations are effectively redesigning work to incorporate AI, while many others are simply optimizing their existing structures. A recent survey found that about one in three respondents reported using shadow AI at their companies, and among those that experienced a data breach, 43% reported security incidents involving shadow AI, a significant increase from 20% the previous year. In an innovative approach, one company hosted an AI amnesty month, allowing employees to share the tools they had been using without fear of reprisal, revealing that those utilizing shadow AI were among their top performers.

(UPDATED October 14, 2026 11:58 UTC)

Research indicates that only 5% of organizations are effectively redesigning work to incorporate AI, while many are simply optimizing their existing structures. Leaders from various companies emphasize the need to rethink job designs and integrate clean data to build trust in AI, with some even hosting initiatives like an AI amnesty month to encourage transparency among employees. By 2031, the fastest-growing technical skills are expected to be closely tied to areas such as data quality, software development, analytics, and AI.

(UPDATED October 14, 2026 10:58 UTC)

Research shows that only 5% of organizations are effectively redesigning work to incorporate AI, while many are simply optimizing their existing structures. Becky Schmitt, executive vice president and chief people officer at PepsiCo, emphasized that clear roles and simple processes help people move faster and smarter, while governance builds confidence. In an innovative approach, one company hosted an AI amnesty month, allowing employees to share their tools without fear of reprisal, which uncovered that those using shadow AI were among their top performers.

(UPDATED October 14, 2026 09:59 UTC)

Research shows that only 5% of organizations are effectively redesigning work to incorporate AI, while many others are simply optimizing their existing structures. A recent survey revealed that about one in three respondents reported the use of shadow AI at their companies, and among those that experienced a data breach, 43% reported incidents involving shadow AI, a significant increase from the previous year. Leaders like Omar Abbosh and Nickle LaMoreaux emphasize the urgent need to redesign jobs and understand how AI can work alongside people to avoid falling behind in this rapidly evolving landscape.

(UPDATED October 14, 2026 09:02 UTC)

Research shows that only 5% of organizations are effectively redesigning work to incorporate AI, while many others are simply optimizing existing structures. A survey revealed that about one in three respondents reported using shadow AI at their companies, and among those organizations that experienced a data breach, 43% reported security incidents involving shadow AI, a significant increase from the previous year. Leaders like Omar Abbosh from Pearson and Nickle LaMoreaux from IBM are calling for a fundamental shift in how we approach work, emphasizing the importance of understanding specific tasks and skills rather than viewing jobs as a whole.

(UPDATED October 14, 2026 05:59 UTC)

A new report from IBM reveals that 43% of organizations surveyed experienced security incidents involving shadow AI, a significant increase from just 20% the previous year. Additionally, about one in three respondents admitted to using shadow AI within their companies. In an interesting approach, one organization hosted an AI amnesty month, allowing employees to disclose the tools they were using without fear of repercussions, and found that those utilizing shadow AI were among their top performers.

(UPDATED October 14, 2026 04:05 UTC)

Only five percent of organizations are effectively redesigning work to incorporate AI, while many are simply optimizing their existing structures. Nickle LaMoreaux, senior vice president and chief human resources officer at IBM, emphasized the importance of shifting our focus from entire jobs to the specific tasks and skills involved, warning that failing to redesign jobs could lead to falling behind in today's fast-paced environment. Meanwhile, companies like ServiceNow and IBM are taking steps to adapt, with ServiceNow implementing a structured process for its AI HR operating model and IBM utilizing an “X-Ray” framework to foster an AI-native mindset centered on employee needs.

(UPDATED October 13, 2026 21:03 UTC)

Only five percent of organizations are effectively redesigning work to incorporate AI, while many others are simply optimizing existing structures. Successful companies are asking the right questions about how work should evolve, with IBM's Nickle LaMoreaux emphasizing the need to focus on tasks and skills rather than the job as a whole. Meanwhile, ServiceNow has transitioned from scattered pilots to a structured AI HR operating model, with Pearson's Omar Abbosh highlighting the importance of rewiring occupations and understanding the collaboration between agents and people.

(UPDATED October 13, 2026 20:03 UTC)

Jacqui Canney, Becky Schmitt, Omar Abbosh, and Nickle LaMoreaux are among the leaders at major organizations like ServiceNow, PepsiCo, Pearson, and IBM, where only 5% of companies are effectively redesigning work to incorporate AI. As AI adoption rises, many employees remain unaware of their organization's AI strategies, highlighting the need for a strong people strategy to drive real transformation. Looking ahead to 2031, the fastest-growing technical skills will be linked to data quality, software development, analytics, and AI, emphasizing the importance of aligning workforce development with technological advancements.