In 2026, CEOs from Coca-Cola and Walmart stepped down, recognizing the unique leadership demands of the AI era that they could not meet themselves. Unlike these individual transitions, organizations must systematically develop their leadership teams to navigate AI-driven transformations successfully. This article outlines a practical 90-day plan to equip leadership teams with AI fluency and the right mindset.
Days 1-30 focus on assessing the current state of AI understanding and decision-making behaviors among leaders, including a rigorous evaluation of the CEO’s AI engagement. Days 31-60 emphasize development through personalized learning plans, hands-on AI tool usage, scenario-based decision simulations, peer learning, and ensuring leadership evaluation frameworks reflect AI readiness. Days 61-90 embed these gains into the organization’s routines by integrating AI topics in leadership meetings, updating succession plans, educating the board, institutionalizing feedback, and confronting tough personnel decisions.
The path laid out here helps organizations evolve leadership capabilities amid AI’s disruption, ensuring sustained success through honest assessment and strategic development.
