People will decide AI success for data leaders, analysts say

Adam Ronthal, VP analyst at Gartner, said D&A leaders should start focusing on skills with respect to AI.

“D&A leaders will get value from their investments in developing their workforce,” Ronthal said in a statement.

“By focusing on skills, mindset, and behavioural change, they can unlock both individual and collective potential. This will increase employee engagement and productivity, making their organisation more adaptive to change. Ultimately, this provides a return on individuals.”

According to Gartner, this people-focused pillar of AI transformation requires substantial and deliberate investment in change management. 

Analysts said D&A leaders should also prioritise “mindset and skillset over toolset,” the creation of “fusion teams” that blend human and artificial intelligence in day-to-day operations, as well as address employee concerns with a skills-development roadmap.