Gartner ThinkCast

Whit Andrews, a Gartner Distinguished VP Analyst specializing in AI strategy, dives into how leaders can effectively deploy AI in their organizations. He discusses the crucial choices of building, buying, or blending AI solutions and introduces Gartner's 'AI technology sandwich' framework. The conversation highlights the importance of embedding AI into existing structures and the governance challenges that arise. Andrews also shares insights on aligning high-end AI experiences with everyday organizational needs and emphasizes starting with smaller AI projects for effective deployment.

Don Scheibenreif, a Distinguished VP Analyst at Gartner who specializes in customer experience and AI, dives into the evolving landscape of customer interactions. He reveals that by 2025, some of the most valuable customers may not be human. With AI agents reshaping buying decisions, CEOs need to bridge the gap between their perceptions and actual customer needs. The balance between automation and genuine human connection is crucial as businesses adapt. Don also highlights the emotional aspects of AI adoption and the importance of executives understanding their changing roles.

Deepak Seth, a Gartner director analyst and AI strategist, dives into the rapid evolution of AI and its real-world implications. He discusses the current state of AI on the Hype Cycle, revealing that organizations often struggle with operationalization due to common pitfalls. Deepak emphasizes the importance of embedding AI in change management for effective adoption and warns against viewing AI agents as the ultimate solution. He also makes bold predictions for the future, including AI-free products and the rise of augmented collective intelligence.

Join Gene Alvarez, a Gartner expert on technology trends and CIO guidance, and Tori Paulman, who specializes in AI infrastructure, as they dive into key tech trends shaping 2026. They introduce the 'innovation superheroes'—the Architect, the Synthesist, and the Vanguard—who will help organizations navigate rapid change. Discover why AI is no longer optional, the impact of supercomputing on productivity, the importance of multi-agent systems, and the role of preemptive cybersecurity in protecting enterprises.

In this engaging discussion, Hung LeHong, a Gartner Distinguished VP Analyst known for his expertise in technology strategy, dives deep into the concept of AI shockwaves. He explains why these disruptions are more significant than mere productivity gains. Hung shares intriguing examples, like how generative AI can transform translation and tutoring markets. He also explores the potential of AI investment bots and the implications for software purchasing. Ultimately, he uncovers the treacherous odds of creating real disruption in today’s business landscape.

Alicia Mullery, a Gartner expert on AI strategies, teams up with Daryl Plummer, a fellow expert specializing in AI accuracy and vendor selection, for a thought-provoking keynote. They explore the crucial gap between human and AI readiness, highlighting that human factors could undermine AI investments. With insights on managing AI costs, the importance of decision-making agents, and strategic vendor choices, they emphasize the need for CIOs to rethink their approach. Their recommendations for a 'value remix' strategy offer a fresh perspective on leveraging AI for growth.

Mary Mesaglio, a Gartner Distinguished VP Analyst, shares her insights on the future challenges for IT leaders based on her discussions at the Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo. She highlights four key challenges: geopolitical volatility, AI vendor races, workforce identity shifts, and the need for strategic flexibility. Mesaglio emphasizes the importance of optionality in decision-making and treating AI's impact on workforce identity as a critical threat, urging leaders to co-create roles to maintain employee engagement.

Clement Christensen and Mallory Bowman, Gartner senior directors, dive into the evolution of the CFO role amidst economic volatility. They reveal the shift from the traditional 'guardian' CFO to the more dynamic 'catalyst' identity. Explore the eight forces reshaping finance, including the rise of AI for decision-making and the impact of low-code technology. They discuss how outdated mindsets can hinder growth and the necessity for finance leaders to embrace change and redefine their identities to drive innovation and agility in this tumultuous landscape.

Join Gartner experts Daryl Plummer and Alicia Mullery as they dive into aligning AI and human readiness. Daryl, a strategist on AI maturity, highlights why only 1 in 5 AI initiatives yield ROI and the necessity of formal accuracy metrics. Alicia discusses using the Gartner Positioning System to assess organizational readiness and debunks fears of mass layoffs, promoting a value remix instead. Together, they reveal how tech and talent alignment can spark transformative innovation and lead to sustainable outcomes in the age of AI.

Chris Howard, Chief of Research at Gartner, and Gene Alvarez, Vice President at Gartner, dive into critical insights for CIOs as we approach 2026. They discuss the urgency for CIOs to balance rapid AI advancements with operational readiness. Key topics include the rise of multi-agent systems, the importance of aligning AI and human capabilities, and the necessary traits for success, like adaptability and resilience. They also highlight how financial constraints may matter less than strategic agility in navigating future technology trends.