Gartner ThinkCast

Soyeb Barot, Chief of Research for Gartner for Technical Professionals and VP Analyst, shares his insights on the future of computing. He discusses the rapid advancements in AI and quantum computing, and how they will reshape business strategies. Barot emphasizes the importance of proactive leadership in adapting to these changes and the need for organizations to embrace sustainable computing paradigms. The conversation also touches on revolutionary applications of machine learning and the ethical implications of emerging technologies.

Alexandra Earl, VP of Advisory for Gartner's Marketing and Communications Practice, emphasizes the pivotal role of managers in fostering employee trust and engagement. She introduces the four C's of Manager Communication Competencies: Championing, Coaching, Conversing, and Connecting. Alexandra explains how contextualizing information helps teams relate strategy to their work and offers practical self-assessment steps for managers. Discover how strong manager-employee relationships can enhance collaboration and retention in a rapidly changing workplace.

Dan Gottlieb, VP Analyst at Gartner, introduces the 'Great Sales Awakening'—a vital shift in how sales leaders must adapt in the age of AI. He discusses the declining effectiveness of traditional sales playbooks and the rise of agentic AI as a game-changer in account planning. Gottlieb emphasizes the need for AI literacy among leaders and outlines critical strategies for navigating quota pressures and leveraging AI for revenue growth. Tune in for insights on becoming a forward-thinking leader in this dynamic landscape.

Mary Mesaglio, a Gartner Distinguished VP Analyst, and Tina Nunno, a Gartner Fellow specializing in leadership styles, join the conversation to guide new executives. They reveal that 39% of new leaders struggle due to the 'triple constraint' of time, information, and relationships. Mesaglio introduces the Executive FastStart™ tool, designed to help executives achieve early wins. Nunno discusses her framework of four political leadership styles essential for navigating organizational dynamics, equipping leaders to assess and adapt in their new roles.

Daryl Plummer, a Distinguished VP Analyst at Gartner, shares his expertise on the rise of guardian agents—novel AI systems designed to oversee other AI technologies. He discusses their critical role in ensuring AI behavior remains safe and reliable as AI agents proliferate. The conversation dives into frameworks for deploying these agents and highlights the evolving complexity of their protective functions. Plummer emphasizes the necessity for organizations to engage with guardian agents to maintain quality control and enhance human-AI collaboration.

Gareth Herschel, VP Analyst at Gartner and expert in data and analytics, shares insights on navigating the complexities of AI in data initiatives. He emphasizes the crucial role of trust in both AI and data for success, alongside innovative governance strategies that enhance creative freedom. Herschel discusses measuring value beyond just ROI, highlighting the concept of 'return on the future.' Plus, discover how effective storytelling can bridge analytics with tangible business impact, making data more relatable and actionable.

Discover how agentic AI is revolutionizing productivity and collaboration in the workplace. Learn about the critical rise of AI governance platforms that ensure ethical responsibility and enterprise trust. Explore the increasing need for disinformation security tools to tackle deepfakes effectively. Unpack strategies to avoid pitfalls like ethics washing and shadow IT, as responsible innovation becomes essential in this fast-paced tech landscape. Stay ahead of the curve as we approach 2026 trends!

Chris Howard, Gartner's Chief of Research, dives into the intriguing world of AI hallucinations. He explains what these hallucinations reveal about machine cognition and their implications for business decisions. The discussion highlights how multiagent systems can revolutionize healthcare diagnostics by enabling collaborative solutions. Howard also explores physics-informed neural networks, showcasing their potential to align AI predictions with real-world laws. Surprisingly, he suggests that hallucinations could actually offer innovative perspectives to problem-solving.

Jessie Knight, VP of Research at Gartner and a leading voice in HR and the future of work, shares insights on navigating the changing landscape of the workplace. She discusses how AI is reshaping talent strategies and the critical need for HR to foster guided collaboration. Jessie reveals the importance of a human-first approach and nudge technology in enhancing teamwork and addressing performance gaps. With a focus on adapting to evolving employee expectations, she highlights how innovation can future-proof workforces in this new era.

Explore how generative AI initiatives can truly drive business value beyond just speed. Discover the concept of productivity leakage and why it can skew perceptions of success. Learn about the different dimensions of productivity and why they vary across employees. The discussion emphasizes the importance of matching GenAI use cases with employee experiences to optimize effectiveness. Tune in for strategies on prioritization and minimizing bottlenecks in your organization!