A new Deloitte survey on organizational resilience shows business leaders are no longer focused on bouncing back—they’re intent on building forward.
AI and human capital in focus: Two forces top the longer-term C-suite and board emerging trends or potential disruptions agenda for 2026 and beyond: technology and talent.
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Rapid technological advancement/digital disruption and human capital are the #1 and #2 longer-term concerns for business leaders (they are the #3 and #4 near-term concerns through 2025).
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Together, they represent the intersection that will define enterprise resilience in the decade ahead: AI transformation and human capability.
Yes, but: Fewer than two-thirds of executives feel confident their organizations have adequate human capital and technological resources. This gap may not stem from lack of investment, but from uncertainty about what’s needed. That’s where the CHRO becomes a linchpin.
Building the Next Generation of AI Leaders: To help organizations meet this challenge, EgonZehnder has developed a framework to assess AI-related skills and readiness, tailored to each company’s AI strategy. Three distinct archetypes have emerged:
Archetype #1: The AI Industry Shaper
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Who they are: Visionaries who push boundaries, challenge the status quo, and reimagine what AI can do for business and society.
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What it looks like: They build partnerships, identify unseen risks, and inspire organizations to think beyond incremental gains.
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Watch out: They may disengage in environments focused solely on short-term results—these leaders are trailblazers, not scorekeepers.
Archetype #2: The AI Builder
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Who they are: The architects behind the algorithms—driven by innovation and the thrill of creation.
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What it looks like: Builders who design proprietary AI models and attract top-tier technical talent through passion and vision.
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Watch out: In rigid hierarchies, their creative potential can stagnate—builders thrive where experimentation is embraced.
Archetype #3: The AI Transformer
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Who they are: Bridge-builders who translate AI’s potential into business imperatives.
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What it looks like: Skilled communicators fluent in both tech and business, they ensure AI investments deliver real strategic outcomes.
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Watch out: Their cross-functional role requires proximity to the CEO to drive impact at scale.
The bottom line: As AI reshapes industries, resilience will hinge on how organizations reimagine both capability and culture. The future belongs to those who can align their people strategy with their AI ambition. In addition to a clear management vision on AI talent, as the Deloitte survey notes, board composition, a relationship of engagement and challenge between the board and the C-Suite, and promotion of transparency all play important roles.
