As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes industries at unprecedented speed, boards are faced with the challenge of guiding their organizations through significant technology and workforce transitions. In this environment, modern CHROs have become essential strategic partners who connect the dots between what AI can do and how companies can effectively leverage it faster, better, and smarter. CHROs play a key role in guiding the adoption of AI, while serving as trusted advisors to help boards understand how AI will impact the organization's capabilities, culture, risk, and long-term competitiveness.
AI is a critical competitive necessity that, if implemented properly, can drive productivity, scalability, and innovation. In a recent survey of our members, nearly half said implementing AI is a top priority for their organization right now.
AI raises strategic, ethical, and operational issues. CHROs provide critical leadership to help boards differentiate between AI initiatives that drive real business value and those that are impressive but lack internal viability. CHROs can also help directors understand which decisions require board-level judgment, such as major reorganizations or ethical guardrails, and which decisions are best addressed by management. Their insights enable boards to establish a clear oversight framework early on, reduce risk and improve alignment with corporate strategy.
As AI disrupts work, CHROs will play a central role in balancing innovation and responsibility. AI has the potential to streamline operations and increase productivity, but it also has the potential to eliminate large numbers of jobs. The question is not whether employees will change, but whether companies will respond to that change strategically or reactively. At the same time, organizations face an urgent need to reskill and upskill their current workforce for new AI-enabled roles and incorporate learning into their workforce strategies. Our research shows that CHROs cite measuring ROI and building new workforce skills as immediate challenges to AI success.
CHROs can help boards understand these complementary pressures, allowing companies to create thoughtful approaches to workforce transformation designed to drive acceptance and adoption. This includes assessing talent gaps, anticipating tasks and roles that are likely to be automated or enhanced, and designing reskilling pathways that position the company for growth while preserving organizational knowledge. By working closely with the CHRO, boards can make more informed decisions about the pace and scale of AI adoption.
Given the speed at which AI is advancing, boards will also need to quickly build their own fluency with the technology. CHROs can accelerate this learning curve by developing an ongoing “AI bootcamp” tailored specifically for directors. These immersive sessions allow board members to quickly understand evolving AI capabilities, regulatory trends, competitive trends, ethical considerations, use cases, and potential risk scenarios. By grounding board understanding in timely, practical business-relevant content, CHROs help directors ask sharper questions, provide more effective oversight, and approach AI-related strategic planning with confidence.
Ultimately, the CHRO's involvement will ensure that AI adoption is ingrained in the human capital strategy and values of the organization. As boards explore AI investments, assess risks, and monitor progress, CHROs can provide data-driven insights into employee sentiment, culture, and development. Their advisors help directors anticipate employee challenges before they occur, build trust with stakeholders, and guide organizations toward sustainable, human-centered innovation.
By working closely with CHROs, boards can play an informed and active role in unlocking the potential of AI while protecting the integrity of their people and their organizations. In an era characterized by rapid technological change, this partnership is essential for long-term success.
