AI Needs People: Why CIOs Are Rethinking the Productivity Play

Many companies cut talent in pursuit of AI value. Now they're discovering what was lost in the process.

In this episode, we explore a shift taking place in organizations' AI journeys: after an initial rush to pursue productivity gains and cost savings, many leaders are rediscovering that human expertise is essential to realizing AI's full value. Gartner Senior Executive Partner Denise McCurdy joins us to share what she's hearing directly from CIOs as they navigate mounting pressure to deliver AI outcomes, implement agentic AI and prepare for new operating models — all while preserving the people, knowledge and relationships that drive lasting transformation.

 

You'll learn:

• Why productivity gains alone rarely create lasting AI value
• The difference between "blue money" and "green money" outcomes
• How organizations are rehiring talent they initially replaced
• Why CIOs must deepen collaboration with CFOs and business leaders

 

Dig deeper:

• Download the 1H 2026 Gartner CIO Report
• Attend a Gartner CIO Conference near you
• See why Gartner is the world authority on AI