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AI as a Decision-Maker: How Much Control Should Leaders Give Up?

  • Writer: Andreas Deptolla
    Andreas Deptolla
  • Mar 19
  • 2 min read

AI is No Longer Just a Tool—It’s Making Business Decisions

Artificial intelligence has moved beyond simple automation. It is not just assisting businesses; it is actively making decisions that shape strategy, operations, and leadership. The big question: Are organizations ready to let AI take control?

In the latest episode of Born and Kepler, Prof. Evgeny Kaganer from IESE Business School explores the impact of AI on leadership, decision-making, and corporate transformation. From AI-powered decision-making to executive education in an AI-driven world, this episode uncovers the challenges and opportunities leaders must navigate.

From Assistance to Decision-Making: AI’s New Role in Business

For years, AI has been used for analytics and automation, helping leaders make data-driven decisions. But today, AI is doing much more.

  • AI is predicting market trends before executives even realize them.

  • AI is automating hiring decisions, selecting the best candidates based on massive data sets.

  • AI is adjusting pricing strategies in real time, optimizing revenue without human input.

This shift is forcing leaders to rethink their role in decision-making. If AI can handle complex business choices faster and more accurately, where does that leave the CEO, executives, and managers?

The CEO’s Dilemma: How Much Control Should AI Have?

Leaders are now faced with a dilemma: How much decision-making power should be handed over to AI?

  • AI can process massive amounts of data in seconds—but can it understand the full context?

  • AI can suggest optimal strategies—but who is accountable if they fail?

  • AI can streamline decision-making—but does it remove human intuition and creativity from leadership?

Many executives are caught between embracing AI’s capabilities and maintaining control over critical business decisions. As Prof. Kaganer explains, leaders must redefine their role—not as sole decision-makers, but as AI-augmented strategists.

Why Most Companies Struggle with AI Adoption

Despite AI’s potential, many organizations fail to integrate AI into their decision-making processes effectively. Here’s why:

  • Lack of AI literacy – Many executives do not fully understand AI, leading to poor implementation strategies.

  • Over-reliance on AI – Some companies blindly trust AI without questioning biases or limitations.

  • Resistance to change – Employees and leaders fear job displacement, slowing down adoption.

For AI to succeed in business, organizations must find the right balance between automation and human oversight.

The Future of Executive Education in an AI World

AI is not just changing business—it is also transforming how executives are trained. Traditional MBA and executive education programs must evolve to prepare leaders for AI-driven decision-making.

  • AI-powered learning models are enabling personalized leadership training.

  • Simulations with AI agents help executives practice AI-driven decision-making in real time.

  • AI literacy courses are becoming essential for leaders who want to stay ahead.

Business schools like IESE are already adapting their programs to reflect this new reality.

The AI Leadership Challenge: Are Businesses Ready?

AI is here to stay, but how companies use it will define the future of leadership.

Will AI become the ultimate business strategist, or do human leaders still hold the key to success?

As AI continues to evolve, companies must make a critical choice: embrace AI as a partner in decision-making—or risk falling behind.

Listen to the full episode of Born and Kepler with Prof. Evgeny Kaganer here:


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