CEO GenAI Playbook

The Generative AI Polymath Playbook for CEOs

By David H. Deans

New dynamic leadership is becoming an increasingly valuable asset for organizations seeking to leverage the power of Generative AI (GenAI) for sustainable digital growth and strategic advantage.

This playbook outlines a recommended approach for CEOs to integrate a new GenAI Polymath into their organization during the first 90 days of their assignment. It is structured around three key phases:

Phase 1: Onboarding (Days 1-30)

Objective: Facilitate a smooth transition for the GenAI Polymath and equip them with the necessary foundational goals, objectives, and leadership agenda knowledge to begin contributing effectively.

• Key Activities:

  • Welcome and introductions: Organize a company-wide welcome to introduce your choice for a new GenAI Polymath executive and their essential strategic development role.

  • Immersion program: Design a tailored program that provides the GenAI Polymath with a comprehensive understanding of the organization's business, culture, and strategic goals. This journey may include:

  • Company history and mission

  • Key products and services

  • Organizational structure and leadership

  • Current industry outlook and competitive landscape

  • Existing AI innovation initiatives and key challenges

• Mentorship: Assign a senior leader to mentor the GenAI Polymath, providing guidance and support throughout their onboarding journey.

• Networking: Facilitate introductions with key stakeholders across different departments (e.g., IT, finance, marketing, sales, operations) to foster collaboration and build relationships.

• Skills assessment: Conduct an assessment to identify the GenAI Polymath's current strengths, weaknesses, and areas for further development required to achieve the desired business outcome.

Phase 2: Integration (Days 31-60)

Objective: Enable the GenAI Polymath to begin applying their expertise to address specific business challenges and strategic growth opportunities.

• Key Activities:

  • Project assignment: Assign the GenAI Polymath to an initial high-impact project that leverages their unique skillset. This project should be clearly defined, have measurable goals, and align with the organization's strategic priorities.

  • Team formation: Create a cross-functional team to support the GenAI Polymath in project execution. This team should include members from IT, business, and other relevant departments.

  • Training and development: Provide the GenAI Polymath with access to training resources and opportunities to customize their technical and business acumen. This may include:

    • Training on your specific GenAI models and tools

    • Industry-specific workshops and conferences

    • Your leadership development programs

• Progress monitoring: Regularly monitor the progress of the assigned project and provide feedback to the GenAI Polymath and the assigned members of the cross-function project team.

Phase 3: Acceleration (Days 61-90)

Objective: Empower the GenAI Polymath to take ownership of their role and drive strategic GenAI initiatives within the organization.

• Key Activities:

  • Project expansion: Based on the success of the initial project, consider expanding the GenAI Polymath's responsibilities to include additional projects or key initiatives.

  • Thought leadership: Encourage the GenAI Polymath to share their expertise through internal presentations, external blog posts, or participation in relevant industry events.

  • Networking expansion: Facilitate connections with external stakeholders, such as GenAI researchers, venture capitalists, and potential strategic business partners.

  • Performance evaluation: Conduct a formal performance evaluation to assess the GenAI Polymath's contributions and identify areas for continued professional growth.

Conclusion: Pave the Path to Success

By effectively integrating a GenAI Polymath into your organization and providing them with the necessary support and opportunities, you can unlock the transformative potential of Generative AI tools and gain a significant competitive advantage in the specific target industry and overall global marketplace.

That said, first you'll need to answer this key question: can I upskill an existing member of our executive team to effectively fill this important new role, or do I need to recruit new talent? Think through this key decision very carefully. Industry domain knowledge may be equally essential as AI technical skills.

Additional Considerations

• Culture: Fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and openness to new ideas is crucial for GenAI Polymaths to thrive. Make sure that everyone on your leadership team supports this change.

• Data access: Ensure the GenAI Polymath has access to the high-quality IT data they will need to train and develop effective GenAI models. Be prepared to invest in new vector database platforms.

• Ethical considerations: Establish clear guidelines and frameworks to ensure the ethical and responsible use of GenAI within the organization. However, don't let them inhibit your plans.

By following these recommendations and tailoring them to the specific needs of your organization, you can empower your chosen GenAI Polymath to become a catalyst for bold digital transformation and achieve predictable and sustainable digital business growth goals.

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