A deep dive into AI
Heidrick & Struggles' Insights on Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence is reshaping business models and organizations at a dizzying speed. Most companies are using AI in some capacity, though few senior leaders say their company is using it across most or all of the organization yet. Business leaders are focused on developing practical use cases, from pilots to broad implementations, and they indicate that their companies aren't investing just to keep up with peers: they are measuring success based on their goals, as they would any other investment.
The top barrier to progress is talent: it's still hard for companies to find the AI expertise they need. And, increasingly, we see companies seeking not only expertise in building AI tools, but also in rolling out new AI technology at scale and change management.
Watch this page for our latest actionable insights into AI, drawn from surveys of industry leaders around the world as well as our day-to-day work.
Finding the human core of competitive advantage in the AI era
Our client conversations and research show how leaders’ expectations shape AI adoption, decision-making, and performance and what it takes to make the human side of AI a source of competitive advantage.
Our AI-related podcasts
The human edge in AI-driven investing: A conversation with Arnaud de Servigny, investor, academic, and author
How AI is reshaping legal services: A conversation with Julien Tanguy, CEO of Lefebvre Group
Human-centered leadership in the age of AI: A conversation with Felice Gorordo, CEO of Embark
Building trust in AI systems and AI systems that deserve our trust: A conversation with Miriam Vogel, president and CEO of EqualAI
AI and on-demand talent
From 2026 High-End Independent Talent Report (April 2026)
25%
of all requests for interim talent across business functions are related to digital, data, and AI—highlighting how these priorities are increasingly embedded across functions rather than confined to technology teams.
AI talent on demand: Insights from BTG, a Heidrick & Struggles company
Scaling LLM Inclusivity: AI Language Expansion for a Global Nonprofit
A global nonprofit engaged AI specialists to improve large language model performance across 11 underserved African languages. The work produced scalable methods for improving AI in low-data environments and expanding access to critical digital services.
AI and Machine Learning: How Independent AI Experts Are Helping Companies Get Ahead of Disruption
This article explores four key ways to leverage on-demand talent and practical skills on your AI journey.
More AI resources
Generative AI and other advanced AI models are poised to deliver enormous benefits for companies, but business leaders face multiple hurdles with understanding and implementing them—most notably finding experienced AI talent. On-demand talent is proving to be key for leaders to begin assessing opportunities and developing AI strategies. Learn more and start moving forward on your AI leadership journey.
AI leadership in the media
Here is what Heidrick & Struggles' consultants are talking about.
TechTarget CIO
The AI talent wars explained: What CIOs need to know
CIOs struggle to hire AI talent due to high demand and limited supply. The competition, known as the AI talent wars, drives up salaries and extends hiring timelines.
April 7, 2026
Corporate Board Member
Boards May Need To ‘Build’ Their Own AI-Literate Candidates
The shortage of AI-literate directors is pushing boards to look beyond conventional recruitment and start building a stronger future bench now.
March 19, 2026
The New York Times
Talking A.I. with the C.E.O. of Heidrick & Struggles
From the DealBook newsletter.
February 27, 2026
HBS Managing the Future of Work
Executive recruiting: Tom Monahan on algorithmic power brokers and adaptability
Corner office churn is up as demands multiply. Heidrick & Struggles' CEO explains what CVs leave out and why flexibility and organizational fit matter more as AI and global volatility undercut the predictive power of past performance. Also, AI-enhanced recruiting and lifelong learning.
February 25, 2026
Fast Company
AI for the analog executive
Three ways for late-adopter leaders to overcome the AI learning curve.
February 2, 2026
Meet the team
Chris Bray
Global Managing Partner
Nicholas DeMagistris
Global Lead, Digital Infrastructure
Sarah Driscoll
Global Lead, Technology Services
David Crawford
Regional Managing Partner, APAC & Middle East
Kelly O. Kay
Global Lead, Software & AI
Alexis Hennessy
Partner, Software & AI
Ryan Bulkoski
Global Co-Lead, AI & Technology Officers
Katherine Graham Shannon
Global Co-Lead, AI & Technology Officers
Jeff Otto
Global Lead, Semiconductors
Sam Burman
Global Lead, Frontier Tech