Through this article, Pedro Simon Romero Canovas, Corporate CIO at Grupo Farma, explores the evolving role of Chief Information Officers in the age of AI. He argues that while AI can automate tasks and provide valuable insights, it cannot replace a CIO's strategic vision, leadership and decision-making skills. Pedro envisions the future CIO as a "supercharged" leader who leverages AI to drive innovation, enhance processes and lead ethically while adapting to technological advancements and fostering a culture of continuous learning.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the world, sparking much debate about its impact on jobs. The tech sector isn't immune to its allure (or threats, depending on who you ask). Are we indeed witnessing the twilight of the CIO? Will a super-intelligent machine take the reins of our IT departments? Should CIOs start preparing for retirement in the face of this potentially dystopian new reality?

Not so fast.

AI can automate tasks, analyze data at lightning speed and even provide complex strategic recommendations. For instance, AI can handle routine tasks like password management or system monitoring, freeing CIOs to focus on more strategic matters. It can also analyze vast amounts of customer data to identify patterns and trends, providing valuable insights for decision-making.

But can it replace a flesh-and-blood CIO?

The short answer is no. The long answer is that it depends on how we use it.

AI is a powerful tool, but it's not a substitute for the strategic vision, leadership and ability to make tough decisions that characterize a good CIO. Take the implementation of a new ERP system, for example. AI can help analyze data and identify the best options. Still, the final decision of which system to choose and how to implement it rests with the CIO, who considers factors like culture, business goals and potential risks.

"AI is not a substitute for the strategic vision, leadership and decision-making ability of a good CIO. Rather, it's a powerful tool that can help CIOs evolve into 'supercharged' leaders, leveraging technology to drive innovation and optimize processes."

Think of AI as a luxury co-pilot: it can help us navigate the complex world of technology, but it will never take the wheel. AI can process incredible amounts of data and offer valuable insights. Still, it can't understand the intricacies of business or empathize with the needs of customers and employees like a CIO can.

Instead of viewing AI as a threat, CIOs should see it as an opportunity to evolve and become even more valuable leaders within their organizations. The CIO's actual value lies in their leadership ability, a human factor that AI cannot replicate.

The CIO of the future (which, by the way, is already here!) will be a "supercharged CIO," an expert in leveraging AI to drive innovation, optimize processes and make smarter decisions. They will be able to identify areas where AI can have the most significant impact, such as automating customer service processes or personalizing marketing offers and design strategies for their effective implementation.

But it's not just about knowing how to use AI. The supercharged CIO will also need to be a master strategist, an exceptional communicator, a knowledgeable industry insider and a leader capable of inspiring their team in times of change like the ones we're experiencing. They must explain AI's benefits to stakeholders, such as cost reduction or improved customer experience, manage expectations and lead the transition to a more collaborative work model between humans and machines. The CIO will need to foster a culture of continuous learning and adaptability, where they and their team are willing to acquire new skills and challenge their assumptions.

The CIO must provide ethical guidance in applying AI. Using AI responsibly, transparently, and equitably is crucial to avoiding discrimination, safeguarding personal data, establishing ethical principles for using AI within the organization and communicating these principles to all employees.

Instead of fearing AI, CIOs should see it as a golden opportunity to reinvent themselves by investing in their training and development, learning about the latest AI trends and how to apply them to their organizations.

Those who dare to embrace AI as their co-pilot or sidekick and develop the skills needed to lead in the AI age will survive and thrive. They will be the ones who guide their companies toward a more efficient, innovative and competitive future. A future where collaboration between humans and machines will allow employees to break free from repetitive tasks and focus on more creative and strategic activities, improving productivity and job satisfaction.

AI is not the end of CIOs but the beginning of a new era where they will demonstrate their value as leaders, visionaries and agents of change, propelling their organizations toward a future where technology and humanity work in harmony.

Are you ready to leap?