AI outperforms board members in business planning, CEOs say

CEOs are expressing remarkable confidence in AI’s ability to match or exceed human executive performance in strategic planning and decision-making. According to a recent Dataiku survey, an overwhelming 94% of chief executives believe an AI agent could provide advice comparable to or better than human board members, while 89% think AI could develop superior strategic plans compared to their executive teams. This confidence in artificial intelligence reflects both its rapid advancement and changing perceptions about the technology’s role in corporate leadership functions.

The big picture: CEOs appear ready to delegate traditionally human leadership responsibilities to AI, though experts remain divided on whether the technology is truly ready for such strategic roles.

• A striking 94% of CEOs believe AI agents could provide similar or better advice than human board members, while 89% think AI could develop better strategic plans than executive team members.
• Nearly three-quarters of surveyed CEOs express concern about losing their jobs within two years if they fail to deliver measurable AI results.

Behind the numbers: Florian Douetteau, Dataiku’s CEO and co-founder, suggests several factors explain these high confidence levels in AI.

• In many organizations, at least one executive team member may not excel at strategic planning, potentially giving AI an advantage in certain comparisons.
• AI’s ability to present information in easily digestible formats like bullet points aligns with how many CEOs prefer to receive information, even if the content lacks innovative insights.

What experts are saying: Industry leaders offer contrasting perspectives on AI’s readiness to assume high-level strategic functions.

• Ahsan Shah of Billtrust argues that AI lacks the understanding of company culture, relationships, and competition necessary for true strategic planning: “AI doesn’t know your exact business problem.”
• Keith Bigelow of Visier likens AI agents to new employees, stating they “require material training and coaching” and that off-the-shelf solutions would lack critical company context.
• ISG’s Steve Hall sees significant potential, noting AI’s “tremendous impact in the ability to” process the multiple signals from markets, internal dynamics, and customers that inform strategy development.

The current reality: Despite CEO enthusiasm, AI’s optimal role currently appears to be augmenting human capabilities rather than replacing executives.

• Douetteau emphasizes that AI’s current sweet spot lies in assisting employees and executives, not replacing them.
• The survey findings suggest competitive pressure to integrate AI meaningfully, as Douetteau warns professionals at all levels must use AI to “elevate our work” or risk falling behind colleagues who do.