Gartner ThinkCast

Disinformation isn't just a societal problem anymore — it's an enterprise risk with real operational, financial and reputational consequences. And as AI supercharges the volume, speed and precision of misleading content, leaders are suddenly facing a new kind of threat: one that can't be contained by traditional cybersecurity alone. Distinguished VP Analyst and Gartner Fellow Dave Aron joins us to unpack why organizations must prepare for a "world without truth" — and why building an enterprise-wide discipline called TrustOps is the next essential capability for leaders across the C-suite.   You'll learn: Why disinformation is exploding into a trillion‑dollar risk How industrial disinformation works Why cybersecurity can't handle modern misinformation The top 90‑day moves leaders must make to protect brand trust How a Trust Council becomes your frontline defense   Dig deeper: Buy the book, "World Without Truth" Attend a Gartner CIO Conference near you Try out AskGartner for more AI-powered insights See why Gartner is the world authority on AI  

AI is accelerating faster than most IT organizations can keep up, and I&O leaders are feeling the impact. In this episode, Gartner experts Autumn Stanish and Paul Delory break down what AI's rapid rise really means for IT operations, and why doing nothing is no longer an option. Drawing from their Opening Keynote presented at Gartner IT Infrastructure, Operations & Cloud Strategies Conference, Autumn and Paul reveal the risks, realities and opportunities behind AI agents — and the urgent changes I&O teams must make to stay in front of the business instead of falling behind it. Tune in to discover: The growing risk of "AI agent sprawl" and how to prevent it Why outdated operating models make I&O the bottleneck for AI adoption How continuous operations creates the guardrails needed for safe, scalable AI The roadmap that prepares your infrastructure for AI agents today   Dig deeper: Download the I&O Leadership Roadmap Attend a Gartner I&O Conference near you Try out AskGartner for more AI-powered insights See how Gartner is the world authority on AI  

Board presentations are high‑stakes, and most CIOs are still missing the mark. In this episode, Gartner expert Tina Nunno reveals why board members remain uncertain about the value of tech investments, and how CIOs can flip the script with a sharper, simpler, shareholder‑value‑first narrative. Pulled from her recent webinar on board presentation prep, Tina breaks down how to align every message to what boards actually care about, cut rework across your team, and deliver a value story compelling enough to earn trust — and investment. Tune in to discover: Why 76% of board members lack confidence in current IT investments The value framework CIOs can use to link tech investments directly to business outcomes Ways to streamline prep time while improving clarity, credibility and impact How to communicate risk, ROI and innovation without overwhelming the board   Dig deeper: Watch the full CIO Board Presentation Prep webinar Try out AskGartner for more AI-powered insights See how Gartner is the world authority on AI  

CEOs are entering 2026 under intense pressure. Turbulent markets, geopolitical shifts and the accelerating impact of AI have created a series of "wicked messes" that demand new leadership playbooks. In this episode, Distinguished VP Analyst Don Scheibenreif breaks down Gartner's CEO Agenda for 2026 and what it means for CIOs navigating the same uncertainty. Drawing from his presentation at Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo, Don reveals how CEO priorities are shifting — from managing turmoil‑driven growth to solving the AI value conundrum — and where CIOs can step in with clarity, direction and strategic influence.   Tune in to discover: Why CEO confidence is wavering and the forces driving it How geopolitical factors are reshaping markets, supply chains and tech choices Where CEOs see expansion opportunities despite economic instability Why AI's promise is clear, but its value remains hard to capture How sovereignty, infrastructure and regulation are redefining the AI landscape   Dig deeper: Watch the Leadership Vision for Tech CEOs webinar Attend a Gartner CIO Conference near you Try out AskGartner for more AI-powered insights See how Gartner is the world authority on AI  

The future rarely arrives quietly. Disruptions — both anticipated and unexpected — are already reshaping the technology landscape, and CIOs need to be ready before they hit. In a preview of his presentation from Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo, Distinguished VP Analyst and Gartner Fellow Daryl Plummer explores the pivotal disruptions that could accelerate change faster than most leaders realize. These insights go beyond prediction; they're a roadmap for recognizing, prioritizing and responding to forces that will redefine IT strategy and business value in the years ahead.   Tune in to discover: How AI and human behavior are colliding Why AI‑free trust and certification will matter How AI sovereignty is shifting global power What AI agents mean for the future of work Which technologies could transform entire markets How to spot disruption before it accelerates   Dig deeper: Become a client to see the full list of disruptions Attend a Gartner CIO Conference near you Try out AskGartner for more AI-powered insights See how Gartner is the world authority on AI  

Although AI is everywhere, most initiatives aren't moving the needle on growth or cost. That's why HR leaders have a new mandate — stop focusing only on the workforce and start redesigning the work itself. In a preview of their Opening Keynote from Gartner HR Symposium/Xpo, Gartner experts Harsh Kundulli and Katie Sutherland reveal how HR can lead the way in three major shifts in work: augment to make existing work better; reengineer to redesign workflows and functions; and invent to create new AI-based ways of working.   Discover how to: Rethink work to drive growth and cost optimization Understand the three types of work change: augment, reengineer, invent Turn employees into AI value creators with guided adoption Build strong CHRO–CIO partnerships to unlock AI's potential Equip leaders to lead through AI transformation with practical tools   Dig deeper: Register for the Future of Work Trends live webinar Join us at a Gartner HR Conference near you Download the full 9 Future of Work Trends for 2026 See how Gartner is the world authority on AI  

AI-driven layoffs are making headlines, but is AI really the main culprit? Or is the story more complex? As organizations enter 2026, leaders face rising performance expectations, cultural strain, and mounting pressure to deliver productivity gains that rarely materialize. What does this mean for the future of work? In this episode of Gartner ThinkCast, host Alexis Wierenga talks with Gartner expert Emily Rose McRae to break down Gartner's Future of Work Trends for 2026. From the truth behind AI-related workforce reductions, to the hidden risks of AI "workslop" and the growing importance of mental fitness, Emily Rose shares actionable insights for HR leaders, CIOs and executives navigating an AI-enabled workplace.   You'll learn: Why most AI-driven layoffs aren't what they seem How "workslop" creates a hidden productivity drain in organizations Why leaders aren't seeing expected productivity gains Why performance pressure is rising and how to protect culture The critical role of mental fitness in an AI-first world   Dig deeper: Download the full 9 Future of Work Trends for 2026 Register for the Future of Work Trends live webinar Join us at a Gartner HR Conference near you See how Gartner is the world authority on AI

As CIOs enter 2026, the pressure is on: Budgets are flat, headcount is tight, and yet expectations for growth, innovation, and AI adoption are soaring. How can technology leaders deliver impact when resources are constrained and the pace of change is relentless? In this episode of Gartner ThinkCast, Gartner expert Chris Howard walks through the latest CIO Agenda survey results for 2026, as debuted at Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo. From navigating geopolitical vendor risk to shifting planning cycles and driving financial impact beyond productivity, Chris shares actionable insights for CIOs looking to lead with agility, manage risk strategically, and push through uncertainty with tenacity.   Tune in to discover: Why agility, risk and tenacity are the defining traits of successful CIOs in 2026 How to pivot from annual planning to dynamic reprioritization Why rethinking your vendor mix is critical amid rising digital sovereignty How to move beyond productivity gains to deliver measurable financial impact What AI adoption means for talent strategies and organizational resilience   Dig deeper: Download more insights from the CIO Agenda for 2026 Join us at a Gartner CIO Conference near you See how Gartner is the world authority on AI  

As we close out the year, we're bringing you some of 2025's standout ThinkCast episodes. Today's episode, originally released in April, explores how leaders can scale AI using Gartner's "AI tech sandwich": In this episode of Gartner ThinkCast, we tackle one of the most pressing questions facing executive leaders today: How should organizations approach AI deployment? Gartner Distinguished VP Analyst Whit Andrews joins host Karen Stokes Lockhart to help answer whether leaders should build, buy or blend when approaching their AI integration, while further exploring Gartner's "AI technology sandwich" framework. Tune in to hear Whit and Karen discuss the multiple layers of enterprise AI, including embedded AI, bring-your-own AI and the critical governance decisions that support a responsible, scalable foundation for IT and tech leaders navigating a complex AI landscape. Dig Deeper: Download the guide to Deploying AI in Your Organization Register to attend a Gartner CIO Conference near you

As we close out the year, we're bringing you some of 2025's standout ThinkCast episodes. Today's episode, originally released in May, dives into the rapid emergence of machine customers and how AI agents are transforming customer experience looks:   In this episode of Gartner ThinkCast, we explore what customer experience looks like today — a world where your most valuable customers might not even be human. Gartner Distinguished VP Analyst Don Scheibenreif joins host Alexis Wierenga to unpack how CEO perceptions, AI agents and machine customers are reshaping CX strategy. Drawing from Gartner's latest CEO research, Don shares critical insights on the shift in customer expectations, the rapid emergence of autonomous buyers and the emotional impact of AI adoption. Whether you're designing for humans, machines or both, this episode offers a roadmap for getting customer experience right in an AI-first future.   Tune in to discover: Why CEOs may not know their customers as well as they think What machine customers are and why they matter now The key blind spots in AI-driven CX strategies How to balance automation and humanity to create trust   Dig deeper: Attend a Gartner Conference near you Watch more insights on When Machines Become Customers Watch the full conversation on YouTube

AI is transforming faster than leaders can rewrite their strategies, and staying ahead requires a new kind of clarity. So how do you move beyond experimentation and hype to build AI that truly delivers business value? In this episode of Gartner ThinkCast, Gartner Director Analyst Deepak Seth joins to explore what's next in AI implementation, including what comes after AI agents. He'll break down where AI really sits on the Gartner Hype Cycle today, why organizations struggle to operationalize new capabilities, and how leaders can stay grounded while still planning for a rapidly shifting future.   Tune in to discover: How to overcome the most common implementation pitfalls Why value from AI is a journey, not an overnight return How to make forward-looking decisions without falling into "wait and see" paralysis Why AI agents won't define the long-term future of enterprise AI What bold predictions could reshape the next decade   Dig deeper: Explore the CIO Agenda for 2026 Try out AskGartner for more trusted insights Become a client to read more about distributed human computing and other future-looking insights

As disruption accelerates and AI becomes indispensable, CIOs and technology leaders face a critical question: How do you harness innovation without losing control? In this episode of Gartner ThinkCast, Gartner experts Gene Alvarez and Tori Paulman walk through the Top Strategic Technology Trends for 2026, as debuted at Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo. They explore why the pace of change is faster than ever, and how three new "innovation superheroes" — the Architect, the Synthesist, and the Vanguard — can help organizations build resilience, orchestrate intelligent systems and safeguard digital trust.   Tune in to discover: Why 2026 marks the end of "optional AI," and what that means for your strategy How AI-native development platforms and supercomputing will transform productivity Why multiagent systems and domain-specific language models are key to reducing complexity How physical AI bridges the digital and physical worlds Why preemptive cybersecurity and digital provenance are essential for enterprise protection   Dig deeper: Download the full Top Strategic Technology Trends for 2026 Join us at a Gartner CIO Conference near you Become a client to try out AskGartner for more trusted insights

As generative AI moves from novelty to necessity, its most profound impact isn't in incremental efficiency — it's in the shockwaves that ripple across industries. These disruptions challenge pricing models, rewrite competitive dynamics and even blur the boundaries between entire sectors. So how do you prepare to create — or counter — these seismic shifts? In this episode of Gartner ThinkCast, Gartner Distinguished VP Analyst Hung LeHong explores the concept of AI shockwaves: what they are, why they matter more than productivity gains, and how organizations can anticipate and harness them.   Tune in to discover: Why first-order AI effects aren't enough to drive true disruption How shockwaves emerge and the three levels of impact to watch What it takes to move from cost savings to market-changing innovation Why only 1 in 50 organizations succeed in creating disruption   Dig deeper: Learn more about AI shockwaves Register to watch the full webinar Become a client to try out AskGartner for more trusted insights

As AI capabilities surge ahead, human readiness is struggling to keep pace — and that imbalance could derail your path to real value. So how can CIOs and IT leaders navigate this gap and avoid costly missteps? In this episode of Gartner ThinkCast, you'll hear the first 20 minutes of the Opening Keynote from Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo 2025, straight from the stage in Orlando. Gartner experts Alicia Mullery and Daryl Plummer reveal why the odds of achieving AI ROI remain stubbornly low, and what leaders must do to walk the "golden path" toward sustainable outcomes. Tune in to discover: Why human readiness is the biggest obstacle to AI success How to plan for the hidden "transition mortgage" behind AI costs Why conversational agents aren't enough How to handle vendor selection in the era of digital nation states Why a value remix strategy can unlock growth without workforce chaos   Dig deeper: Download the Opening Keynote takeaways on AI readiness Join us at a Gartner CIO Conference near you Become a client to try out AskGartner for more trusted insights

Leadership won't get any easier in 2026. Geopolitical volatility, accelerating AI disruption and workforce identity shifts are creating unprecedented challenges for IT leaders. So how can you prepare? In this mini episode of ThinkCast, recorded at Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo in Orlando, Gartner Distinguished VP Analyst Mary Mesaglio sums up the insights from her dozens of onsite conversations with CIOs and top IT leaders. In just four minutes, she breaks down the four challenges shaping IT leadership into 2026, and offers practical strategies to navigate uncertainty with confidence. Tune in to discover: The 4 challenges redefining IT leadership in 2026 Why optionality matters for decision-making in volatile times How AI vendor races complicate long-term technology bets Why identity threats demand a new leadership approach Dig deeper: Download the Opening Keynote takeaways Join us at a Gartner CIO Conference near you Become a client to try out AskGartner for more trusted insights

As economic volatility, cost pressure and technological acceleration reshape the finance landscape, CFOs are facing a pivotal identity shift. The instinct to protect the enterprise through tighter controls may no longer serve the moment. So what does it take to lead with resilience and unlock growth? In this episode of ThinkCast, Gartner experts Clement Christensen and Mallory Bulman revisit their Opening Keynote from the Gartner Finance Symposium/Xpo. They introduce the "Catalyst CFO" — a new leadership identity designed for disruption — and explore the eight forces reshaping finance, from AI-enabled decision-making to discontinuous regulatory change. Tune in to discover: Why the "guardian" CFO mindset may be holding your organization back The eight forces transforming finance and how to respond How AI agents are changing the nature of financial decision-making Why identity is the most underutilized leadership tool What Catalyst CFOs do differently to drive agility, innovation, and growth   Dig deeper: Download the Gartner CFO Report Join us at a Gartner Finance Conference near you Become a client to try out AskGartner for more trusted insights

As AI capabilities accelerate faster than many organizations can adapt, CIOs are being challenged to balance ambition with readiness. So how can leaders walk the "golden path" to real, sustainable value? In this episode of ThinkCast, Gartner experts Alicia Mullery and Daryl Plummer break down their Opening Keynote from Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo, and explore how to align both AI readiness and human readiness to capture meaningful outcomes. They discuss why many AI initiatives struggle to achieve ROI, how to measure "good enough" accuracy, and what it means to scale AI maturity without leaving your workforce behind. Tune in to discover: Why only 1 in 5 AI initiatives see real return — and how to change the odds How to use the Gartner Positioning System to evaluate readiness The difference between conversational agents and autonomous decision-making agents Why a value remix may be more effective than workforce reduction How aligning tech readiness and human capability unlocks "shockwave" innovation   Dig deeper: Download the Opening Keynote takeaways on AI readiness Join us at a Gartner CIO Conference near you Become a client to try out AskGartner for more trusted insights

As 2026 approaches, AI innovation is accelerating faster than human readiness — so how can CIOs and IT leaders stay ahead? In this episode of Gartner ThinkCast, recorded on site at Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo in Orlando, Florida, Gartner experts Chris Howard and Gene Alvarez share key takeaways from three cornerstone sessions: the Opening Keynote, Top Strategic Technology Trends, and the CIO Agenda. They explore how CIOs can walk the "golden path" to value, balance AI ambition with operational readiness and prepare their teams for a future defined by agility, risk management and tenacity. Tune in to discover: Why heroes are made in the Trough of Disillusionment How CIOs can align human and AI readiness The rise of multiagent systems and domain-specific language models What the Architect, Synthesist and Vanguard roles mean for 2026 strategy Why success depends less on budget and more on resilience, adaptability and trust  Dig deeper: Download the Opening Keynote takeaways on AI readiness Explore Gartner's Top Strategic Technology Trends for 2026 Join us at a Gartner CIO Conference near you Become a client to try out AskGartner for more trusted insights

In this episode of ThinkCast, we're setting the stage for Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo 2025. You'll hear Gartner experts Mary Mesaglio, Hung LeHong, Gene Alvarez and Daryl Plummer revisit the past year's most impactful IT insights to help you prepare for what's next — from navigating two AI races and unlocking deep productivity to understanding agentic AI and the rise of guardian agents. Keep listening for practical guidance on setting your AI pace, managing costs and spotting the disruptions that will define IT strategy in 2026 and beyond. Tune in to discover: Why two AI races matter — and which one you're really in How to find "deep productivity zones" for GenAI success Why neophilia and change champions accelerate adoption What agentic AI means for automation beyond RPA How guardian agents will transform security and oversight Dig deeper: Buy tickets to Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo Become a client to try out AskGartner for more trusted insights

In this episode of ThinkCast, we continue last week's discussion around AI value with a question many enterprise leaders still face: Why has increased productivity from GenAI initiatives not led to more value from AI overall?   Gartner Senior Director Analyst Nate Suda will walk through how productivity does not automatically equal value, and the often-misunderstood link between the two. From productivity leakage and task-level blindspots to bottlenecks, prioritization strategies and use case misfires, Suda delivers a clear framework for where to focus — and who to focus on — to get the most out of GenAI.   Tune in to discover: Why productivity does not equal value What productivity leakage looks like and how to stop it How to match GenAI use cases to employee experience Four ways to define productivity beyond just speed or time saved This episode originally aired July 15, 2025.   Dig Deeper: Buy tickets to Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo Register to watch Beyond Productivity: How CIOs Can Cut Costs with Generative AI Read For AI Value, Focus on Your Use Cases