Six Must-Read Leadership and AI Insights Shaping 2025

The Six Most Popular Stories of 2025 — So Far

Check out these MIT Sloan Management Review articles for practical advice on managing AI, improving decision-making, building accountability, and tackling urgent leadership challenges.

Summary

The editors of MIT Sloan Management Review highlight six articles that have resonated most with readers during the first half of 2025. These pieces offer clear, expert guidance on pressing leadership issues — from managing AI-driven change to making smart decisions under uncertainty.

1. Philosophy Eats AI

As AI and large language models advance, leaders must reflect on the philosophical assumptions behind how these technologies are trained. Philosophy sheds light on AI’s goals, what counts as knowledge, and how AI models represent reality. These perspectives directly influence how AI delivers business value. Companies looking to maximize their tech investments need to examine their underlying philosophical framework carefully.

Read the full article “Philosophy Eats AI” by Michael Schrage and David Kiron for deeper insights.

2. Five Traits of Leaders Who Excel at Decision-Making

Under pressure and uncertainty, leaders often either rush decisions or avoid them altogether. Research by HSBC and the author identified five key traits common among leaders who make effective decisions during critical moments. These include viewing change positively, framing challenges as opportunities, and maintaining grounded optimism.

Explore the full article “Five Traits of Leaders Who Excel at Decision-Making” by David Tuckett.

3. Five Trends in AI and Data Science for 2025

• Managing expectations around agentic AI
• Measuring results from generative AI experiments
• Clarifying what a data-driven culture truly means
• Renewed focus on unstructured data
• Ongoing debate on which C-suite role should oversee data and AI

These trends reflect the evolving landscape of AI and data science this year. Understanding them helps executives prioritize initiatives effectively.

Read “Five Trends in AI and Data Science for 2025” by Thomas H. Davenport and Randy Bean for a full breakdown.

4. Why AI Demands a New Breed of Leaders

AI is reshaping how humans and machines collaborate. Yet many organizations remain focused on the technical side of AI adoption, overlooking the cultural and organizational shifts required. This calls for a new leadership role: the chief innovation and transformation officer. Companies that have created or plan to create this position are better positioned to manage AI-driven change.

Discover more in “Why AI Demands a New Breed of Leaders” by Faisal Hoque, Thomas H. Davenport, and Erik Nelson.

5. Why AI Will Not Provide Sustainable Competitive Advantage

When AI use becomes widespread, it won’t deliver unique advantages to individual companies. Instead, it will raise the baseline across industries and markets. To stay ahead, businesses must invest in nurturing employee creativity and innovation rather than relying solely on AI.

Find the full discussion in “Why AI Will Not Provide Sustainable Competitive Advantage” by David Wingate, Barclay L. Burns, and Jay B. Barney.

6. When Team Accountability Is Low: Four Hard Questions for Leaders

Leaders often struggle with low accountability on their teams. Complaining or punishing won’t solve the problem. Instead, leaders must identify the root causes blocking accountability and address them directly. This may require changing some long-standing leadership habits.

Ask these four tough questions and use the suggested tips to break unproductive patterns. Read “When Team Accountability Is Low: Four Hard Questions for Leaders” by Melissa Swift for practical guidance.

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