UK CEOs Struggle With AI Leadership as New MBA Targets Automation and Trust Gap
Only 24% of UK workers believe their CEO has a clear AI strategy despite half of companies using AI tools. Lack of leadership could cost the economy £60 billion in productivity.
Only 1 in 4 UK Workers Believe Their CEO Has an AI Strategy
AI adoption is growing quickly across the UK, with over half of private sector companies now using AI tools. Yet, while AI implementation is increasing, leadership is not keeping pace. Just 1% of organisations have successfully scaled AI, and the main barrier cited is a lack of clear internal leadership strategy. This gap could cost the UK economy more than £60 billion in productivity, according to the World Economic Forum.
New insights from the Citizen CEO Index, commissioned by the London Interdisciplinary School (LIS), reveal a significant disconnect. Only 24% of UK employees believe their CEO has a clear AI, automation, or data strategy, despite nearly 500,000 workers viewing this as a top priority. This disconnect highlights a growing challenge in aligning digital ambition with credible leadership.
Leadership Challenges in the AI Era
- 49% of CEOs say AI adaptability is a critical hiring prerequisite
- 35% of workers are already future-proofing their careers against automation
- 67% of employees want CEOs to prioritise moral leadership over profit
- 31% say their CEO doesn't understand modern societal issues
- 28% say their CEO or employer behaves unethically
- 41% feel traditional business schools are no longer relevant
Despite the rise in AI adoption, only 29% of UK employers actively encourage AI use, and 37% offer any training. Globally, just 2% of enterprises are considered AI-ready. This gap shows a critical need for leadership education that addresses both the technical and ethical challenges of AI.
A New MBA Focused on AI, Ethics, and Leadership
To address this gap, the London Interdisciplinary School is launching a new MBA programme focused on AI, ambiguity, and accountability. The course integrates ethical systems thinking, AI governance, and interdisciplinary leadership. It aims to equip professionals to rebuild trust, adapt to technological change, and lead in complex environments.
Ed Fidoe, CEO of LIS, explains, “We’re credentialing leaders who know how to optimise systems – but not how to understand them. The MBA was designed for stable markets and siloed departments. That’s not the world we live in anymore. This isn’t about ideology – it’s about credibility.”
Executives looking to strengthen leadership capabilities around AI and automation may find this approach especially relevant. For those interested in practical AI training and leadership development, resources like Complete AI Training’s latest courses offer a range of up-to-date options.
