Your CIO Shouldn't Own AI

Your CIO Shouldn't Own AI

Author: Maryrose Lyons September 8, 2026 Duration: 20:28

Handing the AI programme to the CIO is the obvious move, and Stephen Redmond thinks it is the wrong one. AI is more than a technology rollout. It changes decision rights, it crosses every function from supply chain to sales, and it does not give the same answer twice, none of which sits comfortably inside IT.


Stephen founded Straitéis AI and has written two books on AI leadership. He makes the case for a Chief AI Officer reporting to the CEO, and explains why a fractional appointment often beats a permanent hire.We get into what that person should tackle first, the three skills the job needs, why the chief data officer matters more once your own documents are in play, and what paving a cow path has to do with any of it.


Stephen is only the second guest this show has had back.


SHOW NOTES:


About Stephen

Stephen on LinkedIn

His books: Both titles

AI Bowling Bumpers, on governance, was still in final edit at recording


Why giving AI to the technology lead is the natural mistake

The three reasons AI does not belong in IT

What a chief data officer actually does · The case for a chief AI officer ·

Why fractional often beats a permanent hire

The first task is working out what the tasks are

Paving a cow path · Why the outsider often sees it better

The three skills a fractional AI leader needs

How the roles sit together

Three books in under a year

The EU AI Act, and why enforcement is not only a big-company problem

Research cite: BCG AI Radar 2026

Regulation : EU AI Act, Regulation (EU) 2024/1689


  • Transparency obligations discussed are Article 50, in effect since 2 August 2026

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Maryrose Lyons brings her experience from the AI Institute to Chatting GPT, a podcast that digs into the practical realities of artificial intelligence. Instead of theoretical discussions, these are grounded conversations with the directors, founders, and strategists who are implementing AI solutions right now. You’ll hear from people who have moved their organizations beyond pilot projects into genuine transformation, sharing what worked, what didn’t, and why. The focus often lands on the built environment-exploring how AI is actively reshaping design processes, construction methodologies, and facility management from the studio to the job site. This series is built on the premise that the most valuable lessons come from those with hands-on experience. Each episode unpacks the human decisions behind the technology, offering tangible insights for professionals in technology, business, and education who are navigating their own courses. By listening to this podcast, you gain access to a rare dialogue about applied intelligence, where the conversation is always rooted in real-world execution and impact.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 49

Chatting GPT
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