Dr. Lobana’s important takeaways from the May 2025 CDO Magazine Leadership Summit:
Here are 5 key messages that resonated with me from the summit:
– The Risk of Doing Nothing Is Growing
There’s a new kind of risk: the risk of missing out (RoMO). Inaction means falling behind in innovation, trust, and national competitiveness. The AI window is open—but not forever.
– Data Is Messy, But It’s the Foundation –
AI only works if the data works. Real-world data is messy, uncomfortable, and essential. Strong data governance isn’t optional—it’s the core of safe, impactful AI.
– End the Perpetual POC Purgatory
Too many organizations are stuck in endless proof-of-concept loops. It’s time to move from pilots to deployment—with clear KPIs, KRIs, and measurable business outcomes.
– Govern Relationships, Not Just Data
Even in an AI-driven world, people buy from people. Governance isn’t just about systems—it’s about trust, relationships, and collaboration. AI success is still human at the core.
– Train Continuously or Fall Behind
One-and-done training won’t cut it. Like cybersecurity drills, AI readiness demands repetition. Continuous learning across people, processes, and platforms is key to resilience.
