Chief Information Officers (CIOs) must actively participate in and lead artificial intelligence experimentation within their organizations, rather than simply governing its implementation, according to Rani Johnson, Workday CIO, in a recent statement. The current rapid advancement of AI technologies presents both opportunities and challenges for enterprise technology leaders, demanding a proactive approach to avoid being left behind.

Johnson emphasized that waiting for a "perfect AI strategy" is a greater risk than making mistakes during the experimentation process. She argued that real impact with AI stems from providing access, fostering trust, and committing to hands-on learning across the organization.

Drawing from her own experiences, Johnson recalled early experiments with expert systems, including a venture designed to help people choose outfits. Despite initial skepticism from investors who doubted the viability of online clothing sales, she learned a crucial lesson: resistance to new technologies is often shortsighted. This experience shaped her perspective as she progressed in her CIO career.

The core of Johnson's argument is that CIOs should champion AI experimentation to understand its potential and limitations. This involves creating environments where employees can explore AI tools, test use cases, and learn through practical application. By actively participating, CIOs can gain firsthand knowledge of AI's capabilities and guide its responsible deployment within their organizations.

This call to action comes amid growing concerns about the ethical implications and potential societal impact of AI. Experts agree that governance is essential, but it should not stifle innovation. Instead, governance should provide a framework for responsible experimentation, ensuring that AI is used in a way that aligns with organizational values and societal norms.

The latest developments in AI include advancements in generative AI models, which can create text, images, and other content. These models have the potential to automate tasks, improve decision-making, and personalize customer experiences. However, they also raise concerns about bias, misinformation, and job displacement.

As AI continues to evolve, CIOs face the challenge of balancing innovation with responsibility. By leading AI experimentation, they can gain the knowledge and experience needed to navigate this complex landscape and ensure that AI is used to create positive outcomes for their organizations and society as a whole.