Gartner ThinkCast

Gartner

Gartner ThinkCast puts you at the intersection of business and technology with insights from the top experts on how to build a more successful organization, team and career in the Digital Era. Join us every Tuesday to get your competitive advantage. View all Gartner ThinkCast episodes at https://www.gartner.com/en/podcasts/thinkcast

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Thursday · 13 min· Video
Gartner's Top Strategic Technology Trends for 2027: The Rise of the Agentic Workforce
What happens when AI agents outnumber human employees? In this special episode of ThinkCast, Gartner Distinguished Vice President Analyst Gene Alvarez joins from Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo in Orlando to break down the Top Strategic Technology Trends for 2027. From the rise of autonomous AI agents and digital employees to sovereign technology and the future of enterprise resilience, Gene explores the forces reshaping business and technology. Hear what CIOs and technology leaders should be doing today to prepare for what's next. You'll learn: Why organizations could soon have more AI agents than employees What an "agentic workforce" means for business growth and productivity How speech reasoning and world models are expanding AI beyond text Why governance, identity and control are becoming critical Dig deeper: Learn more about the Gartner Top Strategic Technology Trends for 2027 Explore more top insights from Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo™ See why Gartner is the world authority on AI Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (00:50) The three-course strategic menu for CIOs (01:49) Why technology is becoming the business itself (03:12) Course 1: Leverage the nontextual AI frontier (05:10) Course 2: Govern the autonomous agent platform (07:40) Course 3: Architect durable agility (11:07) The trend leaders may be least prepared for (12:03) Final takeaway for CIOs looking ahead
October 5 · 20 min· Video
Stop Chasing Every AI Breakthrough (What CIOs Should Do Instead)
AI headlines are moving at warp speed, but do business leaders really need to react to every piece of news? In this episode of ThinkCast, Gartner Senior Director Analyst Deepak Seth returns to unpack what matters most in enterprise AI right now. From separating hype from reality to managing rising AI costs and preparing organizations for "human + AI" ways of working, Deepak shares practical guidance for CIOs trying to stay focused amid constant disruption. Drawing on conversations with executives across industries, he explains why data, context and governance remain the true foundations of AI success. You'll learn: Why the latest AI model isn't always the right one for your business How CIOs can cut through AI hype and focus on fit-for-purpose outcomes What "human + AI" workflows mean for jobs, skills and organizational design Why data, context and organizational memory will shape AI's next phase Dig deeper: Become a client for the latest AI insights Join us at Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo™ See why Gartner is the world authority on AI Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (02:40) The fundamentals leaders still can't ignore (05:00) Why the latest model isn't always the best (06:30) Preparing for human + AI work (09:22) Moving beyond productivity gains (11:31) Managing AI costs and business value (14:35)The power of data, context and memory (17:22) The future of intelligence
September 17 · 30 min· Video
The Executive's Guide to Shaping Your Brand and Reputation
Strong execution might earn results, but it doesn't automatically build influence. In this episode of ThinkCast, Gartner Vice President Analyst Rob O'Donohue explains why CIOs can no longer afford to leave their leadership brand to chance. From understanding the difference between brand and reputation to diagnosing when a reset is needed, Rob shares a practical "4D" Framework to help leaders intentionally shape how they're perceived and trusted across the organization. You'll learn: Why "doing a great job" is no longer enough to build executive influence The difference between brand and reputation, and why both matter The three events that signal it's time for a leadership brand reset How CIOs can use feedback, GenAI and behavior change to strengthen their reputation What it takes to turn a desired leadership brand into a lasting perception Dig deeper: Become a client to learn more about building your brand Join us at Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo™ See why Gartner is the world authority on AI Timestamps: (00:00) Understanding the difference between brand and reputation (03:44) The 4D Framework for shaping executive perception (08:53) How GenAI can help strengthen your executive brand (12:00) Identifying gaps between perception and reality (18:36) Turning your brand strategy into daily habits (22:10) Why reputation changes more slowly than behavior (24:22) How to protect and sustain your executive reputation (27:16)The first step to building a stronger executive brand
September 3 · 37 min· Video
AI Ethics Explained: Preparing for the Human-AI Future
AI adoption is accelerating. But are organizations moving just as fast on AI ethics? In this episode of ThinkCast, Gartner Senior Principal Analyst Shanna Grafeld explores why AI ethics has become a business imperative, not just a technology concern. From human rights risks and workforce trust to governance, accountability and the evolving human-AI relationship, hear how leaders can stay ahead of AI challenges before they become costly problems. You'll learn: Why AI ethics is shifting from a compliance issue to a strategic business priority The human rights and trust risks organizations should be evaluating today How leaders can encourage AI adoption without creating overdependence What effective AI governance looks like in practice Dig deeper: Become a client to learn more about AI ethics Join us at Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo™ See why Gartner is the world authority on AI Timestamps: (00:42) Why AI ethics is now a business issue (02:31) Lessons from past technologies (04:40) Rethinking the human-AI relationship (09:50) Increase capability, not reduce accountability (12:20) The fears leaders should take seriously (15:00) Addressing workforce anxiety (19:52) Building proactive AI guardrails (28:24) The biggest challenges ahead (31:10) Where leaders should start today
August 20 · 22 min· Video
The Autonomous Era Is Here: What Supply Chain Leaders Need to Do Next
The autonomous business era is no longer a future-state vision. It's already reshaping how supply chains operate. In this episode of Gartner ThinkCast, you'll hear from Gartner Senior Director Analyst Lindsay Azim as she delivers a preview of the 2026 Gartner Supply Chain Symposium/Xpo Opening Keynote. Drawing on both Gartner insights and real-world examples, she explores why success isn't about implementing AI first, fastest, or even best. It's about preparing supply chains for a future where people and machines work together to drive agility, resilience and growth. You'll learn: Why Gartner believes the autonomous business era is already underway How leaders should balance short-term AI value with long-term transformation The difference between an automation mindset and an autonomous mindset What autonomous-ready operations and workforces look like in practice Dig deeper: Register to attend a Gartner Supply Chain conference Download the Gartner Supply Chain Top 25 See why Gartner is the world authority on AI Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (01:31) A new business era begins (05:18) Defining autonomous business (07:10) What autonomous supply chains look like (09:35) The rise of machine customers (12:22) Success isn't about AI first (17:25) Exploitation versus exploration
August 6 · 24 min· Video
Data and Analytics 2030: The Future AI-Native Enterprise
By 2030, AI models may be everywhere. Competitive advantage won't be. In this episode of Gartner ThinkCast, Distinguished Vice President Analyst and Chief of Research Rita Sallam explores what will separate the true leaders as AI becomes increasingly commoditized. Drawing from Gartner's vision for the AI-native enterprise, she outlines the critical shifts data and analytics leaders need to make now, from building trusted data and context foundations to rethinking workforce design, governance, and the role of AI agents in decision-making. You'll learn: Why trusted data will become the primary sources of AI differentiation How AI agents will reshape data and analytics workflows and operating models What AI-native organizations are doing differently to generate value Why "questioneers" may become the workforce advantage of the future Dig deeper: Register to watch the full webinar Enhance your data, analytics and AI strategy See why Gartner is the world authority on AI Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (01:40) A New AI Advantage (03:25) Beyond Models and Infrastructure (07:57) Three Shifts for D&A Leaders (12:08) Human-Agent Teams (16:45) Analytics Gets Automated (20:42) Hiring for the AI Era (22:40) Making AI Pay Off
July 23 · 28 min· Video
Start With AI Literacy: Why Most Leaders Are Missing the Point
AI isn't failing. AI literacy is. Nearly half of CEOs say their AI investments are breaking even at best. In this episode of ThinkCast, Gartner Distinguished Vice President Analyst Mandi Bishop explains why the biggest barrier to AI value isn't the technology — it's people's ability to work effectively with it. Learn how critical thinking, prompt discipline and AI literacy can improve adoption, reduce risk and unlock better business outcomes. You'll learn: Why AI literacy — not more AI tools — is the foundation for AI success How prompt discipline can improve output quality and reduce AI costs The critical thinking skills employees need to work effectively alongside AI Practical steps leaders can take to drive sustained AI adoption and value Dig deeper: Become a client to learn more about AI literacy Attend a Gartner CIO Conference near you See why Gartner is the world authority on AI Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (02:22) The hidden risks of low AI literacy (05:30) Why leaders keep buying more tools (08:40) Who owns AI literacy? (09:50) Building an AI-literate workforce (15:50) Why AI literacy affects everyone (21:20) Making AI literacy stick (25:16) The first step leaders should take
July 9 · 25 min
AI Needs People: Why CIOs Are Rethinking the Productivity Play
Many companies cut talent in pursuit of AI value. Now they're discovering what was lost in the process. In this episode, we explore a shift taking place in organizations' AI journeys: after an initial rush to pursue productivity gains and cost savings, many leaders are rediscovering that human expertise is essential to realizing AI's full value. Gartner Senior Executive Partner Denise McCurdy joins us to share what she's hearing directly from CIOs as they navigate mounting pressure to deliver AI outcomes, implement agentic AI and prepare for new operating models — all while preserving the people, knowledge and relationships that drive lasting transformation. You'll learn: Why productivity gains alone rarely create lasting AI value The difference between "blue money" and "green money" outcomes How organizations are rehiring talent they initially replaced Why CIOs must deepen collaboration with CFOs and business leaders Dig deeper: Download the 1H 2026 Gartner CIO Report Attend a Gartner CIO Conference near you See why Gartner is the world authority on AI
June 25 · 27 min
How Executives Actually Talk About AI
In this episode of Gartner ThinkCast, we explore how executive conversations about AI are rapidly evolving — and why focusing on ROI alone is no longer enough. Drawing from his standout session from Gartner CIO Leadership Forum, VP Analyst Nate Suda unpacks three distinct C-suite perspectives shaping AI strategy today: value, workforce and operating philosophy. You'll learn: The three critical AI conversations happening across the C-suite Why ROI is no longer a sufficient measure of AI success How "human-plus" work and shifting team boundaries are reshaping the organization What defines an AI-shaped enterprise and how to start thinking like one Dig deeper: Learn how to communicate AI's value Attend a Gartner CIO Conference near you See why Gartner is the world authority on AI
June 18 · 9 min
The 3 Practices for Leading Through Uncertainty
In this episode of Gartner ThinkCast, we dive into what strong leadership really looks like when the path ahead is unclear. From economic disruption to AI-fueled transformation, uncertainty is now a defining feature of the business landscape. Gartner expert Mary Mesaglio returns to offer a succinct and timely playbook. Drawing from conversations with CEOs, CIOs and senior leadership around the globe, Mary shares three practical strategies for leading through volatility, ambiguity and change. Learn why clear communication, hyper-focused priorities and transparent guiding principles are the essential tools every executive and new leader needs today. You'll learn: Why corporate-speak fails in times of change and what to say instead The 10x10x10 rule for reinforcing priorities with your team How guiding principles offer stability and direction Dig deeper: See why Gartner is the world authority on AI Try out AskGartner for more AI-powered insights Learn how to create a strategic workforce plan
June 11 · 25 min
Get AI ROI Unstuck: From Productivity to True Business Value
AI is delivering pockets of productivity, but far less business value than expected. In this episode of Gartner ThinkCast, Distinguished VP Analyst Fran Karamouzis explores why so much AI ROI remains stuck inside organizations, never reaching the bottom line. While many leaders expect gains in individual productivity to translate directly into financial outcomes, legacy processes, siloed structures and outdated operating models often prevent that value from scaling. In a preview of a recent standout webinar, you'll hear what it really takes to unlock measurable impact — from rethinking how work flows across teams, to redesigning end‑to‑end processes, and leading the organizational change required to make AI stick. You'll learn: Why productivity gains alone don't guarantee financial returns Where AI value gets trapped inside workflows and operating models How to redesign work around end‑to‑end outcomes, not individual tasks What it takes to lead organizational change and consistently convert AI into ROI Dig deeper: Register to watch the full "Value is Trapped" webinar Learn how to prove quantifiable value from AI See why Gartner is the world authority on AI
June 4 · 24 min
The AI Services Split: From Digital to Phygital
AI is pushing the services industry into a new kind of competitive divide. In this episode of Gartner ThinkCast, Gartner experts Craig Lowery and Scott Frederick explore the growing split in AI services — where platform-driven, AI-enabled providers are accelerating ahead, and digital-only models are struggling to keep up. From autonomous agents and intelligent service delivery platforms to the rise of "phygital" experiences, they unpack how AI is moving beyond apps into real-world environments — and what that means for competition, growth and strategy. You'll learn: Why the AI services market is splitting and who's winning How AI agents and platforms enable "growth without growth" Why hyperscalers threaten digital-only service strategies Where "phygital" experiences create new competitive advantage Dig deeper: Download the Top 3 Priorities for Tech Services Leaders Learn more about Gartner for Tech Services Practice Leaders See why Gartner is the world authority on AI
May 28 · 22 min
The 2026 Hype Cycle for Agentic AI: What Leaders Need to Know
Agentic AI is likely the most hyped technology in enterprise IT, but its long-term potential is still just as real. In this episode of Gartner ThinkCast, Distinguished VP Analyst Rajesh Kandaswamy breaks down the 2026 Hype Cycle for Agentic AI — what it is, why it matters, and how leaders can separate real opportunity from market noise. From rising investment interest to the challenges of governance, integration and scale, this conversation unpacks where organizations are today — and what comes next. You'll learn: What Gartner Hype Cycles reveal and how to use them effectively Why agentic AI is at peak hype, but still early in adoption The real barriers to success: governance, guardrails and clean data How to identify high-value use cases and avoid "agent washing" Dig deeper: Download the full Hype Cycle for Agentic AI See why Gartner is the world authority on AI Try out AskGartner for more AI-powered insights
May 21 · 27 min
Turn AI Risk Into a Resilience Advantage
AI adoption is accelerating fast, but so is enterprise risk. In this episode of Gartner ThinkCast, Distinguished VP Analyst Paul Furtado explores the growing reality facing leaders: nearly every organization is investing in AI, yet most expect it to increase their risk profile. Drawing from real-world examples, Paul breaks down how AI can shift from a source of exposure to a powerful driver of resilience — reducing remediation time, improving threat detection, and strengthening fraud prevention. You'll learn: The three priorities leaders must get right: security, governance and talent How to focus on AI use cases that actually reduce risk What separates successful AI adoption from high-speed failure Dig deeper: Learn more and download the 2026 Gartner CIO Report Attend a Gartner CIO Conference near you See why Gartner is the world authority on AI Try out AskGartner for more AI-powered insights
May 14 · 27 min
Scaling Agentic AI: Why CIOs Can't Go It Alone
Agentic AI is already reshaping how work gets done, and the biggest risk for CIOs isn't failure, it's falling behind. In this episode of ThinkCast, Gartner VP Analyst Brandon Germer explains why scaling agentic AI can't be done in silos, and how CIOs must co-lead with other C-suite members to build the financial, operational, and governance foundations for enterprise-wide impact. You'll learn: Why the biggest risk in agentic AI isn't failure — it's waiting too long to act What it takes to scale AI beyond isolated use cases into enterprise-wide systems How to align the CIO, CFO, COO and CHRO around shared outcomes Why the CIO's role is shifting from technology owner to orchestrator Dig deeper: Download our guide to realizing AI value Attend a Gartner CIO Conference near you See why Gartner is the world authority on AI Try out AskGartner for more AI-powered insights
May 7 · 21 min
Inside the Top Cybersecurity Trends for 2026
AI is accelerating. Threats are evolving. And the pressure on cybersecurity leaders has never been higher. In this episode of ThinkCast, we explore the trends shaping 2026 — where AI adoption, agentic systems, and mounting regulation are pushing security programs to their limits and forcing CISOs to rethink how they operate and where they invest. Gartner experts Chiara Girardi and William Candrick break down the most critical shifts, from AI-powered social engineering and behavior risk, to automation in the Security Operations Center (SOC), postquantum urgency, and securing AI agents through modern identity strategies. You'll learn: Why AI is breaking traditional security awareness models How SOC teams must evolve without losing critical skills What "harvest now, decrypt later" means for your data How identity is becoming the control plane for AI agents Dig deeper: Watch the Top Trends in Cybersecurity for 2026 webinar Download the full Top 8 Trends in Cybersecurity breakdown See why Gartner is the world authority on AI Try out AskGartner for more AI-powered insights
April 28 · 18 min
The 4 Cs of Manager Communication: How to Build Trust, Clarity and Engagement
Managers are stretched thin, but remain the most powerful voice for employee trust. In this episode of ThinkCast, Gartner VP Analyst Alexandra Earl introduces the 4 C's of Manager Communication Competencies: Championing, Coaching, Conversing and Connecting. From helping employees link strategy to daily work, to creating true two-way dialogue, Alexandra outlines a clear framework to elevate communication and improve team engagement. You'll Learn: Why managers remain the most effective communication channel The 4 essential communication competencies every manager must build How contextualization helps employees see themselves in strategy Practical steps for self-assessment and peer support networks Dig deeper: Learn more about Gartner for Communication Leaders Benchmark yourself with the Gartner Communications Score Tool See why Gartner is the world authority on AI Try out AskGartner for more AI-powered insights This episode originally aired September 9, 2025
April 21 · 25 min
AI After the Hype: Why Scaling Value Means Quitting More
AI hype hasn't disappeared, but patience has. In this episode of ThinkCast, recorded from the Gartner CIO Leadership Forum Opening Keynote, Gartner VP Analyst Tori Paulman breaks down why many AI initiatives stall after early wins — and what separates CIOs who move through the hype from those who fail to generate lasting value. Hear why organizations making real progress with AI aren't chasing the next breakthrough use case. Instead, they're changing how they decide what to stop, when to quit, where to double down, and how to lead through the Trough of Disillusionment. You'll learn: How CIOs who deliver value decide when to persist, pivot, or pull the plug What it really means to scale AI beyond pilots and proofs of concept Why "quitting better" is a leadership skill — not a failure How to move from AI hype toward an AI‑shaped organization Dig deeper: Download our guide to realizing AI value Attend a Gartner CIO Conference near you See why Gartner is the world authority on AI Try out AskGartner for more AI-powered insights
April 14 · 24 min
The "AI-Free" Trust Disruption: Backlash or the Future of Responsible AI?
AI is now everywhere, but trust is breaking down just as fast. As synthetic content floods our feeds and workflows, leaders face a new question: when does AI help, and when does it quietly undermine credibility? In this episode of ThinkCast, Gartner Senior Director Analyst Deepak Seth returns to explore a growing counter‑movement: the rise of "AI‑free" trust. From content labels that signal human creation to new expectations around AI governance, Deepak breaks down why trust — not capability — is becoming the defining challenge of the next AI era. You'll learn: Why "AI‑free" could become the new organic label for content and brands How trust, provenance and context shape responsible AI use What recent high‑profile failures reveal about over‑automation risks How CIOs can build guardrails without stalling innovation Dig deeper: Watch the 7 Disruptions You Might Not See Coming Become a client to learn more about AI governance, trust and risk See why Gartner is the world authority on AI Try out AskGartner for more AI-powered insights
April 7 · 31 min
The AI Upskill Most Teams Are Overlooking
Most AI initiatives don't fail because the technology is wrong; they fail because the humans around it stop thinking as carefully as they used to. In this episode of ThinkCast, recorded from a live session at Gartner CIO Leadership Forum, Gartner Distinguished VP Analyst Mandi Bishop breaks down why so‑called "soft skills" have quietly become the hardest — and most essential — capability to scale in the age of AI. From practical workforce exercises to Mandi's own racing experience, hear how over‑reliance, complacency and automation bias creep in — and how CIOs can rebuild critical thinking, judgment and contextual awareness to turn AI tools into true performance accelerators. You'll learn: Why automation bias is one of the biggest hidden risks in AI adoption How soft skills like skepticism and judgment directly impact AI outcomes Why hands‑on techniques, like hallucination hunts, can build real AI literacy How better prompting reinforces human thinking instead of replacing it What CIOs can do now to operationalize soft skills across the enterprise Dig deeper: Attend a Gartner CIO Conference near you See why Gartner is the world authority on AI Try out AskGartner for more AI-powered insights

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