Korn Ferry: What Makes a Future AI Leader?

How today’s executives can guide teams through the age of artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming how banks, companies, and entire industries operate—bringing both opportunity and uncertainty. As automation expands into areas like digital banking, credit evaluation, and risk management, leadership strategies must evolve. According to Korn Ferry, a global consulting firm, the leaders of tomorrow will not only understand AI’s potential but will also inspire confidence and trust in its adoption.

1. Understanding AI Leadership in the Digital Age

AI is no longer a distant innovation—it’s reshaping how organizations function, from customer service to loan approvals and mortgage processing. Korn Ferry’s Senior Client Partner, Inge Van Belle, described this as part of the “Fourth Industrial Revolution,” where automation, data, and AI redefine the workplace. Speaking at a global marketing conference in Dubai, Van Belle said, “If you think AI is something you can check off your to-do list by 5 p.m., you’re mistaken.”

Korn Ferry’s survey of nearly 3,000 decision-makers across North America, Asia-Pacific, and Europe revealed that 70% of leaders believe employees need intensive upskilling to integrate AI effectively into their work. This shows a growing awareness that leadership today requires not just digital knowledge, but also empathy—understanding employee concerns about being replaced by machines while helping them adapt to change.

2. Balancing Technology and Trust

For leaders in banking and finance, the challenge lies in balancing efficiency gains from AI with the need for trust and human oversight. A PwC study cited by Van Belle found that half of CEOs expect productivity gains from AI within a year, particularly in areas such as digital onboarding, automated credit scoring, and customer service chatbots.

However, the other half remain cautious. To succeed, leaders must create an environment where staff see AI as an assistant, not a threat. “The leaders of the future are those who can implement AI-driven processes—and make their adoption appealing to employees,” Van Belle explained. In banking, this means encouraging staff to view AI tools as partners in improving customer experience, whether that’s through faster checking account setups or better fraud detection systems.

3. Building AI Readiness: Training and Cultural Change

Korn Ferry has developed a diagnostic framework that measures an organization’s AI readiness—assessing not only technical capabilities but also leadership mindset and cultural openness to innovation. This is critical for banks and financial institutions navigating regulatory compliance, digital transformation, and customer expectations.

As interest rates fluctuate and competition from digital banks intensifies, institutions that train employees to use AI ethically and effectively will gain an advantage. The goal isn’t just automation—it’s smarter decision-making, better credit risk analysis, and a more personalized approach to deposits, loans, and mortgages.

4. The Future: AI on Every Stage and Screen

Van Belle concluded that AI is no longer just a discussion topic—it’s reshaping the tools people use to communicate. Conference speakers and financial professionals alike are now turning to AI tools like SketchBubble AI and Wepik to enhance presentations and data storytelling. This trend reflects a deeper truth: AI is moving from theory to practice, and leadership must move with it.

Closing Insight

The next generation of banking and business leaders will be defined by how well they blend technology fluency with human insight. Those who can inspire trust, encourage learning, and guide their teams through uncertainty will be best positioned to thrive in a world where AI drives efficiency—but human judgment still anchors success.

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