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- CIOs prioritize reskilling employees to embrace AI | CIOSurge
CIOs prioritize reskilling employees to embrace AI | CIOSurge
AI Reskilling Efforts, Salesforce CEO Criticizes Copilot, Key CIO Appointments
Zack Tembi
October 22, 2024
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Welcome to this week’s edition of CIOsurge!
Get ready for a fresh dive into the latest trends, insights, and strategies shaping the future of IT leadership. Whether you're navigating AI innovation, unlocking data from legacy systems, or gearing up for your next big tech initiative, we've got the scoop to keep you ahead of the game.
So grab your coffee, get comfy, and let's dive in! It’s time to explore how CIOs like you are turning challenges into opportunities and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Let’s make this week a game-changer!
Stay sharp. Stay ahead.
💡 CIOs prioritize reskilling employees to embrace AI
CIOs are shifting workforce strategies by promoting continuous training, especially as AI reshapes business processes. CIOs focus on IT support and legacy system expertise due to retiring Baby Boomers Companies like Lexmark and Hyland offer tailored training programs, blending online courses and AI-specific curricula Internal mentorship is critical, with rotational assignments and knowledge sharing helping address skill gaps.
“As AI continues to reshape industries, it's clear that reskilling employees isn't just a tech priority—it's a business necessity. CIOs play a pivotal role in ensuring their teams are equipped to harness AI, but it’s important to remember that AI skills alone aren’t enough. The focus should be on how AI can directly tie to business outcomes, driving efficiency, innovation, and growth. Organizations that align AI capabilities with their strategic goals will see the greatest return, transforming AI from a tool into a true business enabler.” - Zack Tembi
🔓 CIOs Grapple with Unlocking Mainframe Data for Business Insights
Enterprises are struggling to access valuable data locked in legacy mainframe applications, hindering analytics and AI initiatives, according to a Rocket Software report. Over 75% of surveyed professionals find accessing mainframe data challenging, and nearly two-thirds have trouble integrating it with cloud sources. This disconnect complicates efforts to leverage critical data assets without major system overhauls.
“Mainframes still play a critical role in many organizations, but the challenge has always been extracting valuable data for modern applications. As the article emphasizes, unlocking this data is key to driving innovation and integrating legacy systems with today’s cloud and AI technologies. CIOs must lead the charge in finding solutions that not only streamline data extraction but also tie this data to broader business goals, improving decision-making and operational efficiency. Successfully modernizing mainframe environments ensures that companies stay competitive while maximizing the value of their existing infrastructure.” - Zack Tembi
🗞️ At A Glance
💡 CIO Spotlights
Liberty Dental's CIO Rajendra Kadam embraces generative AI for care automation
Rajendra Kadam, CIO of Liberty Dental, led an AI-driven project to automate care plans, significantly reducing time and increasing accuracy.
Liberty Dental's shift from manual processes to generative AI saw a 400% ROI, streamlining operations.
Kadam emphasized the importance of data governance and educating senior management for successful AI adoption.
Mars appoints Marina Bellini to lead Global Business Services
Marina Bellini, former COO of Itaú Unibanco, joins Mars as president of Global Business Services, overseeing enterprise digital technology.
Bellini's experience includes leading digital transformation at PepsiCo, AB InBev, and BAT.
Her appointment follows Mars' $35.9 billion acquisition of Kellanova, marking a major industry shift in 2025.