Gartner Thinkcast

CEOs are entering 2026 under intense pressure. Turbulent markets, geopolitical shifts and the accelerating impact of AI have created a series of "wicked messes" that demand new leadership playbooks. In this episode, Distinguished VP Analyst Don Scheibenreif breaks down Gartner's CEO Agenda for 2026 and what it means for CIOs navigating the same uncertainty. Drawing from his presentation at Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo, Don reveals how CEO priorities are shifting — from managing turmoil‑driven growth to solving the AI value conundrum — and where CIOs can step in with clarity, direction and strategic influence.   Tune in to discover: Why CEO confidence is wavering and the forces driving it How geopolitical factors are reshaping markets, supply chains and tech choices Where CEOs see expansion opportunities despite economic instability Why AI's promise is clear, but its value remains hard to capture How sovereignty, infrastructure and regulation are redefining the AI landscape   Dig deeper: Watch the Leadership V

The future rarely arrives quietly. Disruptions — both anticipated and unexpected — are already reshaping the technology landscape, and CIOs need to be ready before they hit. In a preview of his presentation from Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo, Distinguished VP Analyst and Gartner Fellow Daryl Plummer explores the pivotal disruptions that could accelerate change faster than most leaders realize. These insights go beyond prediction; they're a roadmap for recognizing, prioritizing and responding to forces that will redefine IT strategy and business value in the years ahead.   Tune in to discover: How AI and human behavior are colliding Why AI‑free trust and certification will matter How AI sovereignty is shifting global power What AI agents mean for the future of work Which technologies could transform entire markets How to spot disruption before it accelerates   Dig deeper: Become a client to see the full list of disruptions Attend a Gartner CIO Conference near you Try out AskGartner for more AI-powered insights S

Although AI is everywhere, most initiatives aren't moving the needle on growth or cost. That's why HR leaders have a new mandate — stop focusing only on the workforce and start redesigning the work itself. In a preview of their Opening Keynote from Gartner HR Symposium/Xpo, Gartner experts Harsh Kundulli and Katie Sutherland reveal how HR can lead the way in three major shifts in work: augment to make existing work better; reengineer to redesign workflows and functions; and invent to create new AI-based ways of working.   Discover how to: Rethink work to drive growth and cost optimization Understand the three types of work change: augment, reengineer, invent Turn employees into AI value creators with guided adoption Build strong CHRO–CIO partnerships to unlock AI's potential Equip leaders to lead through AI transformation with practical tools   Dig deeper: Register for the Future of Work Trends live webinar Join us at a Gartner HR Conference near you Download the full 9 Future of Work Trends for 2026 See

AI-driven layoffs are making headlines, but is AI really the main culprit? Or is the story more complex? As organizations enter 2026, leaders face rising performance expectations, cultural strain, and mounting pressure to deliver productivity gains that rarely materialize. What does this mean for the future of work? In this episode of Gartner ThinkCast, host Alexis Wierenga talks with Gartner expert Emily Rose McRae to break down Gartner's Future of Work Trends for 2026. From the truth behind AI-related workforce reductions, to the hidden risks of AI "workslop" and the growing importance of mental fitness, Emily Rose shares actionable insights for HR leaders, CIOs and executives navigating an AI-enabled workplace.   You'll learn: Why most AI-driven layoffs aren't what they seem How "workslop" creates a hidden productivity drain in organizations Why leaders aren't seeing expected productivity gains Why performance pressure is rising and how to protect culture The critical role of mental fitness in an AI-first

As CIOs enter 2026, the pressure is on: Budgets are flat, headcount is tight, and yet expectations for growth, innovation, and AI adoption are soaring. How can technology leaders deliver impact when resources are constrained and the pace of change is relentless? In this episode of Gartner ThinkCast, Gartner expert Chris Howard walks through the latest CIO Agenda survey results for 2026, as debuted at Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo. From navigating geopolitical vendor risk to shifting planning cycles and driving financial impact beyond productivity, Chris shares actionable insights for CIOs looking to lead with agility, manage risk strategically, and push through uncertainty with tenacity.   Tune in to discover: Why agility, risk and tenacity are the defining traits of successful CIOs in 2026 How to pivot from annual planning to dynamic reprioritization Why rethinking your vendor mix is critical amid rising digital sovereignty How to move beyond productivity gains to deliver measurable financial impact What AI adop

AI is transforming faster than leaders can rewrite their strategies, and staying ahead requires a new kind of clarity. So how do you move beyond experimentation and hype to build AI that truly delivers business value? In this episode of Gartner ThinkCast, Gartner Director Analyst Deepak Seth joins to explore what's next in AI implementation, including what comes after AI agents. He'll break down where AI really sits on the Gartner Hype Cycle today, why organizations struggle to operationalize new capabilities, and how leaders can stay grounded while still planning for a rapidly shifting future.   Tune in to discover: How to overcome the most common implementation pitfalls Why value from AI is a journey, not an overnight return How to make forward-looking decisions without falling into "wait and see" paralysis Why AI agents won't define the long-term future of enterprise AI What bold predictions could reshape the next decade   Dig deeper: Explore the CIO Agenda for 2026 Try out AskGartner for more trusted

As disruption accelerates and AI becomes indispensable, CIOs and technology leaders face a critical question: How do you harness innovation without losing control? In this episode of Gartner ThinkCast, Gartner experts Gene Alvarez and Tori Paulman walk through the Top Strategic Technology Trends for 2026, as debuted at Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo. They explore why the pace of change is faster than ever, and how three new "innovation superheroes" — the Architect, the Synthesist, and the Vanguard — can help organizations build resilience, orchestrate intelligent systems and safeguard digital trust.   Tune in to discover: Why 2026 marks the end of "optional AI," and what that means for your strategy How AI-native development platforms and supercomputing will transform productivity Why multiagent systems and domain-specific language models are key to reducing complexity How physical AI bridges the digital and physical worlds Why preemptive cybersecurity and digital provenance are essential for enterprise protection

As generative AI moves from novelty to necessity, its most profound impact isn't in incremental efficiency — it's in the shockwaves that ripple across industries. These disruptions challenge pricing models, rewrite competitive dynamics and even blur the boundaries between entire sectors. So how do you prepare to create — or counter — these seismic shifts? In this episode of Gartner ThinkCast, Gartner Distinguished VP Analyst Hung LeHong explores the concept of AI shockwaves: what they are, why they matter more than productivity gains, and how organizations can anticipate and harness them.   Tune in to discover: Why first-order AI effects aren't enough to drive true disruption How shockwaves emerge and the three levels of impact to watch What it takes to move from cost savings to market-changing innovation Why only 1 in 50 organizations succeed in creating disruption   Dig deeper: Learn more about AI shockwaves Register to watch the full webinar Become a client to try out AskGartner for more trusted insight

As AI capabilities surge ahead, human readiness is struggling to keep pace — and that imbalance could derail your path to real value. So how can CIOs and IT leaders navigate this gap and avoid costly missteps? In this episode of Gartner ThinkCast, you'll hear the first 20 minutes of the Opening Keynote from Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo 2025, straight from the stage in Orlando. Gartner experts Alicia Mullery and Daryl Plummer reveal why the odds of achieving AI ROI remain stubbornly low, and what leaders must do to walk the "golden path" toward sustainable outcomes. Tune in to discover: Why human readiness is the biggest obstacle to AI success How to plan for the hidden "transition mortgage" behind AI costs Why conversational agents aren't enough How to handle vendor selection in the era of digital nation states Why a value remix strategy can unlock growth without workforce chaos   Dig deeper: Download the Opening Keynote takeaways on AI readiness Join us at a Gartner CIO Conference near you Become a client to

Leadership won't get any easier in 2026. Geopolitical volatility, accelerating AI disruption and workforce identity shifts are creating unprecedented challenges for IT leaders. So how can you prepare? In this mini episode of ThinkCast, recorded at Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo in Orlando, Gartner Distinguished VP Analyst Mary Mesaglio sums up the insights from her dozens of onsite conversations with CIOs and top IT leaders. In just four minutes, she breaks down the four challenges shaping IT leadership into 2026, and offers practical strategies to navigate uncertainty with confidence. Tune in to discover: The 4 challenges redefining IT leadership in 2026 Why optionality matters for decision-making in volatile times How AI vendor races complicate long-term technology bets Why identity threats demand a new leadership approach Dig deeper: Download the Opening Keynote takeaways Join us at a Gartner CIO Conference near you Become a client to try out AskGartner for more trusted insights

As economic volatility, cost pressure and technological acceleration reshape the finance landscape, CFOs are facing a pivotal identity shift. The instinct to protect the enterprise through tighter controls may no longer serve the moment. So what does it take to lead with resilience and unlock growth? In this episode of ThinkCast, Gartner experts Clement Christensen and Mallory Bulman revisit their Opening Keynote from the Gartner Finance Symposium/Xpo. They introduce the "Catalyst CFO" — a new leadership identity designed for disruption — and explore the eight forces reshaping finance, from AI-enabled decision-making to discontinuous regulatory change. Tune in to discover: Why the "guardian" CFO mindset may be holding your organization back The eight forces transforming finance and how to respond How AI agents are changing the nature of financial decision-making Why identity is the most underutilized leadership tool What Catalyst CFOs do differently to drive agility, innovation, and growth   Dig deeper: Do

As AI capabilities accelerate faster than many organizations can adapt, CIOs are being challenged to balance ambition with readiness. So how can leaders walk the "golden path" to real, sustainable value? In this episode of ThinkCast, Gartner experts Alicia Mullery and Daryl Plummer break down their Opening Keynote from Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo, and explore how to align both AI readiness and human readiness to capture meaningful outcomes. They discuss why many AI initiatives struggle to achieve ROI, how to measure "good enough" accuracy, and what it means to scale AI maturity without leaving your workforce behind. Tune in to discover: Why only 1 in 5 AI initiatives see real return — and how to change the odds How to use the Gartner Positioning System to evaluate readiness The difference between conversational agents and autonomous decision-making agents Why a value remix may be more effective than workforce reduction How aligning tech readiness and human capability unlocks "shockwave" innovation   Dig deeper

As 2026 approaches, AI innovation is accelerating faster than human readiness — so how can CIOs and IT leaders stay ahead? In this episode of Gartner ThinkCast, recorded on site at Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo in Orlando, Florida, Gartner experts Chris Howard and Gene Alvarez share key takeaways from three cornerstone sessions: the Opening Keynote, Top Strategic Technology Trends, and the CIO Agenda. They explore how CIOs can walk the "golden path" to value, balance AI ambition with operational readiness and prepare their teams for a future defined by agility, risk management and tenacity. Tune in to discover: Why heroes are made in the Trough of Disillusionment How CIOs can align human and AI readiness The rise of multiagent systems and domain-specific language models What the Architect, Synthesist and Vanguard roles mean for 2026 strategy Why success depends less on budget and more on resilience, adaptability and trust  Dig deeper: Download the Opening Keynote takeaways on AI readiness Explore Gartner's Top

In this episode of ThinkCast, we’re setting the stage for Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo 2025. You’ll hear Gartner experts Mary Mesaglio, Hung LeHong, Gene Alvarez and Daryl Plummer revisit the past year’s most impactful IT insights to help you prepare for what’s next — from navigating two AI races and unlocking deep productivity to understanding agentic AI and the rise of guardian agents. Keep listening for practical guidance on setting your AI pace, managing costs and spotting the disruptions that will define IT strategy in 2026 and beyond. Tune in to discover: Why two AI races matter — and which one you’re really in How to find “deep productivity zones” for GenAI success Why neophilia and change champions accelerate adoption What agentic AI means for automation beyond RPA How guardian agents will transform security and oversight Dig deeper: Buy tickets to Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo Become a client to try out AskGartner for more trusted insights

Executives are asking the same question in 2025: Where is the value AI was supposed to deliver?   In this episode of ThinkCast, Gartner experts Mary Mesaglio and Rita Sallam outline how leaders can define, measure and maximize AI value across the enterprise. From productivity gains that don’t translate directly to financial returns, to high-stakes bets that could rewrite industry rules, they explain why leaders must manage AI investments as a balanced portfolio — spanning return on investment, return on employee and return on the future.   Tune in to discover: Why productivity leakage hampers measurable value How to structure AI investments across ROI, ROE and ROF The differences between Defend, Extend and Upend use cases Why AI-ready data, governance and business change are critical   Dig deeper: Buy tickets to Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo Watch the full webinar on AI value Become a client to try out AskGartner for more trusted insights  

CMOs are facing extraordinary expectations — from the enterprise, customers and their own teams. In this episode of ThinkCast, Gartner experts Alex De Fursac Gash and Kristina LaRocca-Cerrone cover a portion of their Opening Keynote from this year's Gartner Marketing Symposium/Xpo. Together, they outline how marketing leaders can navigate heightened demands, avoid strategic dysfunction and embrace what they call the "Epic Journey to Growth." From shifting AI from tool to actor, to building long-term vision and scenario planning muscle, Alex and Kristina reveal how CMOs can strengthen reputations, exceed CEO expectations and transform disruption into opportunity.   Tune in to discover: Why doing nothing in times of disruption is no longer an option How strategic dysfunction undermines growth and what to do about it Practical ways to use scenario planning and AI to build resilience The mindset shifts that turn volatitiliy into enterprise-wide opportunity   Dig deeper: Buy tickets to Gartner Marketing Symposi

In this episode of Gartner ThinkCast, we explore the future of computing — from what to expect in the next decade, to the possibilities beyond. Gartner Global Chief of Research Chris Howard is joined by Soyeb Barot, Chief of Research for Gartner for Technical Professionals and VP Analyst, to discuss what this future could look like. Hear how AI is rapidly driving the near-term innovation of quantum computing, the far future of autonomous businesses and space manufacturing, and why executive leaders should push to play an active role in shaping these possibilities.   Dig Deeper: Buy tickets to Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo Read to learn What is Quantum Computing?

Managers are stretched thin, but remain the most powerful voice for employee trust. In this episode of ThinkCast, Gartner VP, Advisory 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.   Tune in to discover: 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 Communications Leaders Benchmark yourself with the Gartner Communications Score Tool Become a client to try out AskGartner for more trusted insights

With traditional sales growth bets losing steam, today’s sales leaders face an urgent challenge: how to hit their numbers and lead their teams through AI-driven reinvention. In this episode of Gartner ThinkCast — recorded live from the 2025 Gartner CSO & Sales Leader Conference Opening Keynote in Las Vegas — Gartner VP Analyst Dan Gottlieb introduces the “Great Sales Awakening,” a new era in sales transformation. From navigating quota pressures and cross-functional expectations to deploying agentic AI, Dan outlines the bold leadership shifts required to succeed in a world reshaped by digital labor.   Tune in to discover: Why traditional playbooks are no longer enough in today’s environment The difference between time-saving AI and revenue-driving AI How agentic AI is reshaping account planning and sales execution What kind of leader you need to be to thrive in the era of AI-powered sales   Dig deeper: Buy tickets to the next Gartner CSO & Sales Leader Conference Watch the Opening Keynote and other

With 39% of new executives underperforming in their new role, succeeding as a new leader requires more than ambition — it takes the right tools, insights and political savvy. Gartner Distinguished VP Analyst Mary Mesaglio joins first to introduce Gartner Executive FastStart™ — a curated set of tools, roadmaps and resources to help new executives overcome the triple constraint of time, information and relationships. Then Gartner Fellow Tina Nunno walks through her framework of four leadership styles to help new leaders navigate the political realities of any organization.   Tune in to discover: Why new executives struggle and how the triple constraint holds them back How Executive FastStart helps leaders achieve early wins and build trust The four political leadership styles and how to identify your own How to quickly adapt to the political dynamics of your executive team   Dig deeper: Download your own personalized copy of Gartner Executive FastStart Watch the full Executives in a New Role playlist on You