It’s no longer enough to delegate AI to tech teams. Today’s executives are expected not only to understand the potential of AI but also to apply it strategically. For instance, this goes far beyond knowing what ChatGPT, Llama or DeepSeek can do—it’s about being able to evaluate when and where to use an AI assistant, how to mitigate its risks, and how to direct the best of machine-human collaborations. As McKinsey’s 2023 research on the economic potential of GenAI highlights, GenAI alone could contribute up to $4.4 trillion annually to global productivity2. Thus, business leaders who can speak the language of AI will be uniquely positioned to unlock that value and advance their careers to rise to leadership positions.
According to Gartner’s Future of Work Trends 2024, companies that train leaders to work alongside AI will outperform competitors in agility, innovation, and employee engagement3.
However, despite the boundless promise of AI, what remains to be seen is how leaders formulate their AI-led vision to leverage, monitor, and co-create with AI systems, and how well they do so will define their core leadership competencies. Leaders must command AI fluency—an understanding of what AI can do, what it should do, and how it aligns with business strategy to adapt to the needs of an evolving business ecosystem.
Preparing the next generation of AI-literate leaders
Recognising this shift, the ISB Online, #1 B-school in India (FT Global MBA Ranking 2025), and #5 in Asia, has launched the Leadership with AI programme. Designed for senior professionals, spanning 20 weeks in an executive-friendly online format, the programme begins on 30 June 2025. The curriculum combines strategic frameworks with hands-on learning across more than 140 pre-recorded video lessons by the globally renowned ISB faculty, over 20 case studies, over 40 assignments, tools and live masterclasses with industry experts. The programme has a deep focus on AI, GenAI and Agentic AI, as well as the practical integration of AI into organisational functions through a capstone project that challenges learners to devise and pitch an AI leadership strategy. Participants gain access to curated asynchronous learning content—articles, podcasts, and masterclasses—along with 18 live interactive doubt clearing sessions with programme leaders. Graduates receive a certificate from ISB Online and become part of the institution’s expansive alumni network and continuous learning opportunities. The programme is priced at ₹2,09,900 + GST, with financing and flexible payment options available.
What to expect
The ISB Online Leadership with AI programme delivers practical, strategic value for professionals navigating leadership in a technology-driven world. By the end of the 20-week learning journey, participants gain a strong foundational understanding of AI, GenAI, and the emerging domain of Agentic AI—along with the ability to apply these technologies across various business functions. The programme aims to empower leaders to identify and evaluate AI opportunities in areas such as marketing, finance, operations, and strategic planning. It also aims to equip them with essential AI and GenAI tools to navigate the ethical, regulatory, and governance dimensions of AI deployment responsibly.
Through real world case studies and interactive peer discussions, learners build decision-making skills grounded in real-world scenarios. A culminating capstone project allows them to apply their learning to practical leadership challenges, ensuring they graduate with not just knowledge but implementation readiness.
Who is this programme for?
This programme is designed specifically for senior and functional leaders, those in technology, marketing, finance, operations, consulting, and general management—who are looking to lead AI-driven transformation in their organisations. With a minimum work experience requirement of 10 years, the course is ideal for professionals seeking to drive innovation, make data-informed decisions, and build a competitive advantage in an increasingly AI-led economy.
Why AI literacy now belongs in the boardroom
Given its horizontal use case, AI is now a force multiplier across diverse sectors of banking, healthcare, manufacturing, and consumer tech. If in retail, it’s used to hyper-personalise experiences in real time, then in financial services, AI models are replacing manual compliance workflows. On the other hand, diagnostic models are supporting clinicians to prioritise patients and introduce interventions, signaling big shifts in healthcare. In every case, the discretion and directional force of leadership, and not the technology alone, is what determines the success or failure of AI adoption.
ISB Online’s Leadership with AI programme is designed to impart the mindset and toolkit to drive intelligent, responsible AI-led innovation.
For more details on learner testimonials and business case studies, and to learn more about the online Leadership with AI modules, GenAI and Agentic AI programme modules, and discounts, visit the programme website.
Refrences:
World Economic Forum. The Future of Jobs Report 2023. https://www.weforum.org/publications/the-future-of-jobs-report-2023/digest/#:~:text=Artificial%20intelligence%2C%20a%20key%20driver,it%20to%20create%20job%20losses
McKinsey & Company. The Economic Potential of Generative AI, 2023. https://www.marketingaiinstitute.com/blog/mckinsey-ai-economic-impact
Gartner. Future Work Trends: 2024. https://www.gartner.com/en/articles/future-of-work-trends
Disclaimer: This content was authored by the content team of ET Spotlight team. The news and editorial staff of ET had no role in the creation of this article.