Ram Shivakumar
Adjunct Professor of Economics and Strategy
Ram Shivakumar
The AI-Ready Leader
Lead with clarity and create enterprise value in the age of AI.
Next Session
September 15-September 17, 2026
View All Dates
Location/Format
In Person
Gleacher Center, Chicago
Investment Fee (in USD)
$9,000 USD
Questions? Connect with our enrollment advisors.
Next Session
September 15-September 17, 2026
View All Dates
Location/Format
In Person
Gleacher Center, Chicago
Investment Fee (in USD)
$9,000 USD
Questions? Connect with our enrollment advisors.
The AI-Ready Leader equips executives with the strategic insight, pragmatic frameworks, and leadership capabilities to thrive in the era of artificial intelligence.
No technical expertise is required. The program is designed for executives responsible for setting direction, leading change, and shaping the governance, talent, and culture required in a changing technological environment.
Artificial intelligence is no longer experimental—it has become a core strategic priority, reshaping how organizations operate and how people communicate, collaborate, and make decisions. Yet many leaders struggle to move their organizations beyond isolated pilots toward coordinated, enterprise-wide action. Delivered at Gleacher Center—Chicago Booth’s downtown campus—the program equips executives to lead people and AI initiatives with confidence, discernment, and strategic discipline.
This program serves as an elective to:
This program is structured around three questions.
- Where is economic value being created and captured as AI shapes industries, markets, and economies?
- What should you do now, what should you do later, and what should you not do?
- And what changes should you make to your organization (people, processes, culture) to give yourself the best chance of success?
You'll work through these questions with cases on companies at the forefront of the AI economy, with exercises applied to your own companies, and listening to leaders who have done it in industries such as medical devices, banking, robotics, management consulting, and more.
By attending this program, you will explore key themes in:
Assess the Landscape
- Understand how AI creates both challenges and opportunities for established organizations.
Conduct an Organizational Audit
- Identify operational bottlenecks, capability gaps, and data constraints.
Select Initiatives for Fit and Impact
- Identify and prioritize the most promising AI projects for your strategic context.
Lead with Influence
- Build credibility, align senior stakeholders, and communicate AI’s value to drive enterprise-wide adoption.
Architect the Organization
- Design structures, roles, and decision rights to operationalize AI at scale.
Lead Transformation Across the Enterprise
- Drive cross-functional adoption and develop roadmaps that embed AI into core business processes.
Establish Effective Governance
- Implement frameworks to manage risk, ensure compliance, and enable responsible, high-impact AI decisions.
Who Should Attend
Mid- to senior-level executives responsible for translating artificial intelligence and digital technologies into sustained enterprise value. This program is ideal for leaders who:
- Own P&L or enterprise strategy
- Shape capital allocation or technology investment decisions
- Lead AI-enabled or digital transformation initiatives
- Oversee risk, compliance, or governance functions
- Advise boards, portfolio companies, or senior executives
Download the program brochure for in-depth insights into who should attend, participant profiles, and the ideal candidate.
Faculty Teaching This Program
At Booth, our distinguished faculty exemplify dedication and expertise, bringing deep passion to their teaching. Their steadfast commitment extends beyond traditional instruction, focusing on empowering every Executive Education participant, across all programs and global campuses, to achieve their professional and leadership goals.
Practitioner Insights
Learn Directly from Industry Practitioners
This program brings the curriculum to life through the perspectives of experienced executives and practitioners. Select sessions may feature guest contributors who share real-world insights into leadership, strategy, and decision-making at the highest levels.
Program Outline
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Examine successful and unsuccessful use-cases of AI
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Recognize how AI can improve your company’s competitive position
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Identify the bottlenecks and capability gaps that limit the impact of AI initiatives.
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Track your company’s progress on five dimensions of AI readines
- Understand your leadership profile (strengths, derailers, motives, values) using Hogan insights
- Adapt your leadership approach across generations and working environments
- Build trust and credibility across stakeholders in hybrid, tech-enabled environments
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Revisit your Vision and Mission in light of disruption
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Select your winning value proposition
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Harness the power of a clear and engaging culture
- Anticipate how AI will reshape roles, skills, and ways of working
- Build a culture that supports thoughtful adoption
- Align technology, talent, and organizational strategy
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Understand the elements of an effective AI responsible use policy
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Ensure AI initiatives are deployed responsibly, ethically, and effectively
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Develop a high level AI implementation plan
Upcoming Sessions
Program dates are subject to change.
Download Brochure
Download the program brochure for in-depth insights on who should attend, a schedule preview, past participant profiles, location highlights, networking opportunities, and what to expect. When doing so, you’ll also receive an editable justification letter to help you make the case to your employer for your attendance.
All fields required.
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Frequently Asked Questions
In this section, you’ll find answers to frequently asked questions about Chicago Booth Executive Education programs.
Frequently Asked Questions