Who Owns AI Culture? (Hint: It’s NOT the Tech Team)
Building an AI-driven culture isn’t about technology. It’s about people.
That means AI culture isn’t owned by the IT department, the data science team, or even the innovation lead. It’s owned by leadership.
AI adoption happens when leadership drives it. AI culture happens when leadership embodies it.
Who Should Wake Up Every Day Thinking About AI Culture?
The CEO & Executive Leadership Team – They set the tone.
If the top leadership doesn’t talk about AI, no one will.
The CEO must be the loudest voice advocating for AI integration.
I shouldn’t be an “initiative”—it should be a core part of the company’s strategy.
What This Looks Like:
The CEO publicly commits to AI-first leadership
AI is discussed in every executive meeting
AI is tied to company-wide KPIs
Chief AI Officer (CAIO) or AI Strategy Lead – They operationalize AI culture.
This person bridges AI & business strategy.
Not just about technology, it’s about embedding AI into workflows, training, and leadership.
Ensures AI isn’t a siloed project, but an enterprise-wide transformation.
What This Looks Like:
AI Strategy Lead works across departments, not just with IT.
Drives AI training & literacy for all employees.
Ensures AI adoption is tied to business goals.
Department Heads & Team Leaders – They make AI culture real in day-to-day work.
Every department head needs to be an AI champion in their space.
AI must be discussed in marketing, sales, HR, finance, and operations meetings.
Team leaders must show how AI helps—not replaces—their teams.
What This Looks Like:
Marketing Lead: Uses AI for data insights & campaign automation.
Sales Lead: Uses AI for customer insights & personalization.
HR Lead: Uses AI for recruiting & employee engagement.
Who Should NOT Own AI Culture Alone?
The Tech Team – They build AI systems, but they don’t drive company-wide culture.
A Single AI Project Manager – AI isn’t a “project.” It’s an organizational shift.
Middle Managers Without Leadership Buy-In – AI must come from the top down and the bottom up.
FINAL ANSWER: AI CULTURE = A LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITY.
A successful AI culture is led by executives, championed by department heads, and operationalized by a dedicated AI Strategy Lead.
The tech team builds AI. The leadership team builds the AI culture.
—Liz B. Baker, Founder & Chief Advisor, Nimbology