For many top executives, the role of artificial intelligence is evolving beyond mere task automation. A growing number of leaders are using AI not just as a productivity tool, but as a sophisticated thinking partner that actively challenges assumptions and enhances strategic decision-making.
This shift was highlighted recently as several prominent leaders shared insights into how AI has become an indispensable part of their daily work, pushing them to ask better questions and consider alternative perspectives.
AI as a Challenger of Assumptions
Priyanka Anand, VP and Head of HR for Southeast Asia, Oceania, and India at Ericsson, emphasizes that the quality of AI's output is directly tied to the quality of the input questions. Instead of seeking validation, she prompts AI to reveal missing perspectives or potential blind spots, enriching discussions with her teams. While AI handles initial drafts and summaries, it's its capacity to challenge her thinking that truly accelerates her decision-making process.
Similarly, Ruchika Panesar, Country Head for India and CIO Functions at NatWest Group, views AI as a thought partner. Her personal AI agent, Donna, reinforces the principle of starting with the problem, not the technology. Panesar uses AI to explore emerging technologies and test ideas, often asking, “What am I not seeing? Challenge my assumptions and show me a reverse perspective.”
Informed Decisions Over Fast Ones
Krishnakumar Govindarajan, CTO at MiQ, notes that AI has fundamentally changed his thinking process, not just his work speed. By synthesizing complex information, AI allows him to build a coherent understanding of diverse topics, significantly improving the quality of his work in the fast-paced adtech industry. His key takeaway: “Don't just decide fast—decide informed,” as AI removes the time constraints that once limited thorough analysis.
Priya Mathilakath Pillai, Head – HR (Retail, Corporate & Manufacturing) at Titan Company, leverages AI to connect employee feedback, workforce insights, and organizational data. This helps her identify patterns rapidly, allowing her more time for coaching leaders and making decisions that genuinely improve employee experience and business outcomes. Before critical communications, she asks AI to challenge her thinking and consider alternative perspectives.
Clarity, Transparency, and Human Judgment
Arti Rajaraman, SVP – Data Science & AI at Synchrony, finds that working with AI reinforces the importance of first-principles thinking. She values AI most for its ability to help communicate strategy effectively, synthesizing complex ideas into clear narratives tailored for different audiences. This allows her to simplify complexity without losing strategic intent.
A recurring theme among these leaders is the need for AI to be transparent about its uncertainties. Anand suggests AI should “show your reasoning, acknowledge uncertainty and make it easier for humans to verify information.” Panesar's feedback for AI would be “Needs development in humility,” while Pillai stresses that the most valuable AI is one that “clearly highlights where human judgment, context and experience are still required.”
Ultimately, while AI provides invaluable insights and challenges, these leaders agree that empathy, accountability, and the final critical judgment must remain human.