Gartner Thinkcast

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

In this episode of Gartner ThinkCast, we dive into how data and analytics leaders can navigate the mounting pressure to deliver AI results, while building the trust, governance and business value needed for long-term success. Fresh from the Opening Keynote at Gartner Data & Analytics Summit, Gartner experts Gareth Herschel and Carlie Idoine share why this is the best time to be in data and analytics — and how to scale your AI journey with confidence. From trust models and “freedom in a box” governance, to measuring real value and telling the right story, they break down what it takes to turn AI potential into measurable impact.     Tune in to discover: Why trust in both AI and data is the foundation for success How to design governance that accelerates innovation Ways to measure value beyond ROI — including return on the future How storytelling bridges the gap between analytics and business impact     Dig Deeper: Buy tickets to Gartner Data & Analytics Summit Watch the full Opening Keynote

In this episode of Gartner ThinkCast, we revisit the Top Strategic Technology Trends for 2025 — particularly those focused on AI — and explore the impact they’ve had so far. Gartner Distinguished VP Analyst Gene Alvarez returns to unpack how this year’s most critical tech trends are playing out across enterprises with ever-increasing speed, including agentic AI, disinformation security and AI governance platforms. From ethics-by-design to the rise of AI coworkers, discover what’s working, what’s evolving and what leaders need to prepare for as we approach the reveal of the 2026 trends.   Tune in to discover What agentic AI means for productivity, coworking and knowledge compression Why AI governance platforms are becoming a critical pillar of enterprise trust How disinformation security tools are emerging to combat deepfakes What organizations can do to avoid “ethics washing” and shadow IT risks Why every tech trend now requires responsible innovation at its core   Dig deeper Buy tickets to Gartner IT Symp

In this episode of Gartner ThinkCast, we explore one of the most persistent — and evolving — challenges with AI: hallucinations. Returning from our Top of Mind video series, Gartner Chief of Research Chris Howard breaks down what hallucinations really are, why they happen and what they reveal about how machines think. From multiagent systems to physics-informed neural networks, discover how the next wave of AI innovation is moving beyond prediction and toward precision, all while relying on AI-ready data.   Tune in to discover: Why hallucinations happen and what they say about how AI works How multiagent systems and PINNs are changing how machines reason When to use probabilistic neural networks vs. deterministic tools Why not every business problem needs AI How hallucinations might actually help reframe your thinking Dig deeper: Buy tickets to Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo™ Download the 2025 Hype Cycle for Artificial Intelligence Watch more Gartner Top of Mind episodes

In this episode of Gartner ThinkCast, we explore how HR leaders can meet the moment in 2025, where AI acceleration, evolving employee expectations and cultural fragmentation are redefining work. Pulled from the Gartner HR Symposium/Xpo™ Opening Keynote, Gartner experts Jessie Knight and Russ McCall uncover the critical role HR must play in addressing widening performance gaps — and how guided collaboration, collective intelligence and a human-first approach to AI can reset the workplace for what’s next.   Tune in to discover: Why traditional talent strategies are falling short What’s behind the collaboration, skills and technology gaps How leading HR teams are using AI-powered nudges How to future-proof your workforce with smarter learning Dig Deeper: Buy tickets to Gartner HR Symposium/Xpo™ Download the Future of Work Toolkit Watch the full Opening Keynote

In this episode of Gartner ThinkCast, we dive back into one of the most urgent questions facing enterprise leaders in 2025: How can organizations turn GenAI initiatives into measurable business value?   Recorded from a recent Gartner webinar, Gartner Senior Director Analyst Nate Suda walks through how productivity does not automatically equal value, and the often-misunderstood link between the two. From productivity leakage and task-level blindspots to bottlenecks, prioritization strategies and use case misfires, Suda delivers a clear framework for where to focus — and who to focus on — to get the most out of GenAI.   Tune in to discover: Why productivity does not equal value What productivity leakage looks like and how to stop it How to match GenAI use cases to employee experience Four ways to define productivity beyond just speed or time saved     Dig Deeper: Buy tickets to Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo Register to watch Beyond Productivity: How CIOs Can Cut Costs with Generative AI Read For AI Value, Focus o

In this episode of Gartner ThinkCast, we return to the AI races with a mid-year reminder on how to keep setting your own pace. Where does your organization stand halfway through the year? And what do you need to keep pursuing? Just as we started the year laying out the AI races, we’ll once again hear from Gartner Distinguished VP Analysts Mary Mesaglio and Hung LeHong from their Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo Opening Keynote. They’ll expand on the AI tech sandwich framework, the 3 AI outcomes that matter, what happens when tools become our teammates and how to focus on your own AI race — whether it's AI-steady, or AI-accelerated.   Tune in to discover: How to align your AI governance strategy with your current AI pace What makes a tech sandwich a smarter alternative to a tech stack Why TRiSM technologies are essential to mitigate risk in real time How to anticipate and manage AI tools becoming our teammates What agentic AI and guardian agents mean for the future of work   Dig deeper: Register to attend Gartner I

In this episode of Gartner ThinkCast, we discuss the key trends shaping the future of work in 2025 and beyond. Gartner Senior Director Analyst Emily Rose McRae joins host Alexis Wierenga to examine how organizations are rethinking talent strategies, integrating AI into daily workflows and redefining the employee experience. Tune in to discover: Why AI investments may be falling short — and how to unlock greater value What the growing expertise gap means for entry-level and retiring talent How performance management is evolving as employees lean into AI feedback Why loneliness has evolved from a personal issue to a business risk Next steps leaders should take this quarter to future-proof their teams Dig deeper: Read all 9 Future of Work Trends for 2025 Register to attend Gartner HR Symposium/Xpo Watch the Opening Keynote: Making Work Better