What are some of the key skills and competencies that IT leaders need to effectively manage AI in their organizations?

It's all about understanding. There is a lot of buzz around AI, and while it has a lot of potential, it's crucial to know how to use it effectively. It's like having a Bugatti but not knowing how to drive it. It's crucial for leaders to understand the capabilities of AI and how to leverage them to their best advantage. 

We've made it mandatory for our teams to undergo role-based learning and certifications. We've also conducted surveys to gauge how our teams are feeling about AI, their prior experience, and how they're currently using it. This has helped us understand where we can make improvements for a better experience. It's all about having the right knowledge to drive the teams in the right direction.

I think the skills and competencies required of an IT leader can be boiled down to three things. 

1. IT leaders need to have a solid understanding of the operational context. They need to understand the core capabilities, the most mission-critical aspects, and the operational and strategic challenges the organization is facing. 

2. They need to communicate how AI and technology can be applied to these challenges, as well as what the limitations and risks are. It's crucial for IT leaders to combat misinformation around AI.

3. IT leaders need to understand how to promote responsible risk management. This isn't just about locking everything down, but also about promoting intelligent risk-taking. Understanding which areas of the business have the necessary skills and understanding to conduct experiments with AI while managing the associated risks is key.