The survey of 852 global executives, conducted alongside the University of Oxford, reveals that CIOs and CTOs report 61% confidence in their transformation initiatives, a figure that drops to just 34% among CEOs and board members. This misalignment is not merely a communication hurdle; it is a structural barrier preventing organizations from realizing the full potential of their AI investments. Kim Bozzella, Global CIO & CISO Solutions Leader at Protiviti, notes that even the most advanced technological strategies falter when leadership teams lack a unified definition of success.

While COOs stand out for their optimism—40% identify AI as a primary driver of future revenue—the broader executive suite remains hesitant. CEOs report only 30% confidence that current AI deployments are moving the needle on growth. Beyond the boardroom, organizations continue to struggle with foundational roadblocks, including data governance, cybersecurity disparities, and significant workforce skill gaps. Bridging this divide requires more than increased spending; it necessitates shared metrics that tie specific AI capabilities directly to business outcomes, ensuring that the workforce and operating models evolve in lockstep with technological shifts.