When AI Gets a Board Seat
Christian Stadler | Martin Reeves
The April, 2025 edition of ‘The Hub’ highlights an article from Harvard Business Review which emphasis on growing importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Board decision making process. Some important takeaways from the document are as follows-
Three Types of AI Interventions
- Agenda Input: Meeting agendas were given to ChatGPT beforehand to suggest discussion points.
- Live Prompts: Real-time prompts were fed into ChatGPT during meetings for on-the-fly suggestions (e.g., alternative product ideas).
- Post-Meeting Queries: AI was used afterward to answer specific questions and explore strategic options.
Findings & Insights
- AI as a Thought Disruptor (Ungainliness Advantage)
- AI disrupted the habitual, fast-paced decision-making rhythm of a tight-knit executive team.
- This “awkward pause” prompted more thoughtful, reflective discussions.
- For example, during emotional debates like factory closures, AI brought a structured, fact-based balance to the table.
- Beware the Illusion of Completeness
- Executives began to rely on AI’s suggestions too much, assuming it covered everything.
- It overlooked key legal implications in one case, highlighting the need for human critical thinking alongside AI inputs.
- Speed and Cost Benefits
- Rapid ideation (e.g., press release drafting, cost estimates) saved time and cut consulting costs.
- AI’s efficiency enabled quicker decision-making and broader strategic exploration.
Conclusion: AI = Augmentation, Not Substitution
• AI doesn’t replace humans—it amplifies strategic thinking when paired with thoughtful human input.
• The most valuable use of AI wasn’t just accurate answers—it was the way it transformed the interaction process in executive discussions.
Note: IICA duly acknowledge the authorship/ownership of the article and republishing the same only for educational purpose of Independent Directors.
