#521 Shadow AI And The Cross-Functional Leadership Gap | Barbara Wittmann interviewed by Niels Brabandt

What is Shadow AI and why are organisations already losing control of AI adoption without even realising it? In this leadership interview, Barbara Wittmann joins Niels Brabandt to discuss one of the most pressing organisational challenges surrounding Artificial Intelligence: Shadow AI, hidden AI usage, governance risks, and the cross-functional leadership gap many organisations fail to address. From ChatGPT, Copilot, and enterprise licensing to intellectual property risks, organisational trust, AI champions, and practical implementation strategies, this conversation offers critical insights for decision-makers navigating AI transformation. Topics include: • What Shadow AI actually is  • Why employees already use AI without permission  • ChatGPT, Copilot, Claude, and workplace adoption  • Intellectual property, legal, and compliance risks  • Why blocking AI rarely works  • The cross-functional leadership gap explained  • How to identify AI champions in departments  • Why successful AI implementation is not an IT-only project This episode is essential listening for CEOs, CIOs, HR leaders, legal teams, founders, operations leaders, senior executives, and decision-makers responsible for organisational AI strategy. Host: Niels Brabandt EMBA MBA MSc / [email protected] Contact Niels Brabandt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsbrabandt/ Niels Brabandt's Leadership Letter: https://expert.nb-networks.com/ Niels Brabandt's Website: https://www.nb-networks.biz/