What leaders still get wrong about AI and how to build trust

In a world where artificial intelligence is transforming how organisations operate, leaders face a critical challenge: how to harness AI’s speed and scale while maintaining trust, fairness and human judgement.  In this episode of Think Ahead, Sergei Guriev, Professor of Economics and Dean at London Business School, is joined by Keyvan Vakili, Associate Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship and Academic Director of the Data Science and AI Initiative, and Riham Satti, co-founder and CEO of MeVitae. Together, they explore why so many organisations are still struggling to move beyond AI pilots and proofs of concept, and what it really takes to translate experimentation into meaningful impact.  Drawing on both academic research and real-world experience, the conversation examines how AI is reshaping hiring and people decisions, the risks of bias in data-driven systems, and the importance of transparency, accountability and verifiability in building trustworthy AI. The episode also highlights a central tension: as automation accelerates, the value of distinctly human capabilities such as empathy, judgement and critical thinking only increases.  Tune in to learn:  Why organisations struggle to scale AI from pilots to adding real business value  How to build trust in AI systems, from transparency to governance and accountability  The risks of bias in hiring algorithms and how to mitigate them through better data and design  Why human judgement, context and soft skills are becoming more valuable in the age of AI  Practical guidance on whether to build AI tools in-house or partner externally  Whether you are leading AI adoption, shaping organisational strategy, or navigating the future of work, this episode offers clear, evidence-based insights into how leaders can use AI responsibly while strengthening human capability and long-term value.  For more thought leadership and business insights from London Business School faculty and alumni, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.london.edu/think⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.   Sign up to receive a curated selection of articles, podcasts and films direct to your inbox twice a month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.london.edu/think?entry=true#subscribeScreen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.   Follow us on social media: ⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/school/london-business-school⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/LondonBusinessSchool⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠instagram.com/londonbschool