From Firehose to Foresight: Navigating AI in the Boardroom

The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence is reshaping boardroom priorities — and with it, the expectations placed on directors and executives. 

According to Pat O’Sullivan MAICD, chair of CAR Group, SiteMinder and TechnologyOne, and a headline speaker at the upcoming AICD Tech Governance Forum, the defining challenge is not just innovation itself, but the speed at which it is unfolding.

“The number one issue is the rate of change with innovation and particularly… AI,” he says. “I would use the word anxiety. I think it’s led to some anxiety in the boardroom.”

That anxiety reflects a broader shift. CEOs are “effectively drinking from a firehose, trying to understand and absorb what’s actually happening around the world”, while directors are working to “keep up to speed, to ask relevant questions, to feel like they’re actually in the conversation.”

This dynamic is redefining the board–management relationship. Oversight alone is no longer enough. Boards must engage more actively — without overstepping. “The real challenge… is to ensure that they’re allowing the executive to get on with their job but providing value where they can by asking the right questions,” says O’Sullivan.

Balancing innovation and risk

One of the most pressing governance challenges is how to support innovation without introducing unacceptable risk. In the current environment, O’Sullivan warns that uncertainty around AI can lead to overly cautious decision-making.

“There is a risk… of the fear of the unknown with AI, that directors… are trying to put the handbrake on what executives want to do,” he says.

A more effective approach is to establish strong guardrails while enabling progress. “We absolutely need to have controls to ensure that we don’t allow data to leak… but equally, we have to encourage management teams to adapt new AI tools… where they see appropriate.”

Asking better questions

In a fast-moving environment, the quality of boardroom dialogue becomes critical. For O’Sullivan, one question stands out: whether leaders are personally engaging with AI.

“The number one question is… are they using AI tools themselves in their daily job and also… in their daily lives?”

Hands-on use often shifts perspective. “When people actually start to use available tools… a light bulb goes on and they realise what is the art of the possible.”

A real and accelerating disruption

While disruption is not new, the current wave of AI-driven change is both real and accelerating.

“We are in a revolution. An AI revolution, which I find quite exciting,” says O’Sullivan.

He notes a rapid change in sentiment among technology founders. “Twelve months ago, they were a bit skeptical… whereas today they’re looking at it going, ‘now this is real’.”

The implications for competition are significant. “They can see worlds where companies with small amounts of capital can build large systems. That was unheard of 12 months ago.”

What directors can expect at the Tech Governance Forum

At the upcoming Tech Governance Forum, O’Sullivan will explore how these shifts are playing out in practice.

“We’ll cover a number of issues,” he says, starting with a reframing of disruption. “Disruption is not new… it’s new to the extent that it’s faster, but it’s not a new myth.”

He will also examine board composition and capability. “Do we have the right directors around the board table? And I’ll talk about some of the appointments… over the last two years.”

Productivity will be another focus. “We’ll also talk a bit about productivity… and for me, a key part… is working from home.”

Register now for TGF26 – Tuesday, 12 May 2026

For directors looking to strengthen their approach to technology governance and stay ahead of emerging risks and opportunities, the AICD Tech Governance Forum offers timely, practical insight.

Secure your place to hear directly from experienced chairs, challenge your thinking, and ensure your board is equipped to navigate the accelerating pace of technological change.

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