The AI Questions Boards Can’t Afford to Ignore
What do board members actually need to understand about AI right now? Not the headlines, hype, or predictions about what AI might become. The real question is: How should leaders govern, adopt, and leverage AI in ways that create value without compromising trust?
Those questions were at the center of a recent Private Directors Association event in Minnesota, where Authentic® founder and CEO Jennifer Zick joined moderator Philip Topham, author of Craft Thinking, and technology executive and board director Chris Heim for a candid discussion about AI, governance, and the future of leadership.
While the conversation covered a wide range of perspectives, several themes emerged that every board member, CEO, and executive team should be paying attention to right now.
Why Does Human Judgment Still Matter in the Age of AI?
One of the main points of the conversation was a stark reminder: AI is a powerful tool, but judgment still belongs to the humans in the room. Philip framed it simply in that every prior technology made us faster or more efficient, but AI is the first tool that thinks back at you which should change everything about how we govern it.
For Jennifer, that distinction shows up every day in how Authentic operates and how the team advises clients. “AI can help us on that journey,” she shared, “but it cannot replace us.” Authentic’s mission has always been to build authentic brands that deliver human-to-human connection and trust, and that mission doesn’t change because the tools do.
What Role Should Boards Play in AI Governance?
Jennifer was direct about where businesses and their advisors need to lean in next: proactive governance. Authentic is committed to being transparent with clients about how the team uses AI, what data stays protected, what processes are AI-augmented, and what clients can expect, and is developing internal guidance and a client-facing framework to put that commitment into practice.
“None of our clients have come to Authentic yet asking how we use AI with their information,” Jennifer noted. So rather than wait to be asked, Authentic is getting ahead of it, proactively creating clarity around AI use and working on a plan to invite clients into an informed conversation before they ever have to wonder.
Why Is Organizational Context Critical for AI Success?
A recurring theme was the concept of context and how much of what makes an organization function lives only in people’s heads. Jennifer brought this to life with a story from her own AI journey: when she began building custom GPTs around Authentic’s core processes, she realized that the companies best positioned for AI aren’t necessarily the biggest ones. They’re the ones with the clearest, most documented workflows and data.
“The companies that are going to have the biggest advantage are complete startups who can build their data schemas to serve AI well.” she said.
What Competitive Advantages Can AI Not Replicate?
Maybe the most energizing part of the panel was the reminder that human creativity, relationship-building, and authentic connection aren’t at risk from AI, they’re more valuable than ever. Jennifer pointed to a clear signal she’s seeing in the market: even as AI-generated content floods every channel, there’s a rising demand for the real thing. People want human-made music, human-generated ideas, and rooms full of people shaking hands.
“Don’t buy into the myth that because there’s new technology, you should automate and get rid of your brilliant creative people,” she said. “You need to keep that heart and soul in your business.”
Questions Every Board Should Be Asking About AI
The group also offered up questions that every board should be asking about AI:
- Do we have a documented AI governance policy?
- How is company data being protected when employees use AI tools?
- What AI-related risks have we identified?
- How are competitors using AI?
- What training are employees receiving?
- Who owns AI strategy and oversight within the organization?
- How are we balancing efficiency gains with customer trust?
What Should Boards Be Doing About AI Today?
AI is changing fast, but effective leadership isn’t. The organizations that will thrive won’t simply adopt AI, they’ll govern it well. Authentic® is helping growing businesses navigate this transformation with confidence. Reach out to continue the conversation.
