AI insights from the Diligent Institute
AI insights from the Diligent Institute
Our AI Fact Sheet is your go-to resource for the latest research and insights from Diligent Institute on artificial intelligence (AI)integration and board oversight. Updated quarterly.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming how companies operate, presenting both tremendous opportunities and new challenges for boards and leadership teams. As rapid advancement requires proactive oversight, Diligent Institute’s latest research provides a snapshot of how organizations and their boards are responding—and what actions they should consider next.
AI Research & Stats
See below for a recap of some survey findings from the Diligent Institute on how AI is being used at different organizations and how the board is thinking about AI integration.
What Directors Think 2025: An annual survey of U.S. public company directors conducted in partnership with Corporate Board Member and FTI Consulting.
- 42% of directors cite optimizing operations and enhancing workforce productivity as the biggest opportunities of incorporating generative AI into their businesses.
- 32% of directors identify the lack of knowledge and capabilities among leadership as the biggest risk in using generative AI.
- 80% of public company directors report their company has taken some sort of action regarding rapid changes in AI development and deployment.
- 44% of companies have incorporated AI into one or more areas of their business, including products and services.
Director/GC Confidence Index: A quarterly survey of directors and GCs conducted in partnership with Corporate Board Member.
- 60% of directors said their GC provides minimal to no support to the board in its oversight of AI.
AI Corporate Director Podcast Content
We also feature leaders in AI and governance, risk and compliance on our biweekly podcast! Below, you’ll find some key tips from our recent guests on AI integration.
- Using AI to gain a competitive edge
- Key quote: “I think it's probably 3 to 5 years before it would actually be a violation of our duties as General Counsel not to use A.I. The level of discourse will improve because we will see outstanding board texts prepared with the help of AI. You'll see real-time dashboards instead of a businessperson spending all night doing it.”—Cecilia Ziniti, Founder and CEO, GC AI
- Incorporating gen AI into business strategy
- Key quote: “A robust AI governance framework is crucial. This includes AI ethics guidelines, continuous risk assessment, data privacy compliance, transparency protocols, human oversight, and scenario testing to align AI investments with business objectives while managing risks." —Sophia Velastegui, AI Business Leader, Director and Committee Chair, BlackLine, Former GM of AI Products and Chief AI Officer, Microsoft
- AI status report from the boardroom
- Key quote: “The pace of change with AI remarkably rapid. We're now entering the era of autonomous agentic AI, and that really emphasizes the need for directors to obtain ongoing education. You can't oversee something you don't understand. Keep an eye on the regulatory landscape. It's evolving, it's fragmented, and this really affects how and where a company may be able to use generative AI.”—Claudia Allen, Senior Advisor, KPMG Board Leadership Center
Additional resources from Diligent Institute
- AI Unleashed: This report, created with the Institute of Directors, guides you through leveraging AI responsibly. Based on expert insights, you'll understand open vs. closed systems, protect your data, upskill talent in AI engineering and leadership, ensure transparency and governance, and integrate AI effectively while mitigating risks.
- Key quotes:
- "AI isn’t a luxury for big corporations only; it’s an essential tool for small businesses." —Rob Noble, Chair at The Webinar Vet, MBA-IT and Founder of Fidem Consulting
- “Data privacy and security are critical, especially when it comes to AI. Companies need to ensure all policies and protocols are locked down.” —Craig Bentley, Co-Founder of Ignite AI Partners and Branch Chair of the IoD
- "Maintaining a diverse team can foster innovation and reduce the risk of groupthink, which is vital for successful AI adoption.”—Pauline Norstrom, Founder and CEO of Anekanta AI
AI is no longer an emerging issue on the periphery—it is a board-level priority demanding deliberate action. Directors who prioritize education, effective governance, and responsible adoption can help their organizations harness AI’s benefits while mitigating risks. Explore Diligent Institute’s resources for deeper guidance and real-world case studies on AI oversight.
What keeps GCs up at night?
In a new survey from Diligent and Corporate Board Member, public company general counsel share their view of the top risks for U.S. companies in 2025—and highlight potential opportunities for enhanced board collaboration.
What Directors Think 2025
Read the 2025 edition of What Directors Think, conducted in partnership with Corporate Board Member and FTI Consulting, to find out what's on public company directors' minds for the year ahead.
AI Unleashed: Tips for small and medium enterprises
Equip your SME with AI-driven tools to innovate, stay competitive, and meet customer needs effectively
