74% of CEOs worry AI failures could cost them their jobs (cfo.economictimes.indiatimes.com)

Dataiku’s Global AI Confessions Report: CEO Edition (survey of 500+ CEOs in the US, UK, France and Germany by The Harris Poll) finds widespread executive anxiety: 74% of CEOs say they could lose their jobs within two years if they fail to deliver AI-driven results, and 70% expect AI-related leadership shakeups this year. The study captures a rapid redefinition of corporate survival metrics—78% now prioritise AI as a core 2025 goal and 83% say AI performance affects investor confidence—while 54% admit competitors already have stronger AI strategies. The report highlights technical and governance fault lines that make execution risky. Leaders increasingly view AI agents as strategic advisors (94% say agents could match or outperform board counsel; 89% say AI can out-plan at least one exec), yet 87% overestimate off‑the‑shelf tools versus bespoke solutions and 35% suspect “AI washing” hides low-impact projects. Shadow AI is pervasive (94% believe employees use unapproved tools), and regulatory uncertainty is delaying or cancelling initiatives (37% delayed, 32% canceled). For practitioners and leaders this signals urgent priorities: measurable ROI metrics, stronger AI governance and compliance, investment in tailored models and change management, and clearer risk controls to avoid costly strategic and personnel fallout.