AI on the Menu: Why Tech Leaders Must Lead by Doing

Walking the Talk in the Age of AI

In a rapidly evolving AI landscape, leaders can’t afford to sit on the sidelines while expecting their teams to embrace new technologies. The phrase “eat your own AI” underscores a renewed push for executives to use the AI tools they expect others in their companies to leverage. It’s no longer enough to delegate experimentation — leaders must actively engage with the tech themselves to better understand its strengths, limitations, and strategic value. This hands-on approach builds credibility, fosters faster adoption, and encourages a growth mindset throughout the organization.

From Passive Oversight to Active Participation

Executives are increasingly realizing that firsthand experience with AI enables smarter decision-making and fosters innovation. Using AI tools in daily workflows — whether for presentations, scheduling, or strategic forecasting — can provide genuine operational insights not visible from the C-suite alone. Moreover, it signals to employees that AI adoption isn’t optional or an IT-side project, but a business priority. By embedding AI literacy across leadership, companies can catalyze cross-functional transformation and demystify the technology for their broader teams.

The Culture Shift Starts at the Top

Embedding AI into a company’s fabric demands more than tech upgrades — it requires a cultural reset that begins with leadership. When executives demonstrate openness to learning and even failing with AI tools, they set a tone of experimentation and curiosity. This culture of tech-driven learning encourages psychological safety, where teams feel empowered to innovate without fear. Ultimately, the organizations that thrive will be those where leaders don’t just talk AI — they live it.