Cambridge Spark urges C-suite to boost AI knowledge for growth

Dr Raoul-Gabriel Urma, Founder and Group CEO of Cambridge Spark, has called for all C-suite executives to attend AI training courses to support the integration of artificial intelligence across all departments within businesses.

The commentary comes after a Gartner survey found that CEOs believe their executive teams do not have sufficient AI knowledge for current needs. A separate Cisco study reported that 74% of CEOs fear gaps in AI understanding could impair boardroom decisions, while 58% are concerned these shortcomings might limit business growth.

Cambridge Spark recently worked with Lloyds Banking Group to upskill over 200 senior leaders through a dedicated six-month AI programme at the University of Cambridge. The firm has reported increasing demand from organisations for AI strategy training at senior levels.

Urma said building AI capability among executives is necessary to move AI out of technical silos and develop an organisational culture that adopts new technology across all functions.

"Just like the internet became a revolutionary force once the entire workforce started to leverage it, AI's real impact will be realised once it is deployed across all departments and functions of a business. And that requires the strategic leaders of all areas of business to have a strong understanding of how AI works, as well as how it can be implemented to drive return on investment."

He added that executive-level AI knowledge is now essential for all members of the C-suite, not only those in technology roles:

"AI is no longer a niche focus for the CIO and CTO, but a priority for every executive. If you're a CHRO, you need to understand how AI can transform your hiring processes and lift employee morale. If you're the CDO, you need to understand the pivotal role that data plays in your company's AI value chain."

Urma also highlighted the importance of leaders demonstrating understanding if they expect employees to use AI tools in their roles.

"Equally importantly, if you're a senior leader and you're asking your employees to use AI to streamline their work, it's critical that you lead from the front – you need to understand how it works, what your employees' concerns might be, and provide strategy and direction. A CRO wouldn't get away with demanding knowledge of a CRM platform if they didn't themselves understand it, and the same standard must apply to AI."

Outlining his recommendations, Urma said:

"That's why I'm calling for all executives to be sent on intensive in-person or virtual upskilling courses in AI. These courses should embed a foundational understanding of what AI is and how it works, and teach executives how to create effective AI strategies, spot opportunities for transformation, develop culture, and guide operational deployment."

He continued:

"Of course, everyone in a workforce needs upskilling in AI to drive return on the heavy investments that are going into the technology. But right now, too much of the focus is on upskilling employees at the coal face, and not enough attention is paid to the people responsible for the strategy."

Cambridge Spark, listed in The Sunday Times 100 of the UK's fastest-growing private companies, provides practical AI and data education programmes and has supported clients including GSK, the BBC, Virgin Atlantic, and Lloyds Banking Group.