As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries at a rapid pace, organizations are confronting new questions about how to lead, decide, and innovate responsibly. On January 30, The School of Business at Portland State University brought together senior leaders from across sectors for Strategic Leadership in the Age of AI, an executive education program designed to explore what effective leadership looks like in an AI-driven world.
Held at the Karl Miller Center, the program focused on how leaders can move beyond understanding AI as a tool and instead develop the strategic mindset needed to guide organizations through uncertainty and transformation. Rather than centering only on technical applications, the experience emphasized leadership, ethics, and decision-making in complex environments where technology and human judgment intersect.
"The rapid evolution of AI means our responsibility as an educational institution extends far beyond teaching technical skills," notes Carlos Mena, Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs. "Through initiatives like this, we are ensuring that our graduate programs and executive education offerings equip leaders to navigate the deep systemic shifts in how teams operate, communicate, and solve problems under pressure."
Throughout the day, participants engaged in a mix of expert instruction, discussion, and interactive learning designed to translate AI concepts into practical leadership strategies. One of the key frameworks introduced was “Ship, Shipmate, Self,” a leadership philosophy that prioritizes mission success and collective responsibility. Attendees reflected on its relevance across industries, noting its value in reinforcing accountability, teamwork, and decision-making under pressure.
Hands-on exercises helped bring abstract AI concepts into a more applied context. Activities such as structural thinking exercises encouraged participants to rethink how teams are organized and how decisions are made in environments shaped by rapid technological change. These interactive components created space for experimentation, collaboration, and open dialogue among leaders navigating similar challenges in their own organizations.
Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. Attendees highlighted the program’s practical focus, engaging instruction, and welcoming environment that encouraged honest conversation about the opportunities and challenges of AI adoption. Many noted that the content was immediately applicable, offering frameworks and perspectives they could bring back to their teams and organizations.
The program also reflected the strength of the instructor and speaker experience, drawing on industry expertise and thought leadership to ground discussions in real-world application. By connecting academic insight with practitioner experience, the program reinforced The School of Business’s role as a bridge between research, education, and industry practice.
"We are stepping into a dynamic era of AI-driven digital transformation where technology and humanity are deeply intertwined," says Qing Hu, Dean of The School of Business. "At PSU, we believe leaders shouldn't just adapt to the future—they should actively shape it. By bringing together academic research and industry practice at the Karl Miller Center, we are redefining business education to reflect the exact world our students and partners are stepping into."
Ultimately, Strategic Leadership in the Age of AI demonstrated how executive education is evolving in response to emerging technologies. As AI continues to influence strategy, operations, and workforce development, The School of Business is helping leaders build the skills and perspectives needed not just to adapt to change, but to lead it.
Through programs like this, The School of Business continues to position itself as a hub for innovation in leadership development, equipping professionals with the tools to navigate complexity and shape the future of business with confidence and intention.
Learn more about The Strategic AI program and secure a spot in the upcoming session on September 11 here.