Operating Intel

    Field Notes.

    Unvarnished observations on transformation, AI, and the messy reality of scaling teams.

    The CAO role is being created in real time. Nobody agrees on what it should own. These posts follow how this role is being defined, where it sits in the org, and what makes the difference between a CAO who drives change and one who just holds a title.

    Executive in a modern office reviewing data on a large screen, representing AI leadership and strategy
    Chief AI OfficerJun 25, 2026

    What a Chief AI Officer Actually Does in 2026 (And Who Actually Needs One)

    The CAIO title is everywhere in 2026. But most organizations creating the role have two very different ideas of what it means. Here's what the job should actually look like, who it reports to, what it owns, and which companies need one versus which are solving the wrong problem.

    Read Essay 6 MIN READ