AI is reshaping the way we work, but how can leaders stay ahead without being AI experts themselves? At last Thursday’s OC CTO Talks, Chase Cabanillas tackled this challenge in Getting Hands-On: Leading in the Time of AI, emphasizing that leadership in the AI era isn’t about coding, it’s about engagement.
To illustrate this, he revisited Netflix’s pivotal shift to streaming and the infamous Qwikster misstep. While the execution faltered, Netflix’s conviction in on-demand video proved invaluable, reinforcing a key leadership lesson: success comes from understanding technology’s potential, even when the path forward isn’t clear.
The talk emphasized why hands-on leadership is key in AI. First, leaders shape how their teams view AI; by actively engaging with AI tools, they can transform potential threats into opportunities. Second, navigating AI’s evolving capabilities requires direct experience, as some tools are promising while others fail. Only through experimentation can leaders identify true value. Lastly, early adoption accelerates expertise. AI isn’t just another tool; it’s a fundamental shift, and delaying engagement means falling behind.
To make AI adoption practical, the talk encouraged shifting from deliberate experimentation to habitual use, and ultimately to reimagining processes altogether. The speaker showcased tools like Warp, an AI-powered terminal that simplifies command recall, and Ollama, which enables running AI models locally. Windsurf and Replit demonstrated “v-coding,” where software is generated from simple descriptions—one example saw Windsurf analyze a complex codebase and produce documentation in seconds, revealing AI’s immense efficiency potential.
Beyond engineering, tools like Gamma for presentation creation and Granola AI for meeting summaries highlighted AI’s broader applications. Addressing concerns around data privacy, the speaker suggested starting with open-source, locally run models. While AI can enhance decision-making, he emphasized that human oversight remains irreplaceable.
The session delivered a clear message: AI leadership isn’t about mastering algorithms—it’s about engaging with the tools shaping the future. Leaders who experiment today will be the ones guiding their teams forward. Those who hesitate risk falling behind in a rapidly evolving landscape.
But leadership isn’t just about embracing innovation, it’s also about handling tough moments. At our next CTO Talks on April 24th at Seven Co, Mahesh Guruswamy, CPTO at Kickstarter, will explore How to Deliver Bad News, a crucial skill for any leader navigating change. Join us for another evening of insight and growth.
