Only 6% of respondents rate senior leaders as 'fully' prepared for AI transformation.

Korn Ferry’s “Talent Trends 2027” survey of more than 1,300 talent and senior leaders across over 75 countries found that only 6% believe their senior leaders are fully prepared to lead AI transformation. The finding is based on respondents’ self-assessment rather than direct testing of executive capabilities. In addition, 66% expect managers to spend more time helping teams adapt to change than on day-to-day task management, though that figure reflects anticipated role shifts rather than measured working hours. The report matters because it points to a readiness gap at the top just as AI adoption reshapes management priorities. What to watch next is whether companies move beyond perception-based surveys to concrete executive capability assessments and adjust manager roles as AI strategies evolve.