The AI-Ready Leader

Testimonials for The AI-Ready Leader

"HI + AI = ECI™ isn't just a formula-it's the strategic blueprint for leaders who want to harness transformation instead of being swept away by it."

- Raymond L. Kunik Jr., Chief Data Officer, 3M

"This is a great handbook for how leaders need to think about deploying AI to generate real results and transformations that stick."

- Neil Hampshire, Chief Data Officer, Ocean Spray

"The ECI equation defines leadership in the AI era. Carsten's storytelling and real-world examples demonstrate how to responsibly unlock AI innovation while building a culture where people and AI thrive together."

- Grant Ecker, VP Enterprise Architecture, Ecolab

HI + AI = ECI™: Elevated Collaborative Intelligence™ for the AI-Ready Leader

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping business, but most organizations are still struggling to turn AI pilots into real enterprise impact.

Technology alone is not the answer.

In HI + AI = ECI™, enterprise technology executive and CDO TIMES founder Carsten Krause presents a leadership framework for navigating the next era of AI strategy, digital transformation, and enterprise innovation.

At the center of the book is a simple formula for modern leadership:

(HI + AI) × T - R = ECI

Where Human Intelligence (HI) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) combine with Technology Readiness (T) while managing Risk (R) to unlock Elevated Collaborative Intelligence™-a model for integrating human leadership and AI capabilities to drive smarter decisions, faster innovation, and sustainable enterprise performance.

Drawing from real-world experience as a CIO, CISO, CDO, and enterprise architecture leader, Krause translates this concept into a practical operating model for executives responsible for AI governance, enterprise architecture, and technology-driven business transformation.

This 480+ page executive guide includes:

• Practical AI strategy frameworks for enterprise leaders
• Case studies from real-world technology transformations
• A structured 90-day roadmap for launching AI initiatives
• Guidance for aligning CIO, CDO, CISO, CTO, and CEO priorities
• Tools for navigating AI risk, regulation, and governance

More than 15,000 executives follow the ECI framework and leadership insights through CDO TIMES and global executive forums.

Readers also receive exclusive access to the ECI Executive Toolkit (a $200 value), including readiness diagnostics, strategy templates, and executive leadership scorecards to apply the framework in their own organizations.

HI + AI = ECI™ provides a practical roadmap for leaders building AI-ready enterprises in the age of intelligent transformation.

Ideal for CIOs, CDOs, CTOs, enterprise architects, and any executives leading AI transformation and digital strategy initiatives.