Rewire or Retire: Why AI is a Leadership Issue, Not a Technology Problem

You cannot just be a leader that takes a can of digital paint and paints over the analogue cracks of your business. It will not survive the disruption that's coming.

In this episode, Marco Ryan, former Chief Digital Officer at BP and co-author of Rewire or Retire: AI for Leaders, challenges us to rethink how we lead in an AI-driven world. Marco argues that AI isn't fundamentally a technology issue—it's a leadership issue. And the choice facing every leader is clear: rewire your approach or retire gracefully to let others lead.

We explore why most executives are "nearsighted" when it comes to AI, how to find the AI whisperers already in your organisation, and why wisdom and judgment don't always sit at the top of the table. Marco shares practical advice on using AI as a "strategy buddy" and explains why digital curiosity—asking "what if?"—matters more than technical expertise.

Whether you're overwhelmed by AI or just getting started, this conversation offers a clear-eyed look at what leadership demands in the age of artificial intelligence.

If this conversation pushed your thinking, subscribe, share it with a colleague who’s wrestling with AI strategy, and leave a quick review to help others find the show. Then tell us on LinkedIn: where will you rewire first?

Marco Ryan is a Non-Executive Director, author, and former Chief Digital Officer at BP with over 30 years of experience in digital transformation and board-level leadership. He has held senior roles at Wärtsilä, Thomas Cook, and Accenture, and is currently Cyber Leader in Residence at Lancaster University Management School. Marco is the co-author (with Alastair Lechler) of Rewire or Retire: AI for Leaders and 51 Essential AI Terms for Leaders.

Links & Resources

• Marco's website: marcoryan.com
• Book: Rewire or Retire: AI for Leaders – available on Amazon

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