Bentley Systems: AI & Leadership in Digital Transformation

The CIO as Systems Architect: Navigating AI’s Rise and the Future of Strategic Leadership

The modern Chief Information Officer isn’t just keeping the lights on; they’re designing the entire electrical grid. A recent study by Gartner revealed that CIOs leading successful digital transformations spend 60% of their time on business strategy – a dramatic shift from a decade ago. Bentley Systems’ CIO, Ruth Sleeter, embodies this evolution, bringing a decades-long foundation in systems thinking to the forefront as organizations grapple with the complexities of AI adoption.

From Semiconductor Software to Strategic Enablement: A Career Built on Systems Thinking

Sleeter’s path, from a childhood immersed in the burgeoning Silicon Valley to the C-suite, highlights the enduring power of foundational skills. Her early exposure to computer science wasn’t about chasing the latest trend, but about understanding the core principles of breaking down complex problems into manageable components – a skill she traces back to her undergraduate studies and the study of data structures. This “systems thinking,” as she calls it, isn’t just a technical aptitude; it’s a crucial leadership capability. “The CIO role is pretty interesting,” Sleeter explains, “We get to spend a lot of time on strategy but at the same time, we have to make sure we’re building the right internal products.”

Her experience at companies like NetApp, Lenovo, Deutsche Bank, Sonos, and Axon demonstrates the value of diverse experience. Early roles in software product management, honed during the dot-com boom, provided a critical understanding of how to organize and articulate ideas. Crucially, Sleeter emphasizes the importance of customer-facing roles. “I look at my role as a customer-facing role – learning about customer empathy and how to communicate strategy…was crucial in my career.” This focus on understanding user needs, and translating them into technological solutions, is a hallmark of effective CIO leadership.

The Evolving Role of the CIO: From Cost Center to Strategic Leader

The CIO’s position within the C-suite has undergone a radical transformation. Historically viewed as a support function, focused on infrastructure and cost control, the modern CIO is now a key strategic partner. Sleeter describes the CIO as a “microcosm” for how the entire business executes strategy. This vantage point allows the CIO to identify inconsistencies between stated goals and actual investments, providing invaluable insights to the executive team. This isn’t simply about reporting on IT spend; it’s about proactively shaping the strategic conversation and ensuring alignment across the organization.

However, this expanded role comes with new challenges. The most pressing of these is undoubtedly the integration of Artificial Intelligence. Sleeter stresses the need for a flexible and, importantly, a human-centric approach to AI adoption. “Taking a very human-centric approach is the first key to success,” she asserts. “When people are doing their work, they’re not thinking about the business process. They’re just trying to do the thing that they’re doing every day.”

AI Adoption: Prioritizing People Over Processes

The temptation for CIOs, Sleeter notes, is to immediately focus on process optimization when considering AI. This is a mistake. Instead, the focus should be on empowering employees and making their jobs easier. “The very first thing that we can do with AI is make every single person better at their jobs,” she explains. This approach fosters a sense of ownership and encourages employees to explore how AI can enhance their work, rather than fearing it as a replacement. This is a critical shift in mindset, moving from a top-down implementation to a collaborative exploration of possibilities.

This human-first approach requires a different kind of leadership. It demands empathy, communication, and a willingness to invest in training and support. It also requires a willingness to experiment and learn from failures. As organizations navigate this uncharted territory, the CIO’s role is not to dictate the future, but to facilitate a process of discovery and adaptation.

Building a Business Strategy Foundation

Sleeter’s journey to understanding business strategy involved a deliberate effort to connect technical expertise with broader organizational goals. Her experiences at Deutsche Bank, focusing on internal IT deliverables as “products,” and Lenovo, navigating a large-scale business transformation, were pivotal. This involved marrying a product-oriented mindset with a deep understanding of business processes and aligning both with the overall business strategy. This holistic view is essential for CIOs seeking to drive meaningful impact.

The Future of the CIO: A Champion for Inclusive Innovation

Ruth Sleeter’s career also underscores the importance of diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. While acknowledging the progress made, she emphasizes that the work is far from over. Her experience highlights the power of mentorship and the need to create a supportive environment where women and underrepresented groups can thrive. A diverse leadership team brings a wider range of perspectives and experiences, leading to more innovative and effective solutions.

The CIO of the future will be a systems architect, a strategic leader, and a champion for inclusive innovation. They will be less focused on technology for technology’s sake, and more focused on leveraging technology to solve real-world problems and empower people. The ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and embrace change will be paramount. As AI continues to reshape the business landscape, the CIO’s role will only become more critical – and more complex.

What are your biggest challenges in navigating AI adoption within your organization? Share your insights in the comments below!