Lumen CEO Kate Johnson emphasizes executive partnerships amid AI and geopolitical shifts

Lumen Technologies CEO Kate Johnson stated that the rapid pace of artificial intelligence adoption and geopolitical uncertainty have fundamentally changed corporate decision-making. Speaking at a leadership event in California, Johnson noted that the traditional boardroom culture, which rewarded leaders for having all the facts and being ‘right,’ is no longer viable in today’s market.

Johnson described a new approach that involves building a decision-making ‘machine’ based on hypotheses and constant course-correction through daily signals. This model relies heavily on external expertise and partnerships rather than insular leadership teams.

Data supports this shift: more than 80% of chief executives at AI-first companies engage with external or specialist networks to manage risk. Additionally, as mergers and acquisitions slow, approximately 60% of business leaders expect joint ventures and alliances to become more critical for growth over the next three to five years.