Managers and Canadian CEOs Grapple with AI Adoption ROI

A Salesforce study of middle managers worldwide found that 78% feel personally accountable for their teams' AI integration, with 77% reporting savings of more than three hours per week. While two‑thirds are optimistic about AI's benefits, 51% feel anxious about keeping pace, and many cite a need for hands‑on training (37%), a clear AI strategy (35%) and IT support (34%). Senior Salesforce executive Pallavi Sebastian said, “Investing in managers is an investment in not only our business but our future.”

A separate BDO Canada report revealed that 46% of Canadian senior business leaders are experimenting with AI without seeing a meaningful return, and only 18% have embedded AI into core workflows. Twenty‑seven percent expect minimal impact over the next four years. BDO national AI leader Bill Syrros warned that the next gap will be between organisations that redesign work around AI and those that fund disconnected pilots.