When AI confidence can't meet workforce reality

Fast Company (Jun 3, 2025) "When AI confidence can't meet workforce reality" surfaces a striking gap. 92% of C-suite executives express full confidence in AI's impact, but 58% of executives report unclear ownership of AI initiatives and only 38% maintain a complete inventory of AI tools in use. Just 11% of leading companies provide near-universal access to officially sanctioned AI tools, and among employees who do have access fewer than 60% use AI tools in daily workflows — access is not adoption. The piece cites Salesforce CEO Mark Benioff attributing 4,000 layoffs in September 2025 to expected AI productivity, and urges leaders to consider structural workforce shifts only after AI usage becomes habitual and effective. Direct read-out for SEA mid-market boards modelling AI-driven headcount changes.