{"id":5138,"date":"2026-09-04T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-04T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/panamcham.rewind10.com\/leading-in-the-digital-age-the-strategic-value-of-adopting-ai-and-cybersecurity\/"},"modified":"2026-09-04T09:00:00","modified_gmt":"2026-09-04T14:00:00","slug":"leading-in-the-digital-age-the-strategic-value-of-adopting-ai-and-cybersecurity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/panamcham.rewind10.com\/en\/leading-in-the-digital-age-the-strategic-value-of-adopting-ai-and-cybersecurity\/","title":{"rendered":"Leading in the Digital Age: The Strategic Value of Adopting AI and Cybersecurity"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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By Madelin Chinea Hern\u00e1ndez<\/strong>, Chair of the AmCham Innovation Committee- <\/em>Country Manager – Ricoh Panama S.A<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Only a few years ago, I saw first-hand how understanding technology was a responsibility that many leaders delegated to their IT teams or to the firms they hired for that purpose. Today that reality has changed<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity<\/strong> have become strategic business issues. Executives who do not understand their impact will find it harder to compete, innovate and manage risk in an increasingly digital environment. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to PwC\u2019s 28th Global CEO Survey, one in three CEOs reports that generative AI has already increased their organization\u2019s revenue and profitability, while half expect greater benefits over the next 12 months. At the same time, four out of ten CEOs believe their companies may no longer be viable within ten years if they continue operating along their current path. These figures show that AI-driven transformation is no longer a future bet, but a present reality.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The situation is especially critical when we look at the level of readiness: a global Deloitte study found that 66% of directors and executives believe their boards have limited or no knowledge of AI, and 31% acknowledge that the subject is not yet even a regular item on board agendas. The gap between the speed of technology adoption and the ability of leadership to understand it remains a cause for concern.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The other major front is cybersecurity. The World Economic Forum notes that 91% of business leaders consider a catastrophic cyber event likely within the next two years. In parallel, IBM reports that the global average cost of a data breach reached USD 4.44 million in 2025. More worrying still is that organizations deploying AI without adequate governance and control mechanisms are significantly more vulnerable to security incidents. I can tell you that directors, general managers, presidents and business owners carry considerable exposure in these situations, and failing to prepare and anticipate puts at risk not only the business, but also the integrity of our families and of ourselves.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

By industry, the impact is clear. In financial services, AI is redefining risk analysis, customer experience and fraud prevention. In manufacturing, predictive models are optimizing maintenance and productivity. In health care, AI is accelerating diagnoses and clinical decisions by wide margins. In retail, it is improving personalization and inventory management. Across all these industries, the ability of leaders to ask the right questions, understand risks and make informed decisions is becoming a competitive advantage<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What happens when a leader decides not to get involved?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The risks include misguided investments, loss of competitiveness, greater digital vulnerabilities, difficulty attracting talent and a reduced ability to respond to market shifts. Technology is advancing too quickly for senior management to remain an observer. The responsibility for understanding these new capabilities is already part of the modern leadership role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The most advanced organizations are responding differently. Here are some practices you could adopt that I found valuable:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n