Digital leaders often hear that 80% of AI adoption success comes down to people—but what aspect of the ‘people’ element matters most? According to Breakthru Beverage Group CIO Glenn Remoreras, it’s not just skills or talent architecture, but rather the ability to build trust and lead through connection during times of change.
Remoreras argues that strong relationships serve as the critical infrastructure enabling successful AI transformation. When trust is high, organizations align faster, challenge assumptions more productively, and navigate uncertainty with greater confidence. Conversely, weak trust can stall even the most promising technology initiatives.
Bridging the IT-Business Divide
Remoreras’s perspective stems from a long-standing focus on closing the gap between IT and business functions—a common challenge where business stakeholders view IT primarily as a service provider. This creates a reactive model where IT implements strategies defined elsewhere.
The alternative is convergence, where technology and business leaders partner equally to shape strategy, leveraging technology’s capabilities to expand possibilities together. When this trust exists, Remoreras says, “technology strategy becomes inseparable from business strategy.”
Trust as an Operating System
For organizations adopting AI—which impacts decision-making, work design, customer experience, and more—this convergence is essential. Approaching AI with separate agendas creates silos and limits value realization.
Trust isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a core operating infrastructure that allows teams to navigate the uncertainty inherent in AI transformation. When tensions arise (about roles, funding, or implementation), trust enables productive discussion rather than resistance.