Navigating Constant Evolution: The CIO as Change Agent

The role of the Chief Information Officer (CIO) is undergoing a significant transformation, with change management emerging as a critical imperative in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape. While IT evangelism has always been part of the job description, many CIOs now find themselves managing resistance to new technologies—particularly AI—and navigating constant updates.

“The world is throwing so much at us,” says Andrea Ballinger, CIO of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. “What you hear today, you’re being told something else tomorrow.” This sentiment was echoed at the recent CIO 100 Awards and Conference in Texas, where speakers emphasized the growing importance of change management.

Ravi Malick, global CIO at Box, estimates that change management now represents 80% of his job—far exceeding technical issues. He notes that successful digital transformations hinge on effective change management strategies.

The AI Factor

The rise of AI has amplified the need for change management because it fundamentally alters how employees work. Unlike previous technologies that first gained traction in consumer markets before reaching enterprises, AI is simultaneously transforming both spaces. This means employees and organizations alike are trying to adapt at the same time.

“There are parts of this that are revolutionary, and parts that need to be evolutionary,” explains Malick. “The best way to get someone pointed in a different direction is to help them realize they’ve turned on their own and actually like where they’re headed.”

Box has framed AI as an enabler rather than a replacement for human roles, emphasizing how it can amplify existing skills and create new opportunities. The company isn’t closely tracking time savings from AI tools, recognizing that employees may choose to use the extra time in ways that benefit their work-life balance.

Beyond IT: A Broader Mandate

The changing technology landscape is expanding the CIO role beyond traditional IT functions. Orla Daly, CIO at Skillsoft, observes that CIOs are increasingly being asked to lead change initiatives across entire organizations as teams identify new AI applications.

“As AI blurs the lines between technology, operations, and people strategy, the CIO role is becoming closer to that of a COO,” says Daly. “Workforce strategy is folding in alongside technology strategy, so leading change now sits at the center of the role rather than being one piece of it.”

This broader mandate requires CIOs to be adept at navigating uncertainty and helping employees adapt to constant evolution—ensuring they act decisively while also providing support for those who may need more time to adjust.