The Data Dilemma: The Hurdles C-Suite Faces In Drive To Win On AI

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is often described as the engine of modern business transformation—but without strong data, that engine simply won’t run. In a Forbes article by senior editor David Maclean, new research shows that for today’s C-suite, data challenges are the biggest barrier to turning AI ambition into real business results. Based on the Forbes Research 2025 AI Survey of more than 1,000 executives, the findings reveal a clear disconnect. While leaders feel confident about their AI tools and readiness, their data foundations tell a different story. Nearly 60% of executives cite data privacy and security as their top concern, with data quality—accuracy, completeness, and bias—close behind at 40%. These issues now outweigh concerns about ROI, system integration, and even regulatory compliance. The pressure points vary depending on who you ask. CMOs are the most worried about data privacy, while CIOs are most concerned with data quality. Industry differences are just as telling: financial and professional services leaders are the most sensitive to privacy risks, while energy and professional services executives report the greatest data quality challenges. What’s fueling the problem is governance. Maclean found that only 57% of respondents say they’re confident their organizations have strong data governance practices in place for AI—far fewer than those who believe they have the right tools or are ready to become AI-driven. Perhaps the biggest red flag is data experts are being left out of the conversation. Just 13% of companies involve data scientists or analysts in AI decision-making, a steep drop from last year. The message is clear: without better data discipline and the right voices at the table, AI success will remain frustratingly out of reach.

 

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