For years, we’ve talked about humans and machines as if they are locked in a battle for control. But let’s face it—this isn’t a sci-fi movie. Intelligent machines aren’t here to take over. They’re here to change how we work, think, and lead.

And as a CIO, your role has shifted. It’s no longer just about managing IT or deploying tools. Now, it’s about creating a strong partnership between humans and machines—one where both bring out the best in each other. Machines excel at speed, precision, and data analysis, but they don’t understand context, values, or the bigger picture. That’s where humans—and you—come in.

As machines take over repetitive and technical tasks, the human side of work becomes more
important than ever. Creativity, emotional intelligence, and adaptability are the skills that will define success in the future. Yet many organisations are still structured around old priorities like efficiency and standardisation. If that sounds familiar, it’s time to rethink what really drives value in your organisation.

Of course, introducing AI and automation doesn’t happen without challenges. Many employees
worry about what these technologies mean for their roles. Will their jobs still matter? Will they be replaced? It’s your job to lead them through these changes. Show them that AI isn’t about
replacement—it’s about empowerment. Machines can handle the grunt work, but the qualities that make us human—intuition, judgment, and connection—remain irreplaceable.

To make this work, trust is key. Employees need to see AI not as a mysterious force but as a
transparent and reliable partner. Building that trust means being clear about why you’re using AI and how it benefits the organisation and its people. It also means fostering a culture where people feel safe to experiment, learn, and adapt alongside these technologies.

The real challenge lies in redefining what work looks like when humans and machines collaborate. Machines might streamline processes and optimise operations, but humans bring creativity, ethics, and long-term vision. Your role as a CIO is to orchestrate this partnership, ensuring machines complement human strengths instead of competing with them.

This isn’t just a technical challenge—it’s a cultural one. Shaping the future of work requires vision, courage, and a deep commitment to keeping humanity at the heart of progress. If this resonates with you, I invite you to join us on December 4 at CIONET Belgium’s final community event of the year: The Human Edge. Held at Deloitte Gateway, this event will explore how AI and digital transformation can remain human-centric. With testimonials from digital leaders like Sabrina Van Meerbeek (Touring), Dirk Dussart (Tessenderlo Group), and Bart Van de Walle (DHL) we’ll discuss how to lead in this new reality.

Your legacy as a CIO won’t be measured by how quickly you implemented AI or how much you saved on costs. It will be defined by how you shaped your organisation to thrive in a world where machines and humans work together.

This isn’t about man vs machine—it’s about man and machine. And as the leader of that partnership, your mission is clear: make it work for people, not just technology. I hope to see you on December 4 to explore this mission together.