AI Proficiency in the C-Suite: How Ready Are Business Leaders?

Everyone’s talking about AI’s transformative power—but how well-equipped are business leaders to harness it? Our survey of over 3,000 business managers across the United States, conducted by Snowfire, tackles the question: “What level of AIF proficiency do you believe your C-Suite team currently has overall?” The results paint a varied picture, with C-Suite readiness reflecting regional economies, industry priorities, and the pace of AI adoption.

Key Findings

Modest Proficiency Nationwide

Only 12% of managers rate their C-Suite teams as having “high” AI proficiency (deep understanding and regular use), while 35% report “moderate” proficiency (working knowledge, used selectively). Alarmingly, 26% describe “low” proficiency (basic understanding or limited usage), and 27% note “very low” (minimal to no engagement). This suggests a significant knowledge gap at the leadership level.

Regional Leaders Stand Out

Some states show stronger C-Suite readiness. Delaware (33% high proficiency) and Rhode Island (33% high) lead, likely due to their proximity to tech and financial hubs. New York (18% high) and California (16% high) also rank higher, reflecting their innovation-driven economies. These regions benefit from access to AI talent and early adoption in industries like finance and tech.

Rural and Smaller States Lag

States like Vermont (60% low, 20% very low), South Dakota (43% very low), and Montana (36% very low) report lower C-Suite proficiency, highlighting a rural-urban divide. Limited access to AI expertise and slower adoption in agriculture-heavy or smaller economies may contribute to these gaps.

Industry Influences Proficiency

AI proficiency aligns with industry demands. States with strong healthcare sectors, like Rhode Island and Massachusetts, show higher engagement, likely due to AI’s role in medical innovation. Conversely, states like Kansas (43% very low) and Iowa (40% very low), with agriculture-focused economies, report lower proficiency, where AI applications are still emerging.

Implications for Leadership

With only 47% of C-Suites rated as moderately or highly proficient, many leaders risk falling behind in AI-driven transformation. States like Nevada (22% high) and Texas (16% high) show promise, but the national trend underscores the need for targeted training and strategic hiring to bridge the proficiency gap.

Final Thoughts

AI proficiency in the C-Suite is a critical factor in navigating the future of work. While leaders in tech hubs like Delaware and New York are stepping up, many in rural states like Vermont and Montana face steeper challenges. Closing this gap will require investment in education, access to expertise, and a cultural shift toward embracing AI. The time for C-Suite leaders to level up is now.

Methodology

Online panel survey of 3,003 business managers based on age, gender, and geography. Internal data sources ensure representative population data through stratified sampling and post-stratification weighting. Respondents are selected from a geographically diverse, double-opt-in online panel, with questions designed to authenticate participants. Data quality is maintained through digital fingerprinting, bot checks, geo-verification, speeding detection, and thorough response reviews, including scrutiny of open-ended answers for accuracy and originality.

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