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Artificial intelligence is dominating conversations across the charity sector, but for many organisations, the challenge isn’t the technology itself. It’s the growing pressure to have an answer. In this conversation, Claire Irving and Steve Cordon explore why AI has become such a prominent topic in boardrooms, conferences and strategy discussions, and how that pressure can influence decision-making.
The discussion examines the factors driving AI urgency across the sector, from trustee questions and conference presentations to perceived expectations from funders and stakeholders. It also explores why many charities worry about being left behind, and the risks that arise when organisations start pursuing AI initiatives without a clear understanding of how they align with their goals and priorities.
Rather than focusing on AI tools or features, this conversation looks at the wider organisational context, encouraging charity leaders to step back, think critically and ensure decisions are driven by purpose rather than pressure.
Topics covered
- Why AI is creating pressure for charity leaders
- The role boards and trustees are playing in AI conversations
- How conferences and industry events shape perceptions of AI adoption
- The influence of funders and external stakeholders on technology discussions
- Why so many organisations fear being left behind
- The difference between acting on pressure and acting with purpose
- The risks of launching AI initiatives without a clear strategy
- Why reflection and critical thinking are important in technology decision-making
- How charities can evaluate AI opportunities in the context of their own priorities
- The importance of aligning technology decisions with organisational goals and impact
