Raghu Para

expert panel

As enterprises scale their use of artificial intelligence, a subtle but potent risk is emerging: employees increasingly turning to external AI tools without oversight. According to a 2025 report by 1Password, around one in four employees is using unapproved AI technology at work. This kind of “shadow AI” challenges traditional governance, security and alignment frameworks. But should this kind of AI use be banned outright? Or can its use be harnessed to spur innovation and encourage creativity and experimentation? The Senior Executive AI Think Tank—a curated group of senior leaders specializing in machine learning, generative AI and enterprise AI applications—has pooled its collective wisdom to help organizations transform unmanaged AI usage from a hidden threat into a structured lever of innovation, enhancing speed, agility and enterprise alignment.