Subject: GE Aerospace CIO David Burns on Scaling AI Responsibly

Lessons from a modern industrial CIO

With boards demanding results, business leaders demanding innovation, and employees experimenting with new tools daily, the race to adopt AI has left many CIOs wrestling with a fundamental question: How do you move faster without introducing unacceptable risk? Few leaders understand that challenge at a higher level than GE Aerospace CIO David Burns.


After our conversation for a recent episode of the podcast, David and I spent some more time discussing how his organization is leveraging AI as an accelerator, all while maintaining the trust, safety, and operational rigor expected in the aerospace industry. In this article, he outlines the operational principles as well as the investments in technology, people, and capacity that are allowing AI to amplify what they already do exceptionally well.

Coming Up Wed., Aug 26


My next Whisperers Wednesday guest is Cox Automotive EVP and Chief Product Officer Marianne JohnsonAs AI has turned the traditional leadership playbook on its head, many are finding themselves caught in a cycle of pilots, experimentation, and uncertainty. But a select few, like Marianne, are creating real business impact, widening the competitive moat, and redefining what’s possible. 


Tune in on the 26th as Marianne discusses how she is orchestrating one of the largest business transformations in the industry under the banner of “AI-First, Data-Differentiated.” With responsibilities spanning product, technology, data, AI, engineering, and cybersecurity, her story provides a window into the future of enterprise leadership.