# AT&T CEO Shares Strategies for the AI Era at Leadership Summit 2026 John Stankey reveals how to successfully transform technology and talent in changing times. - **Source:** [HBR IdeaCast](https://brifing.si/source/232a17e4-dc84-4158-9739-7f858c033d89) - **Published:** 2026-07-16 - **Topic:** [Leadership](https://brifing.si/c/leadership) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/8cc8e7a2-bea3-4962-9f0e-f28d7a4e314d ## Transforming Traditional Companies AT&T CEO John Stankey discusses the challenges of maintaining core values while evolving a legacy corporation. His insights at Leadership Summit 2026 shed light on how tech giants are adapting to the AI revolution. ## Connectivity-Focused Strategy Stankey explains how he refocused AT&T's strategy on connectivity technologies. This strategic shift aims to strengthen the company's telecom leadership while accelerating adaptation to emerging technologies. ## Customer-Centric Mindset The CEO emphasizes encouraging teams to adopt market-driven thinking. This transformation helps employees better understand customer needs and tailor solutions accordingly. ## AI Integration Stankey highlights the importance of integrating AI into product development and performance management. This technology enhances operational efficiency while expanding innovative service capabilities. ## The Power of In-Person Collaboration Despite remote work trends, Stankey advocates for face-to-face interaction. He shares how physical collaboration boosts creativity and strengthens team dynamics. ## A Vision for Future Leadership Stankey's insights offer valuable lessons for traditional companies navigating digital transformation. They demonstrate the critical importance of investing in both technology and human capital for success in the AI era. ## Sources covering this story - https://hbr.org/podcast/2026/07/leadership-summit-2026-att-ceo-john-stankey-on-developing-technology-and-talent-in-the-ai-era — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._