As organizations race to adopt AI, success increasingly hinges not just on technology, but on leadership. Introducing SHAPEIndex—a behavioral framework that identifies the five capabilities that most accelerate AI Velocity: Strategic Agility, Human Centricity, Applied Curiosity, Performance Drive, and Ethical Stewardship. These traits go beyond technical skills, capturing the hidden leadership levers that enable organizations to scale AI responsibly and effectively. Through research, executive interviews, and proprietary survey data, we’ve learned that the most impactful AI leaders fall into two essential roles: AI Architects, who build the technical foundation, and AI Shapers, who embed AI into workflows to drive adoption and impact. True AI transformation requires the collaboration of both roles, guided by the SHAPE dimensions.

This white paper offers a playbook for assessing, hiring, developing, and role-modeling these leadership capabilities. Organizations that adopt the SHAPEIndex can identify hidden high-potential leaders, bridge the leadership gap in AI, and create a culture that fosters trust, experimentation, and responsible innovation. Ultimately, companies that lead with human-centered leadership will gain the true competitive edge in the age of AI.