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The CEO's AI & growth briefing

What the board really thinks twice a week, for 2,000+ CEOs.

The AI and growth briefing 2,000+ CEOs read. From Dan Ilett, former Financial Times journalist turned CEO advisor on AI, storytelling and growth.

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Our point of view

Without growth, you can’t employ people. Yet you’re still expected to deliver results.

The CEO’s job looks glamorous from outside. In reality it is a tightrope walk. Every call weighs pain against benefit. When you are right, it is everyone’s glory. When you are wrong, everyone blames you.

“Just do AI,” you’re being told. But nobody knows what, why or how.

Yet the story, your story, the leader’s story, must never fold.

So here is The Executive Summary. The few important words that tell you what you need to know.

What leaders are saying

Read by the people who run the room.

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"In a world which is going faster than ever, it has never been tougher to be a leader. Dan gets the lonely seat of leadership and bringing peers together to share ideas is such a good way to crystallize your thoughts."
Dean Curtis
Dean CurtisCEO, LexisNexis Risk Solutions (FTSE 100)
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"Dan's newsletter is the only one I actually let hit my inbox, and I've never once failed to read it. Sharp, funny and refreshingly honest, with insightful takes that make even a non-tech founder look forward to every issue."
Robin Block
Robin BlockCEO, Creator VC
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"Every week Dan reminds me that leadership is less about having all the answers and more about asking better questions. Thought provoking and nicely crafted, a decent read."
Dr Anthony Thomson
Dr Anthony ThomsonCEO, Prescience Advisory. AI Auditor.
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"Dan has built a community that genuinely helps senior leaders navigate the noise. The frameworks are practical, the analysis is sharp, and the network you gain access to is world-class."
Akim Falola
Akim FalolaGlobal Markets COO, Citigroup (Fortune 100)
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"A rare newsletter that respects your time while expanding your perspective. Dan cuts through the noise with precision and a refreshingly human voice. Essential reading for any CEO who wants to stay sharp."
Lisa Worrall
Lisa WorrallCEO, Global Native
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Dan Ilett
About the editor

Dan Ilett.

Dan Ilett was a national technology and business news journalist (Financial Times, Economist Group, Daily Telegraph), before becoming a CEO himself — and then an advisor on storytelling and growth. He edits The Executive Summary and works with a small number of companies on growth, performance, AI and story.

His advisory has shaped $1bn in closed deals. He has worked with IBM, Google, Microsoft, Cisco, Cognizant, Equinix, UK Government and SEB on AI, storytelling, commercial performance and organisational change.

Published in
Financial Times The Economist Group The Daily Telegraph The New York Times CNBC Channel 4 Computer Weekly Greenbang CoinDesk ZDNet The Register

Today he chairs the City CIO Club, a private network of CIOs and CTOs, and advises companies through The Proposition.

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The City CIO Club

The City’s private network for tech leaders.

A peer network for the CIOs and CTOs running London’s financial sector. Monthly dinners, briefings and curated rooms.

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The City CIO Club
Cohorts

Beyond the newsletterpeer networks for senior leaders.

01 /The Board Table

The Board Table.

Twelve to fifteen people. Four times a year in Central London. Structured debate on growth, leadership and strategy under Chatham House rules.

  • Dinners, 7–11pm
  • Curated, application only
  • WhatsApp peer network
Apply to join →
02 /City CIO Club

City CIO Club.

A peer network for CIOs and CTOs in London’s financial district. Monthly dinners, webinars and briefings.

  • Monthly dinners in the City
  • 100 member cap
  • Research and briefings
Visit citycio.co →
03 /TES Live

TES Live.

Live events for fifty to a hundred senior people. Interviews with exceptional leaders, collaborative exercises, and the kind of room you want to be in.

  • Central London
  • CEOs, founders, investors
  • Drinks, interview, workshop
See upcoming events →

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