Chief CEO Alison Moore discussed how women are adapting to changing workplace expectations, artificial intelligence, and nontraditional career paths following the release of new research from Chief and The Harris Poll. The findings examine how senior women executives are approaching AI strategy, career development, and leadership responsibilities while redefining professional growth.
Key Takeaways
- Alison Moore discussed the future of work for women following the release of new research from Chief and The Harris Poll.
- The study found that many women leaders are actively involved in AI strategy, governance, and implementation.
- Moore described career progression as a flexible “lattice” rather than a traditional corporate ladder.
- Chief continues to provide leadership development and community support for senior women executives.
- The findings examine how women are balancing technological change with long-term career planning.
Alison Moore Chief CEO outlined her perspective on how senior women are approaching career decisions as workplaces continue to incorporate artificial intelligence and new models of professional development. Speaking about the organization’s latest research, Moore said women leaders are taking a more intentional approach to career planning while responding to technological change and shifting workplace expectations.
Moore has led Chief since February 2025 after previously serving as chief executive of Comic Relief US and holding executive leadership positions at HBO, NBCUniversal, and Condé Nast. She succeeded co-founders Carolyn Childers and Lindsay Kaplan, who transitioned into board leadership roles.
According to Moore, Chief’s mission centers on supporting women throughout different stages of executive leadership rather than focusing solely on advancement through traditional corporate structures. Its approach complements conversations around women’s career identity by recognizing that professional growth often follows multiple paths instead of a single progression.
Moore also discussed how many experienced professionals are considering multiple career options simultaneously, including corporate leadership, consulting, entrepreneurship, advisory work, and mentorship. She described these career paths as increasingly common among senior women executives.
What Does Chief’s AI Research Reveal About Women Leaders?
Key findings from the Harris Poll
Chief partnered with The Harris Poll to examine how women leaders are participating in organizational AI strategies and decision-making.
The research found that 80% of surveyed women reported active involvement in their organizations’ AI strategies. Their responsibilities primarily included AI governance, ethical oversight, responsible implementation, and designing how employees and AI systems work together.
Participants also expressed caution about the pace of AI adoption. According to the research, 83% agreed that taking a careful approach to AI implementation represents good leadership rather than resistance to technology.
The report also found that 73% of respondents were concerned that critical thinking skills could decline within organizations over the next three years if AI adoption is not balanced with human judgment and leadership development.
Moore said organizations should continue investing in institutional knowledge, leadership development, and workforce capabilities alongside technological adoption. She stated that technology alone cannot replace the judgment and experience required for effective leadership.
The findings position women leaders as active participants in shaping workplace AI strategies rather than passive observers of technological change. The research also suggests that many senior executives view responsible implementation as an important leadership responsibility.
Why Does Alison Moore Chief CEO Describe Careers as a “Lattice” Instead of a Ladder?
Changing approaches to career progression
One of the central ideas discussed by Moore is replacing the traditional concept of a corporate ladder with what she described as a career “lattice.”
Rather than viewing professional advancement as a series of consecutive promotions, Moore said many women experience careers that include lateral moves, pauses, entrepreneurial ventures, consulting opportunities, and returns to executive leadership.
She explained that family responsibilities, caregiving, professional development, and personal priorities can influence career decisions throughout different stages of life. According to Moore, these experiences do not necessarily represent interruptions but may become part of long-term professional growth.
Moore also discussed the growing number of women pursuing independent business opportunities, including launching companies, working as fractional executives, and building consulting practices. These career choices mirror discussions around Gen Z women entrepreneurs who are developing businesses through nontraditional leadership models and digital platforms.
The concept of a career lattice reflects multiple directions for professional development rather than a single route to executive leadership. Moore suggested that organizations should recognize these varied career paths when supporting leadership development.
How Is Chief Supporting Women in Executive Leadership?
Chief describes itself as a membership organization and community for senior women leaders. Its services include executive coaching, leadership development, peer networking, and professional support for experienced business leaders.
Moore said the organization is adapting its services to meet the changing needs of women throughout different stages of their careers. That includes supporting executives who remain in corporate leadership as well as those transitioning into entrepreneurship, advisory positions, or independent consulting.
She also discussed the value of professional communities that allow senior leaders to exchange experiences and learn from peers facing similar leadership challenges.
According to Moore, many Chief members are interested in mentoring emerging women leaders and supporting leadership pipelines within their organizations. She said the organization continues exploring additional opportunities to connect experienced executives with future leaders.
Moore also addressed the importance of maintaining an inclusive membership community representing diverse professional backgrounds and experiences. She stated that transparency and diversity remain important priorities for the organization as it continues expanding its membership.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Alison Moore?
Alison Moore is the CEO of Chief, a membership organization and community that supports senior women leaders through executive development, coaching, and professional networking.
What is Chief?
Chief is a professional organization focused on supporting women in executive leadership through community, coaching, leadership resources, and peer connections for senior business leaders.
What did Chief’s AI research find about women leaders?
The research found that 80% of surveyed women reported active involvement in their organizations’ AI strategies, with many participating in governance, ethics, and responsible implementation. It also found that 83% viewed cautious AI adoption as a sign of good leadership.
Why does Alison Moore compare careers to a lattice?
Moore said many women’s careers include lateral moves, entrepreneurial ventures, caregiving responsibilities, consulting roles, and leadership transitions that do not follow a single upward progression, making a lattice a more accurate description than a traditional ladder.
How does Chief support women in leadership?
Chief provides executive coaching, leadership development, peer networking, and professional support for senior women leaders while also encouraging mentorship and leadership development across different stages of women’s careers.
