Organizations are increasingly adopting agentic artificial intelligence as part of their evolution in AI integration, embedding it into everyday employee workflows while establishing a cohesive culture, effective data management, and role-specific training. Kim Basile, Chief Information Officer of Kyndryl, emphasized the importance of helping employees perceive AI as a fundamental aspect of their roles. This approach aims to cultivate practical skills that enhance productivity without displacing human effort. Basile outlined a strategic adoption roadmap aligning training with job roles, which provides on-demand resources and hands-on environments for experimentation with AI tools.
She recommended utilizing structured skill pathways and AI learning hubs that showcase approved tools alongside internal success stories. Kyndryl has introduced an “AI Garage Lab,” a space where employees can explore new industry tools as they become available. This initiative allows staff to obtain licenses for these tools and assess their applicability to specific customer requirements.
Basile has played a pivotal role in streamlining Kyndryl’s technology landscape by constructing strategic platforms and consolidating numerous applications—reducing the total from approximately 1,800 to around 300. This initiative has not only driven significant productivity improvements but has also resulted in substantial cost savings for the organization.
With the transition to agentic frameworks, some IT roles at Kyndryl have evolved. New positions are emerging, including AI governance leaders, chief trust officers, and chief AI officers, particularly in heavily regulated sectors such as banking and healthcare where compliance and data integrity are paramount.
Basile noted the continued importance of the traditional engineering mindset, as these individuals possess critical business process insights and an understanding of system interconnections. However, she emphasized the growing need to complement traditional roles with those focused on leveraging AI to enhance speed and efficiency in operations.
In an audio interview with Information Security Media Group, Basile also addressed pressing concerns regarding the risks associated with autonomous AI agents. She highlighted the necessity for ongoing monitoring and enhanced cybersecurity controls, especially as organizations navigate the complex landscape of AI integration. Moreover, she provided insights on unlocking underutilized features in existing platforms, such as SAP, which can significantly enhance efficiency and foster innovation.
As Kyndryl continues to evolve under Basile’s leadership, the focus remains on fortifying data and system protection while maintaining trust within an increasingly interconnected and threat-laden environment. Basile’s extensive experience in technology strategy and enterprise AI adoption is set to reshape employee engagement and governance across Kyndryl’s global operations, drawing on her previous leadership roles at Vanguard, Leidos, and Lockheed Martin.
