Stepping into CS leadership in 2027 means more than managing a team and keeping customers happy. Leaders are increasingly expected to influence investment decisions, identify where the organisation needs to evolve and find new ways for their teams to solve problems with AI changing what “good” looks like along the way. This session will explore the skills emerging CS leaders need to build now, from making a compelling case for technology by showing the opportunity cost of inaction, to helping teams adapt as AI takes on more of the problem-solving load. We’ll also look at how leaders can turn empathy, judgement and human connection into an increasingly valuable advantage as AI reshapes the role. Key takeaways: - The skills becoming essential for CS leaders in 2027 - How to build leadership influence while still balancing customer-facing responsibilities - Making the business case for technology by quantifying needs, capacity and opportunity cost - Leading the shift from solving people and process problems to solving problems with AI - Turning empathy, judgement and human connection into distinctive leadership strengths