You can always custom build your own custom course, Why not explore our building blocks library or book a consultation with our team
AI and data could play a central role in managers’ tactical decision-making at the World Cup according to the majority (55%) of business decision-makers in the UK.
Furthermore, twice as many business people (47%) say they would trust an AI-/data-guided manager over one leading on instinct alone for World Cup games (21%).
This is according to the findings of a survey of 1,000 business executives and managers carried out earlier this month for global talent and development company, Hemsley Fraser.
Even with the wide uptake of AI, business people shrewdly judge that the technology is best used alongside, rather than replacing, key human skills like leadership, team-building and creativity.
Nearly two-thirds (62%) believe that strong leadership will ultimately matter more than data or technology in building a winning team. Almost seven out of ten (69%) say that overall team cohesion beats having a few star players - with this figure rising to 82% among company directors in particular.
However, the survey also found clear signs that business leaders may revert to instinctive judgments when it comes to the tense knockout stages: almost six in ten (59%) say instinct and gut feel are more important than data from the pitch for high-pressure matches.
Business people’s support for using AI for high-stakes decisions during the tournament may spring from their own regular use of the technology as a support to their own judgement in day-to-day operations.
More than half of respondents (60%) combine AI with human insight for day-to-day decision-making against just over one quarter (26%) who mainly rely on data/AI. Three quarters (73%) go as far as expecting AI to be used more closely in developing their organisation's leadership capabilities as the technology becomes more widespread in UK workplaces.
Hemsley, which helps large companies worldwide drive change and business transformation with its learning and development programmes, has researched the impacts of AI upskilling on organisations worldwide for more than [four] years. These latest survey findings align with Hemsley’s 2026 research of US and UK corporate learning experts who say that companies must balance upskilling their people for AI with developing their human, analytical and creative skills.
Lynsey Whitmarsh, CEO, Hemsley Fraser, said: “It’s striking that business people might prefer an AI / data-guided manager to an instinct-led one for World Cup matches, yet they acknowledge the wider value of combined AI and human skills when it comes to crunch decisions.
“UK businesses are already using AI tools alongside unique human, social and creative skills to ensure their company has the right leadership and togetherness and teamworking capabilities - and they recognise the impact these qualities could have as countries bid for World Cup glory.”
