How Technology is Transforming Thought Leadership

• 46% struggle to get through the amount of thought leadership they are sent
• 57% of executives will use AI to find thought leadership that matches their interest
• 76% use GenAI to summarize thought leadership reports
• 22% say they would not trust AI-generated content at all

London, UK — 03 February 2026

Phronesis Partners Launches 2026 Thought Leadership Report: “Can AI Make Your Research More Relevant? How Technology is Transforming Thought Leadership”

Phronesis Partners, a global insight and thought leadership consulting firm, has launched its latest thought leadership report “Can AI Make Your Research More Relevant? How Technology is Transforming Thought Leadership.”

Based on interviews with 1,300 executives from around the world in December 2025, this report explores the future of personalized thought leadership. The findings also include insights from leading thought leadership practitioners:

• Rene Stranghoner, Head of Thought Leadership Research at ServiceNow
• Jonathan Dahl, VP, Chief Content Officer at Korn Ferry
• David Gentle, Global Head of Corporate Content at Fujitsu
• Mara Stefan, VP of Global Insights at Manpower Group
• Josselyn Simpson, Vice President and Global Editorial Director at Heidrick & Struggles

As AI becomes increasingly sophisticated, its ability to generate granular, targeted thought leadership content is reshaping creative and distribution strategies. This report examines how audiences perceive this evolving landscape, focusing on:

• Why relevance wins: The shift toward personalized thought leadership in B2B
• AI as an enabler: Using data to personalize research findings and maximize touch points
• Where humans still matter: The irreplaceable role of human insight and relationships in driving engagement
• The road ahead: The five-year outlook for AI-powered insights that reach the right decision-makers

Katharine Rooney, Editorial Director at Phronesis Partners, comments:

"Thought leadership is only valuable if it resonates with the people it’s intended to reach. As AI and data-driven technologies evolve, they are giving organizations powerful new ways to deliver research that is more timely, targeted, and relevant than ever before. But our findings also underline that technology alone isn’t enough — the most impactful thought leadership will always combine advanced tools with human insight, creativity, and trusted relationships."

About Phronesis Partners

Phronesis Partners is a global research, insights, and thought-leadership consultancy helping organizations unlock strategic growth. Serving clients across fashion, luxury, consumer goods, technology, healthcare, and financial services, Phronesis Partners blends deep sector expertise with advanced analytics to support smarter decisions, stronger narratives, and more impactful leadership.

Media Contacts

Elaine Pratt
Chief Marketing Officer, Phronesis Partners
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John Whittaker
Senior Marketing Director
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