Frequently asked questions about AI-Q
What is AI-Q?
AI-Q describes a leader’s capability to create value in a world where human and machine intelligence work together. It goes beyond AI literacy or technical skill to focus on the Mindsets leaders bring to AI, the human Abilities they apply, and the day-to-day Practices they use to create and sustain value. Together, these form the MAP framework.
What is a high AI-Q leader?
A high AI-Q leader is not necessarily the person using the most AI tools. It is someone who can identify where AI can create meaningful value, make deliberate choices about what to delegate to machines and what requires human judgement, and measure whether AI is actually improving outcomes. In the research, high AI-Q leaders were three times as likely as their peers to report a quantified business outcome from AI in the previous twelve months.
Is AI-Q the same as AI literacy?
No. AI literacy is about understanding AI: what it can do, how to use it and where its limitations lie. AI-Q is about a leader’s capability to turn that understanding into value. It encompasses the Mindsets, human Abilities and Practices needed to identify the right problems, combine human and machine intelligence effectively and translate AI experimentation into sustained outcomes. A leader can therefore be highly AI literate without having a high AI-Q.
What is the AI-Q MAP framework?
The MAP framework is the model at the heart of AI-Q. It has three components: Mindsets, Abilities and Practices. Together they provide a practical way for leaders to understand their current AI-Q, identify gaps and strengthen the capabilities they need to get more value from AI.
Where does the term AI-Q come from?
Athena Peppes developed AI-Q through her work with clients and her research into why some leaders and organisations turn AI investment into measurable value while others stall. AI-Q, or AI Quotient, describes leadership capability rather than technical skill. AI-Q is a UK registered trade mark of Athena Peppes Consulting Ltd.
Who is AI-Q written for?
AI-Q is written for senior leaders who are accountable for results from AI but are not building the technology themselves. That includes executives, functional leaders and board members across industries. It is particularly relevant for leaders facing a gap between AI investment and measurable business value.
Do I need a technical background to read AI-Q?
No. AI-Q assumes no technical background and does not teach readers to code, prompt or evaluate AI models. Its focus is on the leadership capabilities required to make better decisions about AI and turn investment into results.
What research is AI-Q based on?
The book draws on an original survey of 200 senior decision-makers, more than 150 studies and articles, over 50 conversations with leaders across sectors, and Athena’s own experience across economics, foresight and strategy over the past 15 years. One of the central findings was that high AI-Q leaders were three times as likely to report a quantified business outcome from AI in the previous twelve months. Athena publishes further research and insights on AI leadership through her Substack, Athenian Intelligence.
How is AI-Q different from other books on AI leadership?
Many books about AI explain the technology or predict how it will change business and work. AI-Q focuses instead on the leader: what distinguishes leaders who are translating AI into measurable value from those whose efforts stall. It combines original research with a practical framework leaders can apply to themselves and their teams.
Can I measure my own AI-Q?
Yes. The book includes a structured way to assess your current AI-Q across the Mindsets, Abilities and Practices in the MAP framework, identify where you have gaps and build a personalised plan to strengthen them. Athena also offers an AI-Q leadership assessment for senior leaders as part of her advisory support.
How can leaders improve their AI readiness?
AI readiness is not just about adopting more technology. Leaders can strengthen it by developing the right mindsets and human abilities, starting with meaningful business problems, experimenting intentionally, measuring outcomes and helping teams learn from experience. These are the capabilities and practices developed throughout AI-Q.
When is AI-Q published?
AI-Q: The New Leadership Imperative for the Human + AI Era is published on 12 January 2027 by Practical Inspiration Publishing. Pre-orders are open now through Amazon, Waterstones and Bookshop.org.
What formats will AI-Q be available in?
AI-Q will be available in hardback, paperback and ebook.
Can I order AI-Q for my team or organisation?
Yes. Bulk orders are available for leadership teams, development programmes and events. Signed copies and an accompanying briefing can also be arranged. Please use the contact page to discuss requirements.
Does Athena Peppes speak on AI-Q and AI leadership?
Yes. Athena Peppes delivers keynotes, leadership briefings and workshops based on the AI-Q research, covering AI leadership, AI readiness and how organisations can create more value from human + AI collaboration. Formats and topics are available on the speaking page.
