Without operational readiness, global expansions can end up having a negative impact on business momentum.

"If you just push a tool to people, you get compliance. If you want innovation, you have to foster experimentation," says Cisco Chief People Officer Kelly Jones.

The C-suite sits at the center of this problem because workplace culture is a leadership issue, responsible for conditions that allow organizations to perform.

The realities of AI present three leadership trials for organizations, which require HR to reshape how the C-suite conceptualizes leadership.