The question of whether AI can replace the modern IT department misses the point entirely. Technology does not replace people who understand how to make it work for the business. In this video, I share insights from a live panel debate where executives argued about who should own technology strategy. I explain why IT should drive technology decisions in collaboration with business leaders, how shadow IT creates massive security and efficiency risks, and what real leadership looks like in 2025. A strong CIO is not just managing systems; they are architecting how the business competes, scales, and learns.