Enterprise technology veteran urges companies to "build what is useful, not what is loud," citing rising AI risks and the growing need for practical, people-centered innovation.
CARLSBAD, CA / ACCESS Newswire / December 9, 2025 / Cisco Sanchez, a 28-year enterprise technology leader and former Global CIO of Qualcomm, has been featured in a new industry spotlight highlighting his journey from FedEx intern to C-suite operator. In the feature, Sanchez uses the platform to raise awareness about the urgent need for responsible AI adoption, stronger cross-functional IT teams, and a more grounded approach to enterprise technology strategy.
"AI is powerful, but only if you use it responsibly and make sure it solves real business problems," Sanchez says in the interview. "We're at a point where the hype is often louder than the impact. We need more leaders focusing on the work, not the noise."
A Call for Responsible, Business-Driven AI
Sanchez points to a major concern he sees across enterprises: rapid AI adoption without clear guardrails.
According to McKinsey, more than 50% of companies say they adopted AI in 2023, but fewer than 20% have ethical or operational AI frameworks in place.
"That gap is where things break," Sanchez warns. "AI must be reliable, explainable, and tied to actual business outcomes. Otherwise, it becomes expensive theater."
He encourages companies to:
Start with one real problem-not ten theoretical ones
Build cross-functional teams that understand the process end-to-end
Create strong governance before scaling models
Treat AI as a long-term capability, not a short-term experiment
Highlighting the Critical Need for Cross-Functional IT Teams
Drawing on decades of experience managing global technology organizations, including teams of over 3,500 employees at Qualcomm, Sanchez emphasizes that modern IT can no longer operate in silos.
"The best IT teams are the ones closest to the business. They listen more than they talk," he says.
"Cross-functional collaboration is the difference between a tech project and a business outcome."
Sanchez notes that companies with well-integrated IT teams see:
35% faster project delivery
Up to 50% higher adoption of new systems
Lower long-term operational costs, according to Gartner
"Technology should meet people where they are," Sanchez adds. "If you build systems without the people who use them, you're building blind."
A Leader Grounded in Real Experience
Over his 25 years at FedEx, Sanchez rose from intern to CIO of FedEx Ground. He later became Global CIO at Qualcomm and now serves as Chief Product & Engineering Officer at XOPS.
His background informs his down-to-earth message.
"I never set out to chase titles. I set out to solve real problems and help people do their best work," Sanchez says. "That's still the mission."
In the spotlight article, he also reflects on his upbringing in Colorado and the influence of his mother. "She taught me to stay steady and grateful. That's how I lead today."
Advocating for Practical, Human-Centered Tech Leadership
Beyond AI, Sanchez is also calling for more leaders to reconnect with the fundamentals of good leadership:
Clear communication
Empathy
Realistic expectations
Hands-on understanding of operations
He warns that the speed of innovation can distract organizations from what matters most.
"Technology moves fast. Values don't. Family keeps you steady. People keep you grounded."
What Organizations Can Do Right Now
Sanchez is not calling for large programs or costly initiatives. Instead, he's urging leaders to take simple steps today:
Identify one business problem that technology can help solve this quarter.
Not ten. One.Ask frontline teams what actually slows them down.
"They know the truth better than any dashboard," he says.-
Audit AI use cases with three questions:
Does this solve a real problem?
Can we explain it clearly?
Is there governance in place?
Improve collaboration between IT and business teams.
Even one joint working session per month makes a measurable difference.Focus on responsible AI practices.
Document processes, risks, and expected outcomes before deployment.
"Leaders don't need to change everything at once," Sanchez says. "Small steps, taken consistently, build the strongest foundations."
To read the full interview, visit the website.
About Cisco Sanchez
Cisco Sanchez is a veteran technology executive with 28+ years of leadership across FedEx, Qualcomm, and XOPS. He is known for his practical approach to enterprise IT strategy, responsible AI adoption, and large-scale team leadership. His background spans AI/ML, cloud strategy, global operations, and digital transformation.
Contact:
Email: ciscosanchez@emaildn.com
SOURCE: Cisco Sanchez
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