The CIO who built a digital twin to manage her life

Leigh-Ann Russell, the chief information officer at BNY, manages her high-pressure leadership role and personal well-being by consulting a digital version of herself. Created using ChatGPT, this AI assistant tracks her biometrics, drafts speeches, and pushes her to prioritize physical activity over the comfort of extra sleep.

Russell built the tool in roughly 15 minutes, configuring it to prompt her daily on health and leadership metrics. During her 10-minute walk home in New York City, she dictates raw, unfiltered updates about her day, which the AI transforms into structured journal entries. Because the system has accumulated over a year of context, it has evolved into a personalized coach that understands her specific professional voice and personal goals.

Beyond journaling, the digital twin serves as a strategic advisor. When Russell faces complex meetings, she uses the AI to shift discussions from tactical to strategic. The system also assists with public speaking, drafting humorous remarks or critiquing her delivery after she uploads recordings of her presentations. Despite the utility, Russell remains cautious about the technology. She emphasizes that while the AI provides accurate counsel nine times out of 10, she maintains final accountability for all decisions affecting her team, company, and health. The result, she suggests, is not a detachment from reality but an enhanced ability to lead authentically.