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Inside Carlyle’s AI Transformation: CIO Lucia Soares Shares Strategy and Savings

Sarah Johnson

 

Lucia Soares, Carlyle Group’s Chief Innovation Officer and Head of Technology Transformation, is spearheading a sweeping AI adoption across the private equity giant. With 2,300 employees globally, Carlyle is integrating AI tools, restructuring workflows, and automating processes transforming its operations from the inside out.

🎯 1. AI as a Means, Not an End

Soares rejects the notion that AI is a box to check. Instead, she aligns innovation with firm priorities growth, efficiency, and a robust tech foundation. Tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Copilot are leveraged purposefully, not for hype.

2. From Day One: AI-Focused Training

New hires at Carlyle receive AI onboarding immediately. Thanks to initiatives like the AI Champions Council, around 90% of employees now use AI tools as part of their daily workflows. This deep integration reflects a cultural shift.

3. Automating for Speed and Scale

  • Project Catalyst, an internal automation program, is accelerating mundane tasks.

  • Proprietary generative-AI tools help investment teams reduce diligence time from weeks to mere hours.

4. Real Cost-Cutting Through AI

Carlyle is slashing external costs legal invoice reviews, for one without trimming headcount. AI is a collaborator, not a replacement, in ensuring smarter resource use.

5. Human Oversight Is Key

Every AI-generated output has a human in the loop. For example, after a report is drafted by AI, the author writes a summary to confirm understanding and maintain accountability.

6. Global Regulatory Awareness

Conscious of rules in different regions, Soares couches deployment in regulatory guardrails. She emphasizes patience and iterative learning as part of the rollout.

7. Leadership and Cultural Roots

Raised by immigrant parents from the Azores and shaped by early entrepreneurial roles, Soares embraces challenge. Her advice? Say yes to tough assignments an ethos that fuels Carlyle's bold moves in tech.

Key Takeaways

  • Strategic alignment: AI tools are chosen to drive measurable business results.

  • Company-wide fluency: AI training and adoption are embedded from hire.

  • Efficiency wins: Workflows are automated, accelerating analysis and cutting costs.

  • Responsible use: Human oversight and compliance guide AI deployment.

  • Inspired leadership: Soares' personal drive shapes a culture of innovation.

Conclusion

Carlyle’s AI strategy is more than a trend it’s a thoughtful, business-first transformation. Under Lucia Soares' guidance, the firm is driving operational excellence while maintaining strong ethical guardrails. For private equity and beyond, this model reflects a mature and sustainable path toward innovation.

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