AI won’t replace you. But this might.

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Human Leadership in the Age of AI

The leaders who thrive in the AI era won’t be the ones who know the most about AI.
They’ll be the ones who remain the most human.

Over the past few months, I’ve been working with leaders wrestling with AI integration.

While their questions about tools vary, the real challenge is always the same:
Keeping leadership deeply human.

AI will change how we work, decide, and even lead.
But it won’t change this: people still follow trust, not tools.

The Problem

In the rush to future-proof, many leaders are moving away from the skills AI can’t replace:

• Emotional intelligence

• Empathy when it’s hardest 

• Calm in chaos 

• Communication that connects are more innovative than ever, your humanity becomes your point of diffe

What the Research Says

A 2025 MIT Sloan study found:

• 78% of executives believe emotional intelligence will be more important in the AI era.

• Teams led by high-EQ leaders adapted to AI-driven changes 31% faster than others.

The HUMAN Leadership Model

Want to be more human-centred as a leader? Try the Human approach:

✅ Hear before you act - listen deeply to concerns and ideas.
✅ Understand context - tech adoption without cultural alignment fails.
✅ Model adaptability - your openness sets the tone for change.
✅ Anchor decisions in values - tech amplifies people, not replaces them.
✅ Nurture trust - your credibility is your strength.

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Want to Go Deeper?

Here are a few excellent resources on human-centred leadership in an AI world:

→ Competing in the Age of AI – Marco Iansiti & Karim Lakhani
How leaders can harness AI while keeping human value central.

→ The Empathy Advantage – Heather McGowan
Why human connection is the ultimate future-ready skill.

→ HBR’s Emotional Intelligence Series
Short, practical reads to strengthen your EQ as tech evolves.

Looking for more insights?

Here are a few newsletters I read and recommend:

Reflection for the Week

→ How much of your leadership time is going to tech over people?
→ What will your team remember most -- your AI expertise or your leadership presence?
→ Where can you show more humanity in the way you lead change this week?

Pick one HUMAN principle and make it visible this week. Your team will feel the difference.

Your team doesn’t just need a leader fluent in AI. They need someone fluent in them.

Until next week:
Stay human. Lead forward.

Chris

I read every reply, and I’d love to hear what landed for you.

Just reply to this email or DM me on LinkedIn.

Curious about coaching or leadership development support?

Here’s how we can work together.

Catch you in the next issue.

With appreciation,
Chris