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Rules of Leadership Are Changing

The rules of leadership are changing faster than ever. Emerging technologies, hybrid work, generative AI, and shifting employee expectations are redefining how organizations attract, develop, and retain their most valuable asset — their people. What must leaders do now to thrive in an AI-powered, human-centric future?

In my newsletters over the past four months about AI, I have provided an overview, real-world case studies, and practical take-aways to help you and your organization survive, thrive, and produce ROI. The series continues.

As I have stated, "AI won't replace leaders — but leaders who fail to harness AI responsibly, while keeping people at the center, risk being replaced. The winning formula is AI plus human purpose, not AI versus humans." This approach aligns with my Pursuit of Passionate Purpose research which concludes, "The pursuit of passionate purpose, as well as its attainment, and relationships along the way bring the real rewards in life."

Practical Pointers on What Leaders Must Do Now

1. Prioritize Passionate Purpose

	Anchor use of AI to organizational purpose and values.
	Consider whether your products and services serve people and mission, or only serve efficiency?
	Help employees get a sense of meaning from work. Consider Kenneth Thomas's work on Intrinsic Motivation. A person's values, along with his/her gifts, define what generates passion and what has meaning. Meaning or worth comes from alignment with values. What can you as a leader do to increase the perception that the pursuit is worthwhile?
	Determine a way to align people's passion with worthwhile purpose and then allow them to make the decision to commit to it. What can you as a leader do to allow more choice, selection, and variety in an employee's work — both with and without AI?
	In a recent Wall Street Journal commentary, Is Generation Z Unemployable, research by Suzy Welch discovered that "A mere 2% of Generation Z members hold the values that companies want most in new hires, namely achievement, learning, and an unbridled desire to work. Today's youth value pleasure and individuality." Yet with increasing ageism, organizations may overlook older employees whose values are more aligned with what they seek. Leaders need to be open to people of all ages and experience levels.
	People need help in finding purpose. A Harvard Business Review article highlights that the third most frequent use of Generative AI by people is to find a purpose. Leaders can help employees find that purpose. Learn how the top 10 Gen AI use cases are changing over time.

2. Protect People

	Ensure responsible AI adoption in terms of fairness, bias checks, and transparency. Will your firm encourage shadow AI or not?
	Provide upskilling and reskilling so employees can thrive alongside AI.
	Boards and executive leadership must provide policies and guardrails for use of AI.

3. Run Pilot Programs That Have Impact

	Conduct AI pilots tied to pain points that matter for people and performance. Let people lead by involving them in defining, setting up, and monitoring the pilots.
	Prove results, both business ROI and human benefit, before scaling to the next level.

Summary

We must lead in the age of AI. The winning formula is AI plus human purpose, not AI versus humans. Use the Pursuit of Passionate Purpose approach. Continue to help people clarify their values in order to find their passion. Then align that passion with a meaningful purpose within your organization and its work. All people, including Generation Z, have a choice over their values and can align them to their own and an organization's purpose. Leaders can help people find purpose.

News to Better Help You

In line with my coaching of leaders and interest in continual learning, I am happy to let you know that I just received the LifeBound Coaching Certification. Let's talk about how I can coach you and your team.

Selected Events

October. Cybersecurity Awareness Month is an annual international campaign, primarily in October, that promotes the importance of cybersecurity and teaches individuals and organizations how to protect themselves and their digital assets from online threats. What are you and your organization doing to improve your cybersecurity? Having a CERT Certificate in Cyber-Risk Oversight, I can help you and your firm become aware of current threats posed by inside and outside forces alike, and help you move to advanced cybersecurity literacy.

October 12, 2025. Walk with my team and/or donate to end Boulder County and world hunger through the CROP Hunger Walk.

October 21, 2025. Join futurist, Erica Orange, and me in a bold conversation on what leaders must do now to thrive in an AI-powered, human-centric future. Moderated by Leslie Grossman, author of Circles of Collaboration. "AI, People, and the Future of Leadership: How to Build Human-Centric Organizations in a Tech-Driven World." 6:00 PM - 7:15 PM ET. Virtual webinar for all International Women's Forum members in the US and globally. Register.

October 30, 2025. Join me, innovation catalyst, as I moderate the executive panel, "Security Innovation: Making Security a Competitive Advantage." HMG Strategy's Denver CIO Executive Leadership Summit. 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM MT. Register.

Book Theresa to Coach, Speak, Facilitate, Consult, and Serve on Boards

See Theresa in action. Theresa's engaging presence, original stories, actionable insights, humor, wide ranging experiences, and practical pointers have earned her top speaker and consultant rankings at many events and with a wide range of business clients. Let "The Catalyst for Extraordinary Results" help you and your organization increase profit, productivity, and passion. Learn more at TMSworld.com and see a sample of Theresa's speaking programs.

Theresa M. Szczurek, Ph.D.
C-Level Executive, Certified Corporate Director, Certified Management Consultant®, Executive Coach, Speaker, and Colorado CIO of the Year

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