Apr 11, 2025
Summary
In this episode, Andy interviews Dr. Christie Smith, a visionary leader and author, about her new book Essential: How Distributed Teams, Generative AI, and Global Shifts Are Creating a New Human-Powered Leadership. They discuss the disruptive impact of artificial intelligence and automation on various industries and how leaders can prepare for these changes. Christie shares insights on the unique challenges of modern leadership, as well as the importance of human-powered approaches. She emphasizes the need for continuous learning and adaptability, especially in a world increasingly reliant on technology. The conversation also touches on the concept of the Power Paradox, safeguarding connection in distributed work environments, and practical advice for parents on preparing their children for future work challenges.
Wondering how to lead and deliver in this time of significant disruption? This episode is for you!
Sound Bites
- “Leadership isn’t always comfortable. In fact, it can be really hard… it does mean speaking out.”
- “What’s unique about this time is the confluence of many things that leaders are having to face. It’s led to a war for skills instead of a war for talent.”
- “This isn’t soft work... we’re going to be in an economic crisis because leaders are not in tune to the humans that are in their organizations.”
- “100% of them said they knew they needed to do something... yet only 25% were even thinking of doing something about it.”
- “The issue isn’t that AI is taking over. The issue is AI must, as a regulator, have human intelligence.”
- “We need to move from emotional intelligence to emotional maturity.”
Chapters
- 00:00 Introduction
- 01:51 Start Of Interview
- 02:00 Christie's Background And Early Influences
- 04:45 The Unique Challenges Of Modern Leadership
- 06:27 The Concept Of The Unicorn Job
- 07:53 Defining Human Powered Leadership
- 11:05 The Role Of AI In The Future Of Work
- 15:50 The Importance Of Connection In The Workplace
- 19:44 Adversity And Innovation: Lessons From History
- 23:19 Strategies For Building Team Connection
- 26:02 Building Engagement Through Simple Actions
- 26:53 The Importance Of Personal Check-Ins
- 27:12 Adapting Leadership Styles For Better Connection
- 29:12 Understanding The Power Paradox
- 31:44 Cultivating Insatiable Curiosity
- 34:08 Preparing Kids For The Future Workplace
- 37:17 End Of Interview
- 37:39 Andy Comments After The Interview
- 41:21 Outtakes
Learn More
You can learn more about Christie and her work at ChristieSmith.phd/.
For more learning on this topic, check out:
- Episode 437 with Nada Sanders about her book The Humachine.
- Episode 382 with Hal Hershfield about balancing the now and the future.
- Episode 329 with Deborah Westphal about preparing your career and your team for the future.
Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!
Talent Triangle: Power Skills
Topics: AI, Automation, Technology, Leadership, Organizational Culture, Engagement, Remote Teams, Future Of Work, Emotional Intelligence, Workplace Culture, Team Connection, Continuous Learning
The following music was used for this episode:
Music: Echo by
Alexander Nakarada
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Music: Chillhouse by
Frank Schroeter
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license