Last Saturday, I had the opportunity to speak at a session on “Leadership in the Age of AI” alongside Vijay Sheshadri.
The topic was AI. Yet some of the most animated conversations in the room revolved around Gen Z. Perhaps that’s not surprising. While organizations are trying to understand how AI will reshape work, many leaders are trying to understand what a new generation expects from it.
AI is forcing us to question old ways of working. Gen Z is forcing us to question old assumptions about leadership. What motivates people? What builds trust? What creates engagement? These questions have always mattered. They are simply becoming harder to ignore.
During the session, I spoke about a theme that sits at the heart of my book The Inner Game of Leadership: leadership begins long before we lead others. It begins with how we lead ourselves. Our mindset shapes how we interpret change. Our energy influences how we show up for others. Our focus determines where we direct our attention amidst the noise. And trust forms the foundation of every meaningful relationship we build. In many ways, these become even more important when the world around us is changing faster than ever before.
The leaders who will thrive in the years ahead will not necessarily be the ones who know the most about AI. Nor will they be the ones who have completely figured out Gen Z. They will be the ones who remain curious, who listen before they judge, who are willing to learn from people whose experiences are very different from their own, and who can embrace new technologies without losing sight of the humans they lead.
AI may transform work. But trust still transforms people. And in a world being reshaped by technology and changing expectations, that may be one of the few leadership truths that remains constant.
A special thanks to my fellow panelist, Vijay Sheshadri, for his brilliant insights. His ability to deliver profound wisdom wrapped in humour is a rare gift. My compliments to Gugapriya for her excellent hosting and for guiding the conversation with absolute grace and ease.
And finally, a huge thanks to everyone who joined us. The quality of any conversation is shaped by the people in the room, and your questions, perspectives, and participation made the evening truly memorable and enjoyable.
