Leadership, Power, and the Future We Choose

Where Are We Going? And Who’s Leading the Way?

I’ll be honest—I’ve been sitting with a lot of heavy thoughts lately. It’s hard not to when you look around and see the state of leadership in the world. Political corruption, billionaires behaving like kings, tech moguls desperately clinging to power while pretending they’re visionaries. It’s exhausting.

We live in a time where some of the wealthiest, most powerful people on the planet—figures like Musk, Zuckerberg, Bezos—are shaping not just industries but entire societal narratives. And yet, their behavior isn’t inspiring. It isn’t innovative. It’s self-serving, egotistical, and, frankly, pathetic.

There’s a particular kind of performative masculinity at play here—one rooted in control, dominance, and an insatiable hunger for recognition. These men don’t want to build a better world; they want to be seen as the ones who built it. They want admiration, love, and attention—but not in a way that fosters connection or shared success. Instead, they hoard wealth, manipulate systems, and impose their will on others, believing that power equals worth.

And that’s the saddest part of all—because real leadership isn’t about control. It’s about responsibility.

The Myth of the "Genius CEO"

Somewhere along the way, we got sold a lie: that CEOs, billionaires, and so-called visionaries are the ones who "create" and "lead" industries. But the reality is, companies don’t exist without workers. Economies don’t function without consumers. Innovation doesn’t happen in a vacuum.

The people in power love to talk about "building the future," but they ignore the fundamental truth: it’s everyday people who build the world. The engineers, designers, frontline workers, teachers, caregivers, small business owners—these are the people who keep society running. Not executives. Not billionaires.

And yet, time and time again, we see the same cycle:

• Power hoarded at the top.
• Workers undervalued and replaced in the name of "efficiency."
• Governments enabling corporate overreach while ignoring the long-term consequences.

Which brings us to this week’s big themes: ?? AI and its impact on the economy, jobs, and leadership. ?? Long-term resilience—both personal and professional—during uncertain times.

Because when we talk about AI, we aren’t just talking about technology. We’re talking about who benefits, who loses, and what kind of world we’re creating. And when we talk about overcoming the winter slump, we’re talking about how to build personal resilience in a world that often feels chaotic and unpredictable.

At the end of the day, power is only as strong as the people who accept it. So let’s stop pretending that billionaires are our leaders and start recognizing that real leadership happens every day, at every level. It’s time we demand better—not just from those in power, but from ourselves and each other.

Let’s get into it.

Deep Dive: AI and the Future of Work – Week 3

Beyond the Hype: The Real Economic and Workforce Impacts of AI

We’re now in Week 3 of my AI and the Future of Work: Beyond the Hype series, and if the past two weeks have been about untangling the inflated expectations around AI, this week is about grappling with the real-world economic and workforce implications.

Let’s be clear: AI is not magic. It’s not some inevitable force that will either solve all our problems or doom us to irrelevance. It’s a tool. But like any powerful tool, who wields it, how it’s implemented, and who benefits from it will define its impact.

And right now, a lot of people at the top seem to believe AI exists solely to cut costs and replace workers. But what happens when every company automates their workforce in the name of "efficiency"? Who, exactly, will be left to buy the products and services that fuel the economy?

This week, we’re asking big questions about AI’s impact on work, wages, and the very fabric of our economy.

Why This Matters

The way we integrate AI isn’t just about technology—it’s about power, economics, and leadership. And right now, most of the conversations are being led by the people who stand to benefit the most from automation.

The big picture? ?? AI is already reshaping entire industries, but the economic ripple effects aren’t fully understood. ?? The current approach—using AI as a way to cut costs and maximize shareholder value—isn’t sustainable in the long term. ?? Governments and businesses need to step up and address the ethical, economic, and workforce challenges AI presents.

AI is not a stand-in for human creativity, critical thinking, or problem-solving. But it is a disruptor, and how we respond now will shape the future of work for decades to come.

What We’re Covering This Week

?? Monday – The economic implications of AI-driven job displacement How will AI impact wages, spending power, and long-term economic growth? What happens when millions of jobs are automated, and what solutions (like Universal Basic Income) should we be considering?

?? Tuesday – How individuals can stay relevant in an AI-driven job market If AI is automating more work, what human skills will matter most? How can professionals future-proof their careers and ensure they aren’t left behind?

?? Wednesday – How AI is changing consumer behavior AI-driven personalization, recommendation engines, and predictive analytics are reshaping how people buy, consume, and interact with brands. What ethical concerns come with that?

?? Thursday – What policies and regulations are needed for AI’s integration into the workforce Should there be global standards for regulating workplace AI? What role should governments play in protecting workers from unchecked automation?

?? Friday – AI’s impact on mental health and job security Job uncertainty is one of the biggest sources of stress and anxiety—how can organizations help employees feel secure in an AI-driven workplace?

The Bigger Conversation

A lot of AI conversations focus on efficiency, automation, and cost-cutting. But very few focus on people. And that’s a problem.

We need leaders—real leaders—who are willing to take a human-centered approach to AI.

?? Leaders who recognize that technology should augment, not replace.

?? Leaders who understand that economic systems rely on consumer spending, wages, and employment stability.

?? Leaders who are willing to ask "How can AI benefit society as a whole?" instead of just "How can we use AI to maximize profits?"

Because if AI is truly going to revolutionize work, we need intentionality in how we deploy it. Otherwise, we’re just setting ourselves up for a cycle where a handful of billionaires extract all the wealth while everyone else bears the consequences.

We have a choice in how we use AI. The question is: Will we use it to build a future that works for everyone, or just the few at the top?

I’ll be unpacking all of this throughout the week—join the conversation in the daily posts, and let’s push for a smarter, more responsible future of work.

Up next: Strategies for long-term resilience and thriving in uncertain times.

Deep Dive: Mastering the Winter Slump – Week 6

Long-Term Resilience: Building a Sustainable Approach to Well-Being

We’ve spent the last five weeks understanding, adapting to, and managing the winter slump. But this week, we shift our focus from short-term survival to long-term resilience.

Because let’s be real—winter will come again next year. So will stress. So will unexpected challenges. The real question isn’t “How do I get through this?”—it’s “How do I build a system that supports me year after year?”

This week, we’re focusing on proactive strategies that prepare you for future challenges—not just in winter, but in life.

Why This Matters

When people talk about resilience, they often frame it as grit, toughness, or sheer willpower. But real resilience isn’t about forcing yourself through hard times—it’s about having the right structures, habits, and mindsets in place so that when challenges come, you don’t just endure them—you navigate them with intention and control.

The good news? Resilience is a skill, and it can be built.

The even better news? Once you invest in long-term well-being, the benefits extend far beyond winter.

This week, we’ll explore:

? How to plan ahead to minimize next year’s post-holiday blues (Monday)

? Techniques for building emotional resilience that lasts year-round (Tuesday)

? The connection between physical health and mood stability (Wednesday)

? How career development can help maintain motivation and purpose (Thursday)

? How to create a personal wellness plan for sustained emotional balance (Friday)

Building a System That Works for You

The key to long-term resilience isn’t finding one magical fix. It’s about creating a set of practices that work together to support your well-being, productivity, and energy—year after year.

This includes:

?? Awareness: Recognizing seasonal shifts and planning accordingly.

?? Adaptability: Understanding that resilience isn’t about never struggling—it’s about knowing what to do when struggles arise.

?? Systems Thinking: Designing your life in a way that supports your energy, focus, and well-being—not just reacting when things feel overwhelming.

This week, I’ll be sharing insights on how to make these principles a reality, so that next winter (and every future challenge) feels less like a fight and more like a season you’re fully equipped to handle.

Final Thought: Resilience Is Leadership

At the heart of all of this is a simple truth: Resilience is a leadership skill. Whether you lead a company, a team, or just yourself, your ability to sustain energy, adapt to challenges, and maintain emotional balance impacts everything you do.

So this week, I encourage you to reflect on: ?? What practices and habits do you already have in place that support long-term resilience? ?? Where do you feel the most drained or stuck, and how can you build better systems around those areas? ?? What’s one small, sustainable shift you can make to create more balance—not just for this winter, but for the long term?

Join me in the daily posts as we explore these ideas, and let’s build a more resilient, more intentional approach to well-being and leadership—together.

Up next: Wrapping it all together with encouragement, leadership insights, and next steps for the week.

Closing Thoughts: Leadership, AI, and the Power of Resilience

As we move into this week, there’s a lot to think about—AI’s impact on the economy and workforce, the way power is wielded by those at the top, and the need for resilience in a world that often feels chaotic. But if there’s one thing I want you to take away, it’s this: you have more power than you think.

The future of work isn’t just about AI or automation—it’s about the choices we make. The kind of leadership we uphold. The ways we advocate for fairness, equity, and human-centered progress. Similarly, resilience isn’t just about getting through another season—it’s about designing a life that supports you in every season.

And here’s the truth: small, intentional actions matter.

? Asking hard questions about AI’s impact and pushing for responsible leadership.

? Recognizing when you're running on empty and giving yourself space to recharge.

? Investing in habits, skills, and mindsets that support long-term well-being.

You don’t have to have all the answers today. You just need to take the next step.

So as you go into this week, I encourage you to:

?? Challenge assumptions—about AI, leadership, and what progress should look like.

?? Take care of yourself—not just for today, but with an eye on the future.

?? Keep leading with integrity, because real leadership isn’t about power—it’s about responsibility.

I’ll be unpacking all of these ideas throughout the week, and I’d love to hear your thoughts. Drop a comment, share your insights, and let’s keep building something better—together.

See you in the daily posts.

In stregnth and resilience,

Edward Schaefer

#LeadershipMatters #AIandEthics #ResilientLeadership #FutureOfWork #ThrivingWithAI #EmotionalResilience #MindfulLeadership