Leading in the Era of AI - Another Step in Lifelong Learning Journey

?? Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming industries faster than we can imagine. As a leader, I knew I had to adapt—both for my organization and for myself. But what I didn’t realize was that embracing AI wasn’t just about adopting new technology. It was about reshaping my approach to leadership entirely. ??

That realization came when I took the LinkedIn for Learning course "Organizational Leadership in the Era of AI" by Brian Evergreen , the author of Autonomous Transformation. This course became a turning point in my leadership journey, opening my eyes to the deep connection between AI success and leadership evolution. ??

?? From Problem-Solving to Future-Solving

In the early days of my journey, I was stuck in the mindset of problem-solving—fixing what’s broken, addressing the immediate needs. But Brian Evergreen’s course challenged me to think bigger. ??

The idea of future-solving was a game-changer for me. Instead of constantly reacting to problems, future-solving is about envisioning the future we want to create and then working backward to figure out what needs to happen to achieve it. This is how true innovation happens. ??

I realized that AI isn’t just a tool for solving problems—it’s a tool for creating new value. By focusing on future-solving, I could guide my team toward long-term growth and new opportunities, instead of simply reacting to immediate challenges. This shift in mindset allowed me to lead proactively rather than reactively. ??

?? The Value of Expertise: Combining AI with Human Insight

Another breakthrough in my learning journey came when I realized the importance of expertise. AI can process vast amounts of data and identify patterns, but without human insight, those patterns are meaningless. Brian Evergreen’s course highlighted that AI thrives on data, but it’s human expertise that gives that data context and purpose. ??

Imagine you’re given medical data from an AI model about a patient’s condition. Without the experience of a doctor, would you trust the AI to make a decision on its own? The lesson here is clear: AI enhances human expertise—it doesn’t replace it. This understanding has been crucial in how I approach integrating AI within my organization. ??

?? From Use Cases to Value Cases

I used to think in terms of use cases—how AI could be applied to solve specific tasks. But as I learned in Brian’s course, this mindset is limiting. Instead of focusing on the “how,” we need to think about the “why.” ??

That’s where value cases come in. Rather than asking, “How can I use AI to accomplish this task?” the better question is, “What value do I want to create for my team or my customers?” This shift—from use cases to value cases—helped me align AI initiatives with the bigger picture of what we wanted to achieve as an organization. AI became not just a tool, but a way to drive meaningful impact. ??

?? Synthesis Over Analysis

Finally, a critical part of my leadership evolution was learning to balance synthesis with analysis. Like many leaders, I was used to breaking problems down into smaller parts (analysis). But synthesis—seeing how all the parts fit together into a bigger picture—was equally important. ??

This approach helped me look at AI projects holistically. Instead of focusing on isolated tasks, I began to see how different departments, teams, and technologies needed to interact and align to create true value. Brian’s analogy of a jigsaw puzzle stuck with me: it’s not just about understanding the individual pieces, but about understanding the picture they create together. ???

?? The Path Forward: Leading with Vision

Looking back on this learning journey, one thing is clear: leadership in the AI era is about more than just technology. It’s about balancing the power of AI with human expertise, collaboration, and a clear future-focused vision. ??

The LinkedIn Learning course by Brian Evergreen taught me that AI isn’t here to replace people—it’s here to amplify human potential. As leaders, it’s our responsibility to guide our teams through this transformation, ensuring that AI enhances the human side of work, rather than overshadowing it. ????

?? What’s Next?

If you’re a leader in today’s rapidly changing world, I encourage you to ask yourself: How can I lead my organization into the future with AI? The answer lies in embracing new ways of thinking, prioritizing value over tasks, and creating a future where AI and human expertise work hand-in-hand. ??

This journey is just beginning, and the future of leadership in the AI era is one we must shape with purpose. ??