he future of work faces unprecedented disruption driven by global events and rapid technological advances. Amid geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty, people–centric leadership has never been more critical. Today's leaders must not only navigate these shifts but inspire their organizations to adopt and scale AI. By placing people at the center of AI transformation, leaders can upskill their teams and create opportunities where technology enhances their teams’ human capabilities.
Current global disruptions underscore both the urgency and complexity of adopting AI. Although most companies are exploring AI, research consistently shows only a few effectively scale AI to achieve transformative business results. The key differentiator isn't technology or investment, it’s leadership.
Visionary leaders recognize that focusing on their people, processes, and culture is a critical part of AI transformation and more important than the technology itself. They prioritize human potential, cultivating workplace cultures where employees feel confident and willing to integrate AI into their daily workflows. People–centric leadership is particularly critical because AI brings significant workforce challenges and opportunities. Concerns around job displacement and the need for continuous upskilling require proactive and innovative leadership.
While the urgency is clear, successfully scaling AI remains challenging. Leaders increasingly recognize that effective AI integration cannot succeed if treated merely as an isolated IT project operating in silos. Forward–thinking companies embrace this understanding, viewing successful AI adoption as a comprehensive workforce transformation.
Both public and private sector leaders must shift from traditional organizational structures to new operational models that are human–led and AI–supported. Leaders need to critically evaluate outdated systems and design workflows built around human–AI collaboration, as these hybrid teams will define the future of work.
A practical first step toward successful AI integration involves CEOs and senior executives becoming role models for transformation. Leaders must begin by assessing their personal AI readiness, aligning their executive teams around a shared vision, and actively engaging their workforce throughout the journey. Demonstrating visible and consistent use of AI within their own decision making and daily operations allows leaders to set clear expectations, fostering confidence and trust across the organization.
At the same time, as geopolitical dynamics continue to reshape global economic stability, people–centric leadership also requires comprehensive risk management and robust governance frameworks. These frameworks ensure ethical AI deployment, effectively balancing rapid innovation with safety, fairness, and security.
Ultimately, adopting a people–centric approach to AI transformation empowers leaders across sectors to shape a future of work where human potential remains at the core of technological progress.
a global affairs media network
Leading for future means a people–centric AI transformation
May 29, 2025
Global events and rapid innovation means the future of work could be fraught. Helping the future of work arrive well requires people–centric leadership as organizations navigate these shifts and adopt/scale AI, writes Tarja Stephens.
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he future of work faces unprecedented disruption driven by global events and rapid technological advances. Amid geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty, people–centric leadership has never been more critical. Today's leaders must not only navigate these shifts but inspire their organizations to adopt and scale AI. By placing people at the center of AI transformation, leaders can upskill their teams and create opportunities where technology enhances their teams’ human capabilities.
Current global disruptions underscore both the urgency and complexity of adopting AI. Although most companies are exploring AI, research consistently shows only a few effectively scale AI to achieve transformative business results. The key differentiator isn't technology or investment, it’s leadership.
Visionary leaders recognize that focusing on their people, processes, and culture is a critical part of AI transformation and more important than the technology itself. They prioritize human potential, cultivating workplace cultures where employees feel confident and willing to integrate AI into their daily workflows. People–centric leadership is particularly critical because AI brings significant workforce challenges and opportunities. Concerns around job displacement and the need for continuous upskilling require proactive and innovative leadership.
While the urgency is clear, successfully scaling AI remains challenging. Leaders increasingly recognize that effective AI integration cannot succeed if treated merely as an isolated IT project operating in silos. Forward–thinking companies embrace this understanding, viewing successful AI adoption as a comprehensive workforce transformation.
Both public and private sector leaders must shift from traditional organizational structures to new operational models that are human–led and AI–supported. Leaders need to critically evaluate outdated systems and design workflows built around human–AI collaboration, as these hybrid teams will define the future of work.
A practical first step toward successful AI integration involves CEOs and senior executives becoming role models for transformation. Leaders must begin by assessing their personal AI readiness, aligning their executive teams around a shared vision, and actively engaging their workforce throughout the journey. Demonstrating visible and consistent use of AI within their own decision making and daily operations allows leaders to set clear expectations, fostering confidence and trust across the organization.
At the same time, as geopolitical dynamics continue to reshape global economic stability, people–centric leadership also requires comprehensive risk management and robust governance frameworks. These frameworks ensure ethical AI deployment, effectively balancing rapid innovation with safety, fairness, and security.
Ultimately, adopting a people–centric approach to AI transformation empowers leaders across sectors to shape a future of work where human potential remains at the core of technological progress.
