S7 Ep1: Leading Through Change – Thriving in the AI & Automation Era

Welcome to Season 7 of Your Path to Career Success! In this episode, we’re diving into one of the biggest workplace shifts of our time—how AI and automation are transforming industries, redefining leadership, and reshaping career paths.

AI isn’t just a futuristic concept—it’s here, actively influencing decision-making, streamlining operations, and changing the way teams function. For leaders, this presents both challenges and opportunities. How do you balance automation with human intelligence? How do you guide your team through uncertainty and help them see AI as an enabler, not a threat?

We’ll explore real-world examples of how organisations like Microsoft and Unilever are leveraging AI while still prioritising human expertise. Plus, I’ll share six key strategies to help you stay relevant, lead with confidence, and future-proof your career in an AI-driven world.

The future of leadership isn’t about resisting AI—it’s about learning how to work alongside it. So grab a notebook (or just sit back and listen) as we break down what it takes to thrive in this new era.

📢 How are you already using AI in your leadership? Or what’s one way you could start? Message me on LinkedIn or drop a comment—I’d love to hear your thoughts!

What next?
A big thank you for tuning in to Your Path To Career Success – where your dreams and your career intertwine!
🦉If this episode lit a fire within you, hit that subscribe button, share the love with a review, and spread the wisdom with your friends and coworkers.
🦉If you are interested in working with me on a 1-2-1 basis then please book a slot in my calendar via https://calendly.com/thecareerowl.
🦉Alternatively come and hang out with me on LinkedIn.

Stay tuned for more golden nuggets to help you navigate the winding roads of your professional journey.

Useful Resources
1. Books & Thought Leadership
•📚 Human + Machine: Reimagining Work in the Age of AI – Paul R. Daugherty & H. James Wilson Explores how AI can enhance human capabilities rather than replace them.
•📚 The Algorithmic Leader: How to Be Smart When Machines Are Smarter Than You – Mike Walsh Helps leaders understand how to adapt and thrive in an AI-powered world.
•📚 AI Superpowers: China, Silicon Valley, and the New World Order – Kai-Fu Lee Provides insight into how AI is shaping global industries and economies.
2. Online Courses & Training
•🎓 Harvard Business School Online – AI for Leaders Designed for non-technical leaders to understand AI strategy and implementation.
•🎓 Coursera – AI for Everyone (Andrew Ng, DeepLearning.AI) A beginner-friendly course that explains AI concepts without needing a tech background.
•🎓 LinkedIn Learning – Artificial Intelligence for Business Leaders Practical insights on integrating AI into business operations and leadership.
3. AI Tools & Platforms to Experiment With
•🛠️ ChatGPT (OpenAI) – Learn how AI can assist in brainstorming, decision-making, and automation.
•🛠️ Grammarly & Jasper AI – AI-driven tools for enhancing communication and content creation.
•🛠️ Notion AI & ClickUp AI – AI-powered productivity and project management assistants.
•🛠️ Power BI / Tableau – AI-driven analytics tools that help leaders make data-informed decisions.

Transcript

Welcome back to Your Path to Career Success! I’m your host, Kathryn, and I’m so excited to kick off Season 7 with a topic that’s shaping the future of work: Leading Through Change – Thriving in the AI & Automation Era.

Introduction: So Why Does This Matter Now
AI and automation are no longer just buzzwords; they’re actively transforming industries, redefining job roles, and reshaping how we work at an unprecedented pace. From AI-driven customer service chatbots and predictive analytics in healthcare to automated manufacturing processes and machine learning algorithms optimising business decisions, these technologies are becoming deeply embedded in everyday operations.

For professionals, this means evolving skill requirements, shifting career paths, and the need to embrace digital fluency to stay competitive. Indeed it is believed that by 2030, 85% of jobs that exist today will be transformed—or even replaced—by AI and automation, a figure that is highly feasible given the change in careers over the last 10 years. We’re already seeing AI redefine industries, from finance to healthcare to retail. 

For leaders, it presents both challenges and opportunities—how do you drive innovation while maintaining a human-centred workplace? How do you prepare your team for roles that may not have even existed a few years ago? And most importantly, how do you balance the efficiencies of automation with the irreplaceable qualities of human intelligence—creativity, empathy, and critical thinking?

This transformation is already happening, and it’s not slowing down. The question is: Are you ready to lead through it?

In this episode, we’re exploring the AI revolution in leadership—how it’s reshaping decision-making, strategy, and team dynamics. More importantly, I’ll share practical strategies so you cannot just survive but thrive in this AI-driven world.

But before we jump in, I invite you to grab your favourite beverage, find a comfy spot, grab a notebook or just sit back and relax and keep listening for those lightbulb moments!

1. The AI Shift: What’s Really Changing in Leadership?
We’re in the midst of a digital revolution—one that’s fundamentally reshaping the way we work, lead, and grow. AI-driven tools are streamlining processes, automating repetitive tasks, and enhancing decision-making in ways we’ve never seen before. From intelligent chatbots handling customer service to AI-powered software predicting market trends with pinpoint accuracy, these advancements are driving efficiency, reducing costs, and increasing productivity.

AI is no longer just about futuristic robots—it’s here, driving decisions in real time. From AI-powered recruitment tools selecting candidates to predictive analytics guiding business strategies, leaders must adapt to an AI-augmented workplace.

But with rapid change comes uncertainty. Employees worry about job security as automation takes over tasks they once performed manually. Organisations face resistance as they implement new technologies, struggling to align digital transformation with their company culture. 
And leaders find themselves at a crossroads, navigating the delicate balance between embracing innovation and ensuring their teams feel empowered rather than replaced.

How do you guide your team through change in a way that fosters adaptability, trust, and long-term success? 
How do you help employees see AI as a tool for growth rather than a threat? 
And how can you leverage automation to unlock new opportunities rather than create new fears?

The key question is this: How do you, as a leader, ensure your team thrives rather than just survives in this AI-driven world?

Here are some real-life examples

💡 Case Study: How AI Turned Microsoft Around
When Satya Nadella took over as CEO, Microsoft was lagging behind. His strategy? Embrace AI and cloud computing. Today, Microsoft is an AI powerhouse, integrating AI across all its products, from Azure to Copilot in Microsoft 365.

But it’s not just tech companies. 

Let’s look at another example:
💡 Case Study: Unilever & AI in Talent Management
Unilever, a global consumer goods giant, now uses AI-driven hiring. Instead of traditional interviews, AI tools analyse video responses from candidates, assessing tone, word choice, and facial expressions to predict job performance. But even with AI in hiring, human leadership remains critical—the final decision is still made by people, not machines.

So, the key takeaway? AI isn’t replacing leaders—it’s redefining leadership.

2. How Leaders Can Stay Relevant in an AI-Driven World
As AI and automation continue to reshape industries, leaders must not only keep up with these changes but also guide their teams through them effectively. The key to success is to foster a culture that embraces innovation, continuous learning, and human-AI collaboration. Instead of fearing AI, leaders must leverage what AI can’t replace—human-centric skills. 

Here are six essential strategies to help you lead with confidence in the AI-driven workplace.

1. Double Down on Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
AI can process data, but it can’t replace human connection. Leaders who invest in emotional intelligence will always have an edge.
✅ HSBC now trains managers in emotional intelligence to balance AI-driven financial analytics with stronger client relationships.
✅ A senior executive I worked with was worried about automation replacing parts of his team. Instead of resisting, he upskilled them in negotiation, storytelling, and strategic thinking—areas where humans outperform AI.
📌 Action Step: Take an EQ assessment and identify areas for growth.





2. Become a Digital-First Leader
Understanding AI—even at a basic level—will set you apart. Companies like McKinsey now train executives in AI literacy because leaders who understand AI make smarter decisions.
💡 Example:
Amazon’s AI models predict what customers will buy before they even place an order. Leaders at Amazon don’t need to code AI, but they must understand how AI drives decision-making.
📌 Action Step: Start small. Experiment with AI tools like:
• ChatGPT for brainstorming and content creation.
• Grammarly AI for AI-assisted writing.
• Notion AI for productivity.

By maintaining a curious mindset and encouraging your team to do the same, you’ll be better equipped to integrate AI in ways that drive efficiency and innovation rather than disruption.

3. Create a Culture of Adaptability
AI and automation are evolving at an unprecedented pace. Leaders who cling to rigid structures and traditional ways of working risk falling behind. Instead, adopting an agile approach will ensure your team remains adaptable and resilient.

The best leaders don’t just react to change—they drive it.
✅ Netflix pivoted from DVDs to streaming and now uses AI for personalised recommendations. Their leadership continuously embraces change.
✅ Leaders at Tesla don’t fear AI—they train teams to work alongside it, rather than against it.
📌 Ask Yourself:
• Are you encouraging innovation in your team?
• Are you making AI a tool, not a threat?

An agile mindset doesn’t just help you keep up with AI advancements—it positions your organisation to lead in an AI-driven world.

4. Empower Your Team Through Upskilling
AI won’t replace human workers, but those who know how to use AI effectively will have a competitive edge. As a leader, your role is to ensure your team is equipped with the skills they need to adapt and thrive.

• Invest in training programmes focused on AI literacy, digital tools, and data analytics.
• Encourage employees to take online courses or attend workshops on automation technologies relevant to your industry.
• Create a culture of lifelong learning where employees feel supported in acquiring new skills rather than fearing redundancy.

When people understand AI’s capabilities and limitations, they can leverage it to enhance their work rather than feel threatened by it.








5. Lead with Transparency & Trust
One of the biggest concerns surrounding AI adoption is job security. Employees often fear that automation will replace their roles, leading to uncertainty and resistance to change. As a leader, it’s crucial to address these concerns head-on with honesty and clarity.

• Communicate openly about what AI means for the organisation and individual roles.
• Instead of focusing on job losses, highlight how automation can eliminate repetitive tasks, freeing up time for more meaningful work.
• Involve your team in AI-driven changes, ensuring they feel part of the transformation rather than subject to it.

When leaders build trust through transparency, employees are more likely to embrace AI as an opportunity rather than a threat.

6. Emphasise the Human Advantage
AI is powerful, but it lacks the emotional intelligence, creativity, and problem-solving abilities that make humans invaluable. Successful leaders understand that AI should enhance human capabilities, not replace them.

• Encourage employees to develop skills that AI cannot replicate, such as leadership, empathy, critical thinking, and innovation.
• Foster collaboration between AI-driven tools and human expertise, ensuring that technology supports rather than dictates decision-making.
• Recognise and reward the uniquely human contributions your team brings to the table.

By reinforcing the value of human intelligence in an AI-driven world, leaders can create a workplace where technology and people work together seamlessly.

3. What’s Next? The Future of Leadership in the AI Age
The truth is, AI won’t replace leaders—but leaders who resist AI will be replaced by those who embrace it. By integrating these strategies into your leadership approach, you can turn AI and automation from a challenge into an opportunity. The future of work isn’t just about machines—it’s about how we, as leaders, ensure that human potential continues to thrive alongside technological advancements.

Here’s your challenge: Start integrating AI into your leadership approach today.

📢 Call to Action:
💬 How are you already using AI in your leadership? Or what’s one way you could start?
📩 Message me on LinkedIn or drop a comment—I’d love to hear your insights. 

Thank you for tuning in to today’s episode of Your Path to Career Success. I hope you're feeling inspired and ready to take the next step in your career journey. 

Looking Ahead: What’s Coming in Season 7
Throughout this season, we’ll be diving deeper into how leaders and/or aspiring leaders can navigate and embrace the ever-evolving working landscape and future-proof their careers. 

Expect expert insights, real-world case studies, and actionable strategies to help you lead with confidence in an era of rapid technological advancement.  If there is any topic that you would like me to cover then drop me a note, I would love to hear from you.

If you’re looking for more tailored support, I offer one-off 1-2-1 services in CV writing and refreshing, LinkedIn profile optimisation and training, and interview coaching—whether you need general guidance or help preparing for a specific role.

For those looking for deeper transformation, my 3-month coaching programme Unlock Your Career Potential is designed to provide personalised, actionable strategies across six 45-minute sessions. Together, we’ll map out your goals and unlock the path to your success.

If you found today’s episode valuable, hit that subscribe button, leave a review, and share it with your network. You can also connect with me on LinkedIn—just search Kathryn Hall, The Career Owl.

Until next time—keep learning, keep adapting, and keep leading.

Useful Resources
1. Books & Thought Leadership
• 📚 Human + Machine: Reimagining Work in the Age of AI – Paul R. Daugherty & H. James Wilson Explores how AI can enhance human capabilities rather than replace them.
• 📚 The Algorithmic Leader: How to Be Smart When Machines Are Smarter Than You – Mike Walsh Helps leaders understand how to adapt and thrive in an AI-powered world.
• 📚 AI Superpowers: China, Silicon Valley, and the New World Order – Kai-Fu Lee Provides insight into how AI is shaping global industries and economies.
2. Online Courses & Training
• 🎓 Harvard Business School Online – AI for Leaders Designed for non-technical leaders to understand AI strategy and implementation.
• 🎓 Coursera – AI for Everyone (Andrew Ng, DeepLearning.AI) A beginner-friendly course that explains AI concepts without needing a tech background.
• 🎓 LinkedIn Learning – Artificial Intelligence for Business Leaders Practical insights on integrating AI into business operations and leadership.
3. AI Tools & Platforms to Experiment With
• 🛠️ ChatGPT (OpenAI) – Learn how AI can assist in brainstorming, decision-making, and automation.
• 🛠️ Grammarly & Jasper AI – AI-driven tools for enhancing communication and content creation.
• 🛠️ Notion AI & ClickUp AI – AI-powered productivity and project management assistants.
• 🛠️ Power BI / Tableau – AI-driven analytics tools that help leaders make data-informed decisions.