Leading with humanity in the age of AI

By Valentina Kibedi, Director of Services at Laridae

If there is one thing I’ve observed from the AI workshops and coaching sessions I’ve led recently, it’s this: people’s experiences with, and relationship to, AI spans a remarkably broad spectrum. Likely the broadest we’ll see.

Some have managed to avoid it almost entirely. Others rely on it hourly for everything from drafting quick emails to brainstorming strategic decisions. Many fall somewhere in the middle. 

Wherever you are on that spectrum, one thing is clear: AI is here, and it’s not going anywhere in the near future. And many leaders are feeling curious, cautious, and a little unsure about the pace of change.

The real leadership challenge now is not whether to use it in our organizations, but how to build a grounded, values-aligned relationship with a transformative technology that is still evolving faster than most policies, comfort levels, and norms.

Why now? Because your team is already using it

The question isn’t whether your team is using AI. They are.

This is the piece that surprises some leaders. Even without formal conversations or guidance, staff are experimenting. Even if your current policies strictly instruct staff not to use it, we’re hearing that they are.

They’re using AI to write emails, brainstorm ideas, summarize content, and prepare for meetings.

Some of that use is thoughtful. Some is inconsistent. Some introduces risk. Much of it is invisible.

In some cases, leaders are noticing that their clients, funders, and stakeholders are also using AI, and that they’re beginning to ask organizations how they handle things like confidentiality and ethical use. The expectations are rising, and leaders are feeling it.

So if you’re leading a team or organization, the question is, who’s setting the direction for how AI gets used in your sphere of influence?

If it’s not you, it’ll be left to individual judgment, habit, and assumptions. And that’s where the risk lives.

This moment calls for leadership that can offer clarity, guardrails, and confidence. If leaders don’t set expectations, the technology will shape habits on its own.

The real tension: both/and, not either/or

Here’s what makes this complicated. AI genuinely helps. It can reduce time spent on routine work, strengthen thinking partnerships, support creativity, help teams prepare better. These advantages are real, and leaders who ignore them will feel quickly left behind.

But the risks are real too: confidentiality breaches, accuracy problems, over-reliance, harmful bias.

Most leaders see both. They see the usefulness and the uncertainty. And that tension is exactly where thoughtful leadership opportunities lie.

What now? Establish direction before habits form without guidance

Your team is already experimenting. Without clear direction, personal judgment becomes the default. That leads to uneven practices and unintentional risk. With guidance, people feel supported and aligned.

Now is the time for leaders to:

• Create clear, practical expectations
• Provide training that builds both confidence and caution
• Encourage curiosity rather than fear
• Model thoughtful, transparent use
• Shape the culture of AI use before it forms on its own

Leading with humanity in an age of change

AI is opening real possibilities for leaders and teams. It can strengthen thinking, support creativity, and reduce time spent on routine work. It can help people prepare for difficult conversations and see patterns that might otherwise be missed. These are meaningful advantages, and they are worth embracing.

At the same time, AI does not replace the human elements that leadership depends on. Presence, judgment, ethical discernment, and relational awareness cannot be automated. They sit at the heart of trust and accountability.

For AI to be effective, humans need to be involved at every important stage. Leaders must guide how AI is used, interpret and verify its outputs, and set the cultural and ethical tone for their teams. When AI is paired with thoughtful human oversight, it becomes a tool that supports clarity rather than confusion, and insight rather than shortcuts.

The opportunity in front of us is not to lead with more technology, but to lead with more humanity as technology evolves around us.

The opportunity for leaders (or, what matters most right now)

You don’t need to become an AI expert.

At this point, the goal for most leaders is less about “mastering” AI in our organizations, but rather helping to shape a culture that uses it wisely.

A thoughtful approach allows leaders to:

• Strengthen reflection and decision-making
• Increase efficiency without losing the human elements
• Encourage creativity and collaboration
• Protect privacy and equity through shared norms
• Build trust by modeling responsible use

Most importantly, it helps leaders stay grounded in what sets human judgment apart: presence, connection, discernment, and ethical responsibility.

Looking for help?

If this topic is resonating with you and your team’s ready to explore it, let’s chat. We offer an accessible, interactive, and engaging AI workshop designed for all levels.

If that’s something that could benefit your team, we’d be glad to help.