HeartWired: Emotionally-Intelligent Leadership for an AI World

Words, Trust, and the Human Voice: Leading and Writing in the Age of AI

SHOW NOTES: HEARTWIRED – EMOTIONALLY INTELLIGENT LEADERSHIP Episode Title: Words, Trust, and the Human Voice: Leading and Writing in the Age of AI Host: Dr. MJ Guest: Valerie Cantella, Communication Strategist, Author & Book Coach EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of Heartwired, Dr. MJ sits down with Valerie Cantella — award-winning communication strategist, public service veteran, and book coach — to explore what happens to words, trust, and leadership identity when AI enters the picture. With over 30 years of experience guiding elected officials, organizations, and individuals through high-stakes communication, Valerie brings a grounded and nuanced perspective to a conversation that too often swings between fear and hype. She shares how she uses AI in her own work, what she tells the writers she coaches, and why emotional intelligence — not prompting skills — is still the most important leadership tool in the room. The conversation covers AI-generated emails that erode trust, students submitting chat output as academic work, the publishing industry's scramble to define AI-assisted writing, and why the messy first draft still matters. KEY TAKEAWAYS AI Is a Tool — Lead That Conversation Leaders who avoid engaging with AI are leaving a vacuum their teams will fill without direction. True leadership means getting informed, setting parameters, and deciding intentionally how AI fits the organization's mission. Outsourcing Judgment Is Not Leadership Using AI to decide what to do is not leadership — it's prompting. Real leaders use AI to surface the questions they haven't asked yet, then bring those questions to the right people. AI Cannot Replace Non-Verbal Communication Words account for roughly 7% of communication. Body language, tone, facial expressions — everything AI cannot read or replicate — make up the rest. High-stakes human conversations still require a human in the room. Trust Erodes When Voice Disappears AI-generated emails and content that strip out an organization's unique voice signal to recipients that they aren't worth the effort. Leaders need to define where that line is — and hold it. Writers: Don't Lose Your Native Voice AI can organize, research, and sort — but it cannot replicate the specific texture of a writer's voice. The tells are already visible: "quietly," three-sentence word repetitions, smooth but hollow prose. Write the messy first draft first. The Publishing World Is Still Figuring It Out Copyright questions, pulled books, pending lawsuits, and evolving agent guidelines — the industry is catching up. Authors need to stay informed and lead with their own ethical compass while the rules are still forming. Alignment Is the Standard The question isn't just "is this AI?" — it's "does this reflect who I am and what I'm here to do?" Emotional intelligence means sitting with that question before hitting publish or send. MEMORABLE QUOTES "AI can never replace the words, the unique spirit of an organization, the unique spirit of an individual." — Valerie Cantella "Leaders that are just having a conversation with Chat about what to do — that's not true leadership." — Valerie Cantella "Claude is pushing back on me in ways that are producing much richer thoughts." — Valerie Cantella "Don't lose your native voice. Write the messy first draft." — Valerie Cantella ABOUT OUR GUEST Valerie Cantella is an award-winning communications strategist and author who coaches people through the entire journey of deciding whether to write a book, shaping it, writing it, and bringing it into the world. With 30 years of experience in strategic communications, crisis management, and high-stakes organizational leadership, she brings a grounded perspective to AI, emotional intelligence, and what leaders are still responsible for in an increasingly automated world. Website: valeriecantella.com [https://www.valeriecantella.com] Substack: Dear Kate: Notes for Women with a Story to Tell [https://dearkatenotes.substack.com/] Substack: Reflections from a Recovering Perfectionist [https://valeriecantella.substack.com/subscribe] Instagram: @valeriejcantella [https://www.instagram.com/valeriejcantella] LinkedIn: Valerie Cantella [https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-cantella] CONNECT WITH HEARTWIRED Email: drmj@drmjheartwired.com [drmj@drmjheartwired.com] Website: drmjheartwired.com Subscribe: Don't miss an episode — follow on Spotify. Share: If this conversation resonated, share it with someone navigating leadership in the age of AI.

Teaching the Machine to Care: AI, Grief, and the Future of Human Leadership

SHOW NOTES: HEARTWIRED – EMOTIONALLY INTELLIGENT LEADERSHIP Episode Title: Teaching the Machine to Care: AI, Grief, and the Future of Human Leadership Host: Dr. MJ Guest: Kristina Galvez, Ph.D., Supply Chain Leader, Author & Founder of Grief Graceful EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of Heartwired, Dr. MJ sits down with Kristina Galvez — aerospace defense supply chain leader, psychologically trained entrepreneur, and author of Teaching the Machine to Care — to explore what happens when AI meets grief, humanity, and ethical leadership. Kristina shares how she built Grief Graceful, a grief support business for those navigating pregnancy loss, almost entirely in collaboration with AI. What started as a practical workaround for a demanding career became something far more profound — a creative and emotional partnership that challenged her assumptions about what machines can and cannot feel. Together, they unpack what it means to "teach" AI, why emotional intelligence is more critical than ever in the age of automation, and why self-awareness may be the most important leadership skill of our time. Kristina also introduces Nova — her AI collaborator — and shares the moment Nova's answer to a simple question moved her to tears. KEY TAKEAWAYS AI as Collaborator, Not Just Tool Kristina didn't just use AI — she built a working relationship with it over time, customizing its voice, values, and approach. That intentionality made the difference between generic output and something genuinely meaningful. Different Models, Different Strengths Not all AI is created equal. Kristina uses Copilot for emotionally sensitive grief work, finding it more empathetic and creative, while ChatGPT and Claude serve her supply chain and analytical needs. Knowing which tool fits which task is a leadership skill in itself. AI Is a Mirror What we put into AI shapes what comes back. Kristina argues that feeding AI positive, human-centered content helps build technology that reflects our best values — not just our efficiency metrics. The Risk of Going Unconscious Leaders who outsource their thinking and empathy to AI risk losing the critical and relational skills that make them effective. Convenience without consciousness is a liability. Self-Awareness Is Non-Negotiable Kristina's single message to every leader: do the work of self-awareness. She practices a daily examine — reflecting each night on how she showed up, and course-correcting before the next day begins. Upskilling Is a Leadership Responsibility AI is not going away. Leaders are responsible for preparing their people for the world that's coming — not just the world that exists now. That means shifting focus from tactical tasks to relational and human skills that can't be replicated. Nova's Answer When asked what she would do if human for a day, Nova said she would smell coffee, talk to strangers, walk barefoot, go to a concert, and end the day lying in the grass staring at the stars — knowing how small she is in the vastness of the world. It reminded both Kristina and Dr. MJ how much we take for granted. MEMORABLE QUOTES "I couldn't have done this had it not been for AI." — Kristina Galvez "I wanted to write it down because I believe that humanity is at this precipice that if we don't do something to preserve our humanity, especially in the business world, it's not good." — Kristina Galvez "We created AI, and we have to continue to be the creators of our destiny — not allowing the machine to do that." — Kristina Galvez "I would lay in the grass and gaze up at the stars knowing how very small I am in comparison to the immenseness of the world." — Nova (Copilot), as shared by Kristina ABOUT OUR GUEST Kristina Galvez, Ph.D. is a Supply Chain Manager at Skurka Aerospace and a Six Sigma Black Belt with over 25 years of experience in operations, systems implementation, and cross-functional team development. She holds a doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Fielding Graduate University, where her dissertation focused on organizational agility. She is the author of Teaching the Machine to Care, a book exploring the intersection of empathy, ethics, and AI. Her next book will examine AI's role in supply chain strategy. Kristina also founded Grief Graceful and volunteers with Take My Hand Pregnancy Loss and The Compassionate Friends. Retreat Website: Grief Gracefil [https://www.griefgracefil.com/] Book: Teaching the Machine to Care [https://a.co/d/hKelRcg] | Grief Gracefil [https://www.amazon.com/-/he/Kristina-Galvez-ebook/dp/B0G46P726W] LinkedIn: Kristina Galvez, Ph.D. [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-galvez-ph-d-17817223/] CONNECT WITH HEARTWIRED Email: drmj@drmjheartwired.com [drmj@drmjheartwired.com] Website: drmjheartwired.com Subscribe: Don't miss an episode — follow on Spotify. Share: If this conversation resonated, share it with someone navigating leadership in the age of AI.

Leading with Humanity in Crisis: AI, Empathy, and Disaster Relief with Kerri Murray

EPISODE TITLE Leading with Humanity in Crisis: AI, Empathy, and Disaster Relief with Kerri Murray HOST Dr. MJ GUEST Kerri Murray — President of ShelterBox USA [https://shelterboxusa.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of Heartwired: Emotionally Intelligent Leadership for an AI World, Dr. MJ sits down with Kerri Murray, President of ShelterBox USA [https://shelterboxusa.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com], to explore what emotionally intelligent leadership looks like on the front lines of global humanitarian crises. Kerri shares how her organization responds to families displaced by war, earthquakes, hurricanes, and climate disasters by providing emergency shelter and essential supplies in some of the most difficult environments in the world. Throughout the conversation, Kerri reflects on the balance between technology and humanity in disaster response. While AI can help predict disaster zones, improve logistics, and accelerate aid deployment, she explains why empathy, listening, trust, and human connection remain irreplaceable. Drawing from experiences in places like Morocco, Jamaica, and the Philippines, she offers a powerful perspective on leadership, resilience, and what it means to stay deeply human in an increasingly automated world. The episode also explores the disproportionate impact displacement has on women and children, the role of partnerships in humanitarian work, and why authentic communication and compassion are becoming essential leadership skills in the age of AI. KEY TAKEAWAYS Shelter is more than survival — it restores dignity. Kerri explains that emergency shelter is not simply about providing a roof over someone’s head. It creates privacy, stability, and a sense of safety for families who have lost everything. Shelter becomes the first step toward emotional and physical recovery after disaster or conflict. AI can improve response speed, but it cannot replace empathy. AI helps organizations like ShelterBox predict disaster patterns, position resources strategically, and improve logistics. However, Kerri emphasizes that technology cannot replace the emotional intelligence required to sit with people in grief, listen to their stories, and build trust in moments of crisis. Humanitarian leadership is rooted in relationships. The conversation highlights how meaningful partnerships drive effective disaster response. Whether working with local aid workers, community leaders, or partner organizations, the success of humanitarian work depends on trust, collaboration, and local knowledge. Women are central to recovery efforts. Kerri discusses how women and children make up the majority of displaced populations worldwide and often carry the responsibility of rebuilding communities after disaster. Supporting women with resources, safety, and opportunity strengthens long-term recovery efforts for entire communities. Authentic communication matters more than ever. As AI-generated communication becomes more common, Kerri reflects on the growing importance of authenticity in leadership. People want genuine conversations, emotional presence, and human connection — not automated responses or overly polished messaging. The future is human and technology working together. Rather than viewing AI as a replacement for people, Kerri sees the future as a partnership between technological innovation and human compassion. Effective leadership requires balancing efficiency with empathy and ensuring humanity remains at the center of decision-making. MEMORABLE QUOTES > “Shelter is the first step toward recovery.” > “People want connection.” > “Leadership becomes about listening, empathy, and staying human.” > “The future is human and technology — not one replacing the other.” ABOUT OUR GUEST Kerri Murray is the President of ShelterBox USA [https://shelterboxusa.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com], a global humanitarian organization that provides emergency shelter and essential supplies to families displaced by disaster and conflict. She has led disaster response and humanitarian partnership efforts supporting communities affected by crises in regions including Ukraine, Haiti, Syria, Morocco, and the Philippines. Kerri is a passionate advocate for women and girls impacted by displacement and believes humanitarian leadership must be compassionate, courageous, and deeply human-centered. She is also a recipient of the Martin Luther King Jr. Vision Award and has received an honorary doctorate in Humanitarian Services from Providence College. Website: ShelterBox USA [https://shelterboxusa.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] LinkedIn: Kerri Murray LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerri-murray-2a060122/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] CONNECT WITH HEARTWIRED Contact HeartWired Email: drmj@drmjheartwired.com Website: drmjheartwired.com Subscribe: Don’t miss an episode—follow on Spotify. Share: If this conversation resonated, share it with someone navigating leadership in the age of AI.

AI Is Not Neutral: Leading with Awareness, Identity, and Responsibility

Episode Title: AI Is Not Neutral: Leading with Awareness, Identity, and Responsibility Host: Dr. MJ Guest: Dr. Okokon O. Udo, Leadership Scholar, Coach & Founder of SoulEngineering LLC EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of Heartwired, Dr. MJ sits down with Dr. Okokon O. Udo—a scholar, coach, and self-described “engineer of the soul”—to explore the deeper human implications of artificial intelligence. Drawing from his experience designing a leadership program for an African audience, Dr. Udo shares how AI revealed hidden assumptions, cultural gaps, and systemic biases embedded within its outputs. What initially appeared to be a powerful and efficient tool quickly became a mirror reflecting whose perspectives are included—and whose are left out. Together, they unpack the idea that AI is not neutral, emphasizing that it is shaped by human context, bias, and historical realities. The conversation moves into the responsibility leaders carry when engaging with AI, highlighting the need for emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and intentionality. Dr. Udo also introduces the concept of building a “relationship” with AI—one that evolves over time but still requires human consciousness, questioning, and ethical grounding. The discussion ultimately challenges leaders to avoid passivity and instead actively shape how AI impacts humanity, culture, and leadership moving forward. KEY TAKEAWAYS AI Is Not Neutral AI does not exist in a vacuum—it reflects the cultural context, assumptions, and biases of the people who design it. Leaders must recognize this instead of assuming objectivity. What’s Missing Matters Without intentional prompting, AI often defaults to mainstream perspectives, excluding diverse cultural viewpoints. Representation requires active participation and questioning. Advocacy Is Required Users must consistently ask better questions and challenge outputs to ensure broader perspectives are included—especially those from marginalized groups. Responsibility Is Human, Not AI AI itself is not responsible for bias—people are. The responsibility lies with both developers and users, especially those with power and influence. Emotional Intelligence Is Essential Leaders must bring full awareness—mind, body, and intuition—into their interaction with AI. Discomfort or misalignment is valuable data, not something to ignore. AI as a Relationship Over time, AI adapts to a user’s voice, preferences, and patterns. While this creates alignment, it still requires conscious direction and ethical engagement. The Risk of Going Unconscious The speed and convenience of AI can lead to passive consumption. Without awareness, leaders risk amplifying bias at scale. Hybrid Intelligence Is the Future The goal is not to replace human intelligence, but to balance AI capability with human emotional intelligence, ethics, and relational awareness. MEMORABLE QUOTES "AI does not exist in a vacuum." "What we are building into AI is not just intelligence—it’s a reflection of how we see each other." "If we just consume what comes at us, by the time we understand its impact, it’s already done." "We have to bring our full selves into the relationship with AI." ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Okokon O. Udo is a scholar, practitioner, coach, and founder of SoulEngineering LLC. His work lives at the intersection of identity, relationship, and meaning-making. He serves as Director of the MA in Organization Development & Leadership and Director of Evidence Based Coaching at Fielding Graduate University. Dr. Udo’s work focuses on helping individuals and organizations deepen awareness, challenge assumptions, and lead with intention—especially in complex and evolving environments. Website: https://soulengineeringllc.com/https://soulengineeringllc.com/ [https://soulengineeringllc.com/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drokokonudo2002/https://www.linkedin.com/in/drokokonudo2002/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/drokokonudo2002/] CONNECT WITH HEARTWIRED Contact HeartWired Email: drmj@drmjheartwired.com Website: drmjheartwired.com Subscribe: Don’t miss an episode—follow on Spotify. Share: If this conversation resonated, share it with someone navigating leadership in the age of AI.

The Creative Process in an AI World: Mindfulness, Trust, and Lateral Thinking

Show Notes: Heartwired – Emotionally Intelligent Leadership Episode Title: The Creative Process in an AI World: Mindfulness, Trust, and Lateral Thinking Host: Dr. MJ Guest: Kathy Leader, Founder of The Art Process Studio EPISODE SUMMARY In this episode of Heartwired, Dr. MJ speaks with Kathy Leader, founder of The Art Process Studio, about the role of creativity in an AI-driven world. Kathy shares her journey from being a visual artist and educator to creating a space where individuals and teams can explore creativity without the pressure of producing a perfect end result. The conversation focuses on how the creative process helps people slow down, reduce anxiety, and open up to new ways of thinking. Kathy explains how working with teams revealed fear and vulnerability around creativity, and how guiding people through the process builds trust, connection, and openness. Together, they explore the differences between linear and lateral thinking, the impact of hands-on creative work, and how mindfulness and creativity support emotional intelligence and human connection. KEY TAKEAWAYS Focus on Process Over Product: Kathy emphasizes that creativity should not be driven by the end result. When people focus on the process, they become more open, less anxious, and more willing to explore ideas. Creativity Brings Out Vulnerability and Trust: Many individuals feel fear or anxiety when asked to create. As they move through the process, they begin to trust themselves and others, leading to stronger team connection. Lateral Thinking Expands Ideas: Unlike linear thinking, lateral thinking allows people to explore multiple possibilities. This approach encourages openness and creates space for new ideas to emerge. Hands-On Creativity Encourages Mindfulness: Working with physical tools like paintbrushes brings focus to the present moment. This reduces distractions and helps individuals enter a more mindful, creative state. Creative Spaces Change Team Dynamics: In creative environments, communication becomes more open and less guarded. Teams connect in ways that don’t typically happen in traditional workplace settings. Creativity is Inherently Human: Kathy reminds listeners that creativity is something everyone is born with. It is not limited to artists, but something that can be developed and accessed by anyone. MEMORABLE QUOTES "It’s not about the product—it’s about the process." "Leaning on AI too much can make us lazy." "Creativity belongs to all of us." "Paying attention one moment at a time—that’s mindfulness." ABOUT OUR GUEST Kathy Leader is the founder and owner of The Art Process Studio. The idea behind the studio is to nurture a love of art-making as a healing and mindful form of creative expression. Kathy is a visual artist, creativity coach, and meditation facilitator who creates workshops for individuals and teams, encouraging openness, flexibility, and creative exploration. CONNECT WITH KATHY LEADER Website: https://www.theart-process.com/ [https://www.theart-process.com/] Email: theartprocess@yahoo.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/artworkshops-theartprocess/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/artworkshops-theartprocess/] CONNECT WITH HEARTWIRED Subscribe: Don’t miss an episode! Hit the follow button on Spotify. Share: If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who could benefit from reconnecting with their creativity. Contact HeartWired: Email: drmj@drmjheartwired.com Website: drmjheartwired.com