Leading with Heart in the Age of AI

The Context Problem: Why AI Alone Won’t Transform Your Business

In this episode, Joe and Kathy unpack the difference between individual AI use and institutional intelligence and why that gap is where real value is either created or quietly lost. They open the showing talking about context, both the technical kind measured in tokens and context windows, and the human kind. Relationships. Systems. Strategy. The bigger picture most organizations are skipping as they chase speed and productivity. From there, the conversation moves into what’s really happening inside companies right now: * Teams using AI in silos, creating more noise than clarity * Leaders optimizing for efficiency instead of value creation * A growing flood of “AI slop” that looks productive but lacks substance * A subtle but dangerous feedback loop where AI reinforces bad thinking instead of challenging it Along the way, they explore what it means to move from AI as a personal productivity tool to AI as a coordinated, system-level capability. History has seen this before. When electricity replaced steam, nothing changed for decades until businesses reimagined how work actually happened. AI is at that same inflection point. The question for AI should be “What are we actually trying to solve—and how do we rethink our business around that?” If you’re a leader trying to cut through the noise and figure out what actually matters, this episode is your invitation to slow down, zoom out, and start thinking again. Special thanks to George Sivulka and his Substack post that provided much of the fodder for this conversation. https://substack.com/home/post/p-190627679

Leading with Heart in the Age of AI

AI is everywhere. It promises speed, efficiency, and competitive advantage. But beneath the headlines about automation and tech stacks lies a far more important question: what happens to the humans? In this episode of Between Innovation, we unpack insights from our recent webinar with the Institute of Directors in Mauritius, “Leading with Heart in the Age of AI.” Rather than diving into technical specs, we explore the tension between the “head” and the “heart” of AI, the analytical power it brings and the human implications it creates. We tackle the real conversations leaders are having behind closed doors: * How does AI impact psychological safety when employees fear job loss? * What responsibility do organizations hold when chatbots hallucinate, discriminate, or give incorrect information? * How do you build governance, accountability, and trust in a rapidly evolving landscape? Through stories ranging from AI-driven hiring bias to rogue automation mishaps and even a chatbot bereavement refund gone wrong, we highlight how organizations remain accountable for how AI is built, deployed, and governed. We also share an inspiring example of a team that used AI to create meaningful innovation in hours instead of days, sparking energy and possibility across their organization. Ultimately, AI provides a unique opportunity for growth. The leaders who thrive will be those who train their people, clarify their values, establish ethical guardrails, and ensure that technology aligns with mission and culture.

Self as Instrument

In this episode Kathy and Joe dive into one of the most foundational and often overlooked ideas in organizational development: “self as instrument”. Using humor, real client moments, and lessons from the field, they explore what it really means to walk into a room as a leader, facilitator, or consultant knowing you are the most influential tool you bring with you. From calibrating your energy and reading the room to navigating bias, countertransference, and emotional signals, they unpack how your presence shapes every conversation, every interaction, and every outcome. They also discuss the leadership practices that keep your “instrument” in tune — authenticity, intentionality, modeling behavior, seeking feedback, and the non-negotiable role of self-care. Whether you're leading teams, coaching others, or simply trying to show up with more clarity and impact, this conversation offers practical, and human insight into how to bring your best self to the work. A thoughtful, energizing episode for leaders and learners who know that change starts from within.

Holding Up the Mirror: When Leaders Block Change

In this episode of Between Innovation, Kathy and Joe hold up the mirror to leadership and ask a tough question: What if you’re the biggest barrier to the change you want to see? Drawing from real-world conversations with leaders, they explore how common frustrations—like lack of ideas, weak accountability, or organizational silos—often reflect back on leadership behaviors themselves. Through stories, roleplays, and candid insights, they unpack why change is so hard, and how leaders can build the self-awareness and trust needed to unlock innovation. If you’ve ever thought “my people just don’t…”, this episode is your invitation to pause, reflect, and reconsider what’s really happening. Key Takeaways * Why leaders need to “hold up the mirror” and examine their own role in blocking change. * How safety (or lack of it) determines whether ideas surface or stay hidden. * The difference between external motivators (bonuses, raises) and intrinsic motivators (autonomy, mastery, purpose). * What leaders really mean when they say, “My people aren’t strategic.” * How initiative gets unintentionally stifled—and how to avoid “killing the spirit.” * Practical ways to transform meetings into spaces for contribution and collaboration. * The two types of silos (political vs. unintentional) and how to break them down. * Why self-awareness and curiosity are the foundation for innovation.

Exploring Positive Intelligence

In this episode we explore Positive Intelligence (PQ) — a powerful framework that helps us understand how our own minds can either propel us forward or quietly sabotage our growth, relationships, and creativity. Building on their recent conversation about emotional intelligence, we discuss how PQ expands that conversation by identifying our internal saboteurs — the mental patterns and voices rooted in early survival strategies that no longer serve us. From the ever-present Judge to pleasers, hyper-achievers, and avoiders, these mental habits can quietly derail our intentions without us even realizing it. Drawing from our own experience completing the Positive Intelligence program, we share personal stories, emotional insights, and favorite tools like the deceptively simple “PQ rep” — a physical practice for shifting from reactive thinking into calm awareness. Learn how PQ aligns with neuroscience, emotional development, and see how to use childhood photos of your three-year-old self to reconnect with joy, presence, and purpose. You’ll also hear about the five Sage Powers—Explore, Empathize, Navigate, Innovate, and Activate—and how these strengths help us move through life with clarity, curiosity, and intention. Whether you’re tackling workplace challenges, navigating difficult relationships, or just trying to quiet that voice in your head, this episode offers a practical and deeply human approach to shifting your internal narrative. Takeaways include: * The difference between emotional and positive intelligence * The Judge: your “master saboteur” and how to recognize it * How simple body-based practices help rewire the brain * Why your childhood survival strategies might be holding you back * The importance of shared language and psychological safety in teams * Tips for applying Sage Powers at work and in daily life