Managing the 'messy middle' risks

Transforming Workforce & Leadership in the AI Era Are you ready to lead your organization through the seismic shift AI is causing in leadership and workforce planning? In this insightful episode of The AI CEO Podcast, host Seema Alexander sits down with Stephanie Shabazz — a 2X TEDx speaker, Microsoft adoption lead, AI consultant, and human-centered AI strategist — to unpack how AI is reshaping leadership, talent management, and business strategy. From confronting fears around job displacement to designing AI-powered teams that thrive, Stephanie reveals practical frameworks, real-world ROI stories, and essential leadership mindsets to confidently navigate AI transformation today. Whether you're a CEO, founder, HR leader, or individual contributor, this episode equips you with the knowledge and perspective to future-proof your career and company. Tap into this conversation to discover: • How AI is already changing workforce dynamics and leadership roles • The 3 leadership adoption stages: Dabbler, Curious Investigator, Leader Adopter • Strategies to move leaders and teams from fear to curiosity and action • The importance of empathetic communication and transparent AI conversations • Why AI upskilling and personal responsibility for growth are non-negotiable • How startups and enterprises differ in AI adoption approaches • Practical tips for hiring, performance evaluation, and redefining job roles in the AI era • The emerging role of AI agents and how to blend humans + AI seamlessly • Common pitfalls and success stories from companies implementing AI adoption • The future of interviewing and talent acquisition powered by AI Episode Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction: Work is Changing with AI 3:05 Leadership and AI Adoption Rates: Dabbler, Curious Investigator, Leader Adopter 8:17 Moving from Dabbler to Curious: Building Your AI Brain Trust 10:51 The Power of Showing Possibilities to Spark Curiosity 13:02 Where Should the Pressure Come From Around AI Adoption? 15:03 Communicating AI with Employees: What to Do & What Not to Do 19:00 Understanding What Fuels Your Employees in the AI Journey 21:30 The Role of Influencers & Brand Ambassadors in AI Adoption 22:50 Employee Hackathons & Incentivizing AI Innovation 25:36 Balancing Innovation with Data Privacy and Security 26:50 The Importance of Vulnerability and Transparency in Leadership 28:08 Investing in Employee Growth & Upskilling for AI 30:41 Personal Responsibility vs Employer Responsibility for AI Learning 33:06 Middle Managers as the AI Adoption Differentiator 35:08 Entry-Level Hiring & Career Building in the AI Era 37:26 Why Candidates Must Bring AI Insights to Interviews Today 39:12 Key Skills for the Next Generation: Collaboration, EQ, Integrity 41:04 The "Messy Middle": Balancing Experience with AI Automation 44:48 The Need for Industry-Specific Upskilling & Adaptability 46:51 The Rise of AI Agents and Redefining Job Descriptions 49:01 Incorporating AI into Performance Evaluations and Hiring 52:00 Human-Centered AI Adoption Strategy for Leaders (Next 30 Days) 54:01 Change Management & Communication: The Core of AI Workforce Planning 55:02 Differences in AI Adoption Between Startups and Enterprises 57:22 Real-World AI Adoption Case Studies: What Worked & What Didn't 1:03:32 Rapid Fire AI Leadership Q&A: Overrated Roles, Myths, and Hiring Tips 1:05:13 Final Thoughts: People-First AI Strategies & Empathetic Communication About Stephanie Shabazz Stephanie Shabazz is an AI adoption leader, 2X TEDx speaker, and Microsoft adoption lead specializing in human-centered AI strategies that elevate organizational performance and futureproof teams. With deep expertise in workforce planning, recruiting, and AI education, Stephanie partners with executives to lead confident, empathetic AI transformations that drive measurable ROI. About Seema Alexander Seema Alexander is the founder of Disruptive AI and co-chair of DC Startup and Tech Week. With two decades of experience guiding CEOs and founders to scale and innovate, Seema hosts The AI CEO Podcast to spotlight how AI is transforming industries, creating new growth, and rewriting the rules of business for visionary leaders. www,GetDisruptive.AI 🔔 Subscribe & Connect If you found this episode valuable, please LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE to The AI CEO Podcast. Your support helps us reach more leaders ready to harness AI's power and shape the future of work. Stay ahead of the curve by hitting the notification bell to never miss an episode. Follow Stephanie Shabazz on Twitter & LinkedIn: @StephShabazz Follow Seema Alexander on Twitter & LinkedIn: @Seema_Alexander #AILeadership #WorkforceTransformation #FutureOfWork #AIAdoption #HumanCenteredAI #LeadershipInAI #AIUpskilling #AIInBusiness #AIForCEOs #TechLeadership #DisruptiveAI #AIWorkforcePlanning #AIAndHR #AIRecruiting #AIInnovation #EmpatheticLeadership #StartupAI #AIAgents #DigitalTransformation #AIPodcast