Emphasizing relational leadership with qualities like empathy and authenticity helps build trust and resilience within teams amidst rapid technological changes.
As AI reshapes workplace dynamics, leaders must prioritize human connection and ethical considerations to maintain integrity and inclusiveness in decision-making.
Deep dives
Preserving Humanity in Leadership
Leaders today face the challenge of maintaining their humanity amidst the rapid advancements in AI and technology. There is a pressing need for empathy, trust, and ethical integrity to guide their approach to leadership. By emphasizing relational leadership, leaders can foster collaboration and ensure that the human experience remains central to innovation. The concept of relational leadership encourages leaders to prioritize genuine connections with their teams, enabling them to navigate challenges while promoting a positive workplace culture.
The Role of Trust and Relationships
Trust is foundational to effective leadership, especially during times of change driven by technology. Building trust requires transparency, active listening, and involving team members in decision-making processes. Leaders who prioritize relationships over mere outcomes can foster a sense of belonging and resilience within their teams. As organizations adapt to new technologies, nurturing trust helps alleviate fears related to job security and promotes a collaborative environment.
Navigating Ethical Considerations in AI
As AI becomes increasingly integrated into the workplace, ethical considerations must remain at the forefront of leadership discussions. Leaders should openly address potential ethical dilemmas and prioritize human values over mere data. Ensuring diverse perspectives in AI development can help mitigate biases and promote fairness in its application. This proactive approach empowers leaders to champion accountability and maintain the integrity of their organizations in an evolving technological landscape.
Support and Inclusion Amidst Challenges
In an era marked by political and social upheaval, leaders have a unique opportunity to support inclusion and diversity initiatives. Emphasizing human connection and solidarity can help empower individuals and build resilient communities within organizations. By actively engaging in conversations about belonging and advocating for their importance, leaders can create environments that uphold ethical standards and a sense of shared responsibility. Ultimately, encouraging dialogue and collaboration will strengthen teams and promote a culture of support amidst the chaos.
In times of uncertainty and change, how do we lead in a way that keeps people at the center? With shifting workplace dynamics, evolving leadership expectations, and constant pressure to adapt to the high-tech world, it’s easy to get caught up in the mechanics of leadership and forget the human side of it.
In this conversation, I sit down with Jen Croneberger, an expert in relational leadership, to talk about what it really takes to build strong, connected teams. She introduces her BRAVE methodology—belonging, resilience, authenticity, vulnerability, and empathy—and shares why these qualities are more important than ever. We dig into the realities of leadership today—how AI is changing the way we work and why technology can enhance efficiency, but it can’t replace human connection. From navigating tough conversations to balancing performance with people, this episode is packed with insights for leaders who want to show up with confidence and heart.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why relational leadership is more important than ever
How to build a workplace culture based on trust, inclusion, and belonging
The BRAVE methodology and how it strengthens leadership effectiveness
How AI is impacting leadership and decision-making—and what it can’t replace
How to lead teams through change, uncertainty, and ethical challenges
Why human skills—like empathy and emotional intelligence—are the new hard skills
And more!
"Human skills are the new hard skills. The best leaders prioritize connection, trust, and emotional intelligence to build thriving teams." – Jen Croneberger
How are you bringing humanity into your leadership? Share your thoughts and subscribe for more expert insights on leadership, team performance, and workplace culture.
**Useful links**
Connect with today’s guest and sponsor, Jen Croneberger:
If you are ready to uplevel your career, get unstuck or you are simply ready to unlock those leadership time-management techniques then join us in my monthly career & leadership coaching program exclusively for women in tech: https://www.tonicollis.com/academy
Join the Leading Women in Tech community in Slack where we discuss all-the-things for women’s tech leadership, covering everything from early-career leadership to C-level executives.
This episode was sponsored by our guest, Jen Croneberger. Thank you Jen for helping to bring Leading Women in Tech to this community!
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