The AI-Driven Leader 12. Shifting the Mindset of an Enterprise Workforce with Geoff Gilmore
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Oct 21, 2025 Geoff Gilmore, President and CEO of Worthington Steel, shares his transformative journey from AI skeptic to advocate. After being introduced to pivotal texts, he led a sweeping AI adoption across 6,000 employees, mandating its use in daily operations. He emphasizes hands-on training and open vulnerability as key to fostering acceptance among staff. Highlights include rapid pilots for predictive inventory and machine reliability, all while maintaining a focus on work-life balance. Geoff encourages leaders to embrace AI early and learn alongside their teams.
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Skeptic Turned Sponsor
- Geoff was skeptical about AI's relevance to steel until his director of analytics, Steve Bartos, persistently shared books and examples.
- Reading Co-Intelligence and The AI-Driven Leader changed his view and launched their AI journey.
CEO Must Own The Shift
- Own the transformation as CEO and visibly learn alongside your team to build credibility.
- Declare AI adoption as an expectation, not a suggestion, to give employees permission to act.
Vulnerability Accelerates Adoption
- Geoff admits he wasn't an expert and believes mastery is ongoing as tools rapidly evolve.
- That vulnerability reassured employees and accelerated adoption.
