Boldness, AI, and Leadership: My Talk on Innovation and the Future of Work
Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to present alongside some truly remarkable figures: a former Prime Minister of Canada, bestselling authors, and other thought leaders. I was excited, and yes, a little nervous. One moment that still makes me laugh happened on the airplane: I decided not to recline my seat while traveling with former Prime Minister Stephen Harper. It was a small decision, but it perfectly highlighted the nuances of human etiquette and leadership in everyday situations.
That story set the stage for a bigger conversation about boldness, innovation, and the transformative role of artificial intelligence core themes in my upcoming book, The Bold Ones, which releases in December 2022.
AI as a Catalyst for Innovation
During my talk, I highlighted the transformative power of AI, using ChatGPT as an example. I demonstrated how AI can quickly generate high-quality, insightful content, even an entire keynote on leadership. This isn’t about replacing human creativity; it’s about amplifying it. AI lowers barriers to productivity and idea generation, freeing leaders to focus on strategic thinking and bold action.
Balancing Boldness and Etiquette
My airplane anecdote also underscored a key leadership lesson: emotional intelligence and social awareness are just as important as strategy. Leadership isn’t only about taking risks it’s about navigating human dynamics thoughtfully, even in unexpected situations.
Embracing Boldness in a Risk-Averse World
Boldness is a muscle. Whether it’s making small decisions, like respecting personal space on a plane, or embracing radical new tools like AI, boldness requires courage, curiosity, and a willingness to take risks, I explore deeply in The Bold Ones.Those who combine human intuition with machine efficiency will define the next era of innovation.
Be Bold in Technology-Driven World
The core message of The Bold Ones is clear: innovation requires courage. As AI grows exponentially Siri on steroids, if you will it challenges traditional work models. Routine tasks will increasingly be automated, meaning human talent will need to focus on creativity, empathy, and complex problem-solving. Bold leaders thrive by embracing technology while staying true to human values.
The Paradox of Boldness and Politeness
One of the funniest moments in my talk came when I asked ChatGPT about airplane etiquette. It gave a polite, considerate answer, very safe. Me? I like to push boundaries and take risks. This contrast highlighted an important point: AI will always be cautious, but humans must decide when to act boldly. Balancing machine logic with human intuition is where real innovation happens.
How AI is Reshaping Talent
AI’s rapid growth is fundamentally changing how talent is valued. With routine cognitive tasks increasingly automated, the skills we prize most will pivot toward creativity, empathy, and complex problem-solving. Leaders and organizations will need to rethink how they attract, develop, and retain talent in a world where AI handles much of the cognitive workload.
Final Thoughts
My talk is about blended humor, personal experience, and forward-looking insights, but the takeaway is simple: boldness matters more than ever in the age of AI. Technology can amplify what we do, but it’s our courage, creativity, and ability to lead with heart that will define the future of work and innovation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1 - What is AI and the future of work?
AI (Artificial Intelligence) is technology that can perform tasks that usually require human thinking, like problem-solving, writing, or analyzing data. In the future of work, AI will handle more routine and repetitive tasks, allowing humans to focus on creativity, leadership, and solving complex problems.
2 - How does AI impact the future of work?
AI is changing how jobs are done by automating repetitive tasks and giving people quick, data-driven insights. This means work will shift toward skills that only humans can bring like emotional intelligence, storytelling, and strategic thinking.
3 - How can AI lead to innovation?
AI speeds up the process of creating new ideas by providing instant information, generating content, and spotting patterns we might miss. This allows leaders and creators to experiment more, take bigger risks, and push boundaries faster.
4 - What is the key skill for collaborating effectively with AI?
The most important skill is knowing how to ask the right questions and use AI’s output creatively. You need to combine AI’s capabilities with your own judgment, experience, and bold thinking.
5 - What is the role of artificial intelligence in innovation and leadership?
AI supports innovation by removing barriers to creativity and speeding up execution. In leadership, it provides valuable insights and efficiency, but leaders still need to bring courage, empathy, and vision to inspire real change.
About the Author:
Shawn Kanungo is a globally recognized disruption strategist and keynote speaker who helps organizations adapt to change and leverage disruptive thinking. Named one of the "Best New Speakers" by the National Speakers Bureau, Shawn has spoken at some of the world's most innovative organizations, including IBM, Walmart, and 3M. His expertise in digital disruption strategies helps leaders navigate transformation and build resilience in an increasingly uncertain business environment.