June 2026 | 3min read
Is it just me? Or does it feel like every week there’s a new AI tool, platform, update, or prediction.
Some people believe AI will transform everything. Others are wondering if it’ll eventually replace us altogether.
Personally, I’m still waiting for AI to cut my grass and tackle a few things that keep mysteriously appearing on my “honey-do list.” 🙂
But a recent conversation on ConquerCast got me thinking about a different question:
➤ As technology becomes more powerful, what will leaders need to do to remain human?
I spoke with Gina Johar, Senior Vice President of Data & Knowledge Management at Infrastructure Ontario, and we explored leadership, technology, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation.
While the conversation covered everything from data-driven decision-making to organizational change, one idea kept resurfacing:
➤ AI can SUPPORT leadership. It can’t REPLACE it.
Technology can help us analyze information, identify patterns, generate ideas, improve efficiency, and make better-informed decisions. It can help us move faster.
If you’re anything like me and like to get sh*t done, this is GREAT news!
But tech can’t build trust.
- It can’t create genuine connection.
- It can’t sit across from a team member who is struggling and help them feel seen
- It can’t replace empathy, judgment, courage, or KINDNESS.
(Tech also can’t tell you when you’ve earned a poutine with extra gravy after a few solid weeks of workouts, healthy eating, and a couple of heavy coaching days. Trust me, I’ve tried 🙂.)
The more technology gets bigger, better, and faster, the more important these human leadership skills become.
For years, many leaders built their careers on technical expertise. They were the person with the answers. The person who knew the system, the process, or the technology.
Today, information is becoming more accessible than ever. The leadership advantage is shifting.
The future may belong to leaders who can balance both, head and heart.
- Leaders who can use data without becoming detached from people.
- Leaders who can embrace technology while maintaining trust and connection.
- Leaders who can communicate clearly during uncertainty and change.
- Leaders who can navigate complexity without pretending to have all the answers.
Technology may change how we work. It doesn’t change what people need from a leader.
- People still want clarity.
- People still want to be heard.
- People still want to feel valued.
- People still want to know that someone has their back.
Whether you’re leading a team, navigating workplace culture, supporting organizational change, or investing in your own personal growth, the fundamentals remain the same.
➤ Leadership is still a people business.
Maybe the question isn’t whether AI will replace leadership. The better question is: As technology continues to evolve, are we investing in our human skills as much as we’re investing in our technical ones?
Human Leadership Checkpoint – HLC
Before your next meeting, conversation, coaching session, or decision, take a moment to pause and reflect. Here are simple questions to ask yourself to make sure you’re being “human”:
Head
- What facts, data, or information am I relying on?
- What assumptions might I be making?
Heart
- What might people be feeling that I’m not seeing?
- Who needs more support, clarity, or connection?
Leadership
- How do I bring both together in my next action?
- What decision requires human judgment, not just information?
Your turn
I’d love to hear your thoughts:
➤ What leadership skill do you believe will become more valuable as technology continues to evolve?
And if you’d like to hear the full conversation with Gina Johar, be sure to listen to the latest episode of ConquerCast.
Conquer your potential!
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