The impact of AI in business extends beyond automation and efficiency — it’s also influencing leadership and mentorship. As AI tools become more integrated into decision-making, workflow management and strategic planning, leaders must consider how to balance technology with human connection.
Below, the members of Rolling Stone Culture Council share their perspectives on technology’s evolving role in leadership, as well as key considerations leaders should be mindful of in the age of AI. Their insights highlight the opportunities AI presents, the risks of overreliance on it and the human qualities that will always be essential for guiding teams.
AI Is a Tool to be Leveraged by Teams
AI is a powerful tool — but it is still a tool. Regardless of how AI is being used, leaders should help train teams on how to use the tool most effectively to get the most out of it. Great inputs lead to better output. – Zech Francis, BeatBox Beverages
Only Humans Can Develop Work Culture
Leaders should be mindful of the role they play in employee development. Although AI will make work easier, that is only one part of the job. Interpersonal relationships and culture are at the heart of any great business, which is something only humans can develop at the moment. So leaders, lean into building an incredible work culture! It is the reason many top employees choose to stay. – Victoria Chynoweth
AI Can Synthesize Expert Advice in Varied Fields
I already use ChatGPT as my expert adviser. I have all the best experts in every possible field giving me constant advice — everything from fundraising to sales to software engineering and growth hacking! – Adam Ayers, Number 5
The Focus of Leadership Has Shifted to Wisdom-Sharing
Al will redefine leadership by shifting the focus from information gatekeeping to wisdom-sharing. Leaders will need to be more human — not less — emphasizing emotional intelligence, ethical decision-making and mentorship that AI cannot replicate. The best leaders will leverage AI to enhance strategic thinking while doubling down on purpose, vision and connection. – Nisaa Jetha, Impact for SDGs
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People Follow People
AI makes leadership and mentorship more data-driven, but real leadership is still about human connection. I’ve seen how easy it is to rely on AI for insights, but leaders need to balance tech with emotional intelligence. People follow people, not algorithms. The key is using AI as a tool, not a crutch; let it enhance decision-making, but never replace trust, intuition and real conversations. – Jason Hennessey, Hennessey Digital
Leaders Should Help Employees Develop AI Skills
Given the ubiquity of AI and the speed at which it’s evolving, a key component of leadership and mentorship is helping team members and mentees develop strong AI (and generative AI) skills. This includes understanding how to use AI to advance business goals without jeopardizing confidential, proprietary business information, employees’ personally identifiable information or other sensitive data. – Gail Gottehrer, Del Monte Fresh Produce Company, Inc.
AI Shouldn’t Make the Final Call
One of the fundamental acts of a leader is to make value judgments — pursue opportunity A, decline opportunity B, promote employee A, let go of employee B. While data analytics (up to and including AI) can inform these decisions, it would be irresponsible for a leader to let the tools make the choices on their behalf. Leaders make the final call and bear the responsibility for the outcomes. – Jed Brewer, Good Loud Media
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AI Can Streamline Workflows, Creating Time for Genuine Connection
AI tools are incredibly helpful for high-level brainstorming, strategy crafting and organization. Leaders can leverage these aspects of AI to streamline their workflows, allowing them more time to deepen the human connections and open lines of communication that make for exceptional leadership. – Evan Nison, NisonCo
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Overreliance on AI Can Lead to Depersonalization
AI will enhance leadership and mentorship by providing data-driven insights, personalized coaching and efficiency in decision-making. However, leaders must balance AI with human connection — empathy, intuition and trust can’t be automated. Overreliance on AI risks depersonalizing leadership. The key is using AI as a tool to support, not replace, the human elements of mentorship and leadership. – Stephen Nalley, Black Briar Advisors
AI Leadership Guidance Will Never Replace Human Interaction
AI has inspired me to move away from it and embrace human approaches even more. Why should your employees bother to read an email you didn’t bother to write? The same goes for AI leadership guidance from models like ChatGPT — it will never replace human interaction. Not to mention, AI is an ecological disaster with its energy use. As a leader, be mindful to move away from harmful, exploitative tech. – Lindsey Bartlett, Fast Buds
