Wisdom and intuition are key super-powers in the age of AI

Rishad Ahmed is an exceptionally successful speaker, leadership expert, and trusted advisor with over 25 years of experience in the business world, leadership, and coaching. He emphasizes the importance of wisdom, authenticity, emotional intelligence, and self-initiative in facing challenges and in modern leadership approaches.

He has rich international experience, having worked and lived in Australia, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States of America. He has collaborated with leading companies, including some of the world’s largest, and various organizations focused on people development.

He regularly appears at various events where he shares his knowledge and experience. This year, he will also visit Slovenia, where at the #loveHR Summit in Portorož, he will speak about leadership skills that are becoming particularly prominent in the era of artificial intelligence.

What motivates you the most in your role as an inspirational speaker? 

What truly motivates me as an inspirational speaker is the opportunity to spark transformative change in individuals and organizations. Witnessing that “aha” moment, where someone embraces a new perspective or unlocks their potential, fuels my passion. The journey of guiding others toward self-discovery and empowerment is a source of continuous inspiration for me. I’m obsessed about authenticity in the workplace and to what makes us essentially human in an ever-shifting technological landscape. Wisdom and intuition are what I believe will guide leaders and teams into the future.

How would you describe your leadership philosophy and how does it influence your speaking engagements?

My leadership philosophy revolves around empowering individuals to embrace their sovereignty and navigate complexity with resilience. This philosophy heavily influences my speaking engagements by emphasizing the importance of wisdom, authenticity, intelligence, and agency in the face of evolving challenges. I believe in fostering a culture of continuous learning, adaptability, and purpose-driven action, which I integrate into my talks to inspire meaningful change.

Picture a world where corporate leadership is a force for good, where success is defined by ethical practices, and where the well-being of people and our planet matters as much as profit. 

Holistic thinking doesn’t just reduce costs and boost profits; it transforms lives, protects our planet, and instills a sense of purpose. The key to both sustainability and profitability is in our hands, waiting to be unlocked through a more comprehensive, interconnected approach.

I guide leaders in the art of empowering teams and nurturing a positive work culture that drives not just business growth but a sense of unity and purpose that’s truly priceless.

With over 25 years of experience in business and coaching, what are the key changes you’ve observed in leadership styles, especially with the increasing integration of AI and digital technologies?

Over the years, I’ve observed a shift towards more collaborative and adaptive leadership styles. The integration of AI and digital technologies has emphasized the need for leaders to balance technical expertise with emotional intelligence. The focus has moved from traditional hierarchical structures to more networked and inclusive approaches, recognizing the importance of diverse perspectives and agile decision-making.

I believe wisdom and intuition will be the super-powers humans will need to harness and develop in the upcoming age of AI. As technology becomes more dominant in all aspects of our life, it becomes paramount for humans to be tap into what makes them essentially human. Our ability to feel, empathize, intuit and lead from our hearts and innate wisdom will be key to thrive in the age of technological evolution.

I have helped leaders and teams develop a robust mindset and help teams to align with their hearts to create cohesive, vibrant and dynamic team spirit which is infused with a deep sense of connectedness to each other and to the company’s higher values.

How do you think wisdom and intuition play a role in leadership in the age of AI?

In the age of AI, wisdom and intuition become crucial differentiators. While AI excels in processing vast amounts of data, human leaders bring the nuanced understanding, ethical considerations, and emotional intelligence needed for complex decision-making. Wisdom guides leaders to apply knowledge judiciously, and intuition helps navigate uncertainties, fostering a harmonious integration of human and AI capabilities.

In the context of modern leadership, the advent of AI introduces a unique set of challenges and opportunities. While AI contributes unparalleled efficiency and data-driven decision-making, it lacks the nuanced understanding, ethical discernment, and emotional intelligence inherent in human wisdom. Incorporating wisdom into modern leadership, especially in the age of AI, becomes paramount for several reasons:

Wisdom brings a moral and ethical dimension to decision-making. In the absence of clear ethical guidelines, leaders may face ethical dilemmas that AI, lacking moral intuition, might not recognize. Wisdom helps leaders navigate complex situations, ensuring decisions align with values, societal norms, and long-term consequences.

The business landscape is increasingly characterized by uncertainty and rapid change. Wisdom equips leaders with the ability to make sound judgments in ambiguous situations where data alone may not suffice. It involves drawing on experience, intuition, and a deep understanding of context to make informed choices.

Wisdom emphasizes a human-centric approach to leadership. While AI excels in processing data and automating tasks, it lacks the empathy and understanding required for effective leadership. Wisdom enables leaders to connect with their teams on a personal level, fostering a positive work environment and addressing the human aspects of organizational dynamics.

Wisdom encourages leaders to adopt a long-term perspective, considering the broader impact of decisions on the organization, its stakeholders, and society. In contrast, AI may optimize for short-term goals without necessarily accounting for the sustainability or societal implications of those actions.

Wisdom involves a continuous process of learning and adaptation. In the dynamic landscape shaped by technological advancements, leaders must evolve alongside their environments. Wisdom allows leaders to reflect on experiences, learn from mistakes, and adapt their leadership styles to meet the evolving needs of their teams and organizations.

Modern challenges often require more than just technical solutions. Wisdom enhances a leader’s ability to address complex, multifaceted problems by considering diverse perspectives, understanding the interconnectedness of issues, and proposing holistic solutions that align with broader organizational goals.

Wisdom contributes to the creation of a positive organizational culture. Leaders who embody wisdom inspire trust, foster a sense of purpose, and create an environment where employees feel valued. This is crucial for attracting and retaining talent in an era where the human experience at work is increasingly important.

Wisdom is closely linked to emotional intelligence, which involves understanding and managing one’s emotions and those of others. Emotional intelligence is essential for effective communication, conflict resolution, and building strong interpersonal relationships—crucial components of successful leadership that AI lacks.

While AI offers unprecedented advancements in efficiency and analysis, the integration of wisdom in modern leadership is indispensable for addressing the multifaceted challenges, fostering ethical decision-making, and cultivating a work environment that values both technological progress and the unique qualities of human leadership. Leaders who incorporate wisdom alongside AI technologies are better positioned to navigate the complexities of the modern business landscape with empathy, foresight, and a commitment to the greater good.

In this sense, what are your thoughts on the future of work? What strategies do you recommend for leaders to effectively manage remote teams and maintain high levels of engagement and productivity?

The future of work is dynamic, emphasizing flexibility, adaptability, and a blend of human-AI collaboration. To effectively manage remote teams, leaders must prioritize communication, trust-building, and leveraging technology for seamless collaboration. Encouraging a culture of autonomy, providing robust digital infrastructure, and fostering regular virtual interactions are essential strategies for maintaining high levels of engagement and productivity.

Could you share some insights from your experience working in diverse environments like Australia, UK, UAE, and USA, and how these experiences have shaped your approach to leadership and coaching?

Working in diverse environments has enriched my understanding of cultural nuances and the varied perspectives people bring to the table. It has shaped my leadership approach by emphasizing the importance of inclusivity, adaptability, and a global mindset. These experiences have taught me to appreciate the richness that diversity brings to innovation and problem-solving, influencing how I coach individuals and lead teams.

Exposure to diverse cultures has underscored the significance of cultural sensitivity and inclusivity in leadership. Understanding and respecting cultural differences is crucial for fostering a collaborative and harmonious work environment. It has taught me to appreciate the diversity of thought, communication styles, and work approaches that individuals from different cultures bring to the table.

Being able to adjust leadership styles and coaching methods based on the cultural context is essential for building effective relationships and achieving organizational goals.

Working across continents has instilled in me a global mindset. It has broadened my perspective on industry trends, economic landscapes, and emerging technologies. This global awareness is invaluable in anticipating market shifts, identifying opportunities, and making informed strategic decisions that consider the broader international context.

Diverse environments often mean diverse languages and communication styles. Effectively conveying ideas, providing coaching, and leading teams require an acute understanding of language dynamics. This experience has emphasized the importance of clear and inclusive communication, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their native language, feels heard and understood.

Diverse teams are proven catalysts for innovation. Experiencing this firsthand has reinforced my belief in the power of diverse perspectives for problem-solving and creativity. As a leader and coach, I actively seek to create environments that celebrate diversity, recognizing that it is a driving force behind innovation and organizational success.

It has taught me the importance of remaining agile and adaptable in the face of unexpected challenges, guiding both myself and those I lead through uncertain times.

Forming teams that bring together individuals from various backgrounds requires a thoughtful and inclusive approach. It involves understanding the strengths and potential challenges associated with cultural diversity. My experiences have shaped my ability to build cross-cultural teams that leverage the strengths of each member, fostering collaboration and mutual respect.

Engaging with diverse environments has reinforced the idea that leadership is a continuous learning journey. The dynamic nature of global business landscapes necessitates an ongoing commitment to learning, adapting, and staying attuned to evolving trends and cultural shifts.

How do you approach the challenge of building resilient and engaged teams in today’s fast-paced and often uncertain business environment?

Building resilient and engaged teams involves fostering a culture of psychological safety, continuous learning, and purpose. I encourage open communication, provide opportunities for skill development, and align team goals with a shared sense of purpose. Embracing change as an opportunity for growth, celebrating achievements, and maintaining transparency contribute to creating teams that thrive in fast-paced and uncertain environments.

Can you share some success stories or case studies from your coaching experience where you helped leaders transform their approach for better organizational outcomes?

Certainly, I’ve worked with leaders who, through coaching, have transitioned from rigid, hierarchical leadership styles to more adaptive and collaborative approaches. This shift has resulted in improved team morale, innovative problem-solving, and increased organizational agility. Success stories often revolve around leaders discovering their unique strengths, effectively leading diverse teams, and navigating change with confidence.

How do you think companies can better prepare for the challenges and opportunities presented by the AI revolution?

Companies can better prepare for the AI revolution by investing in continuous learning and upskilling programs for their workforce. Creating a culture that embraces AI as a complement to human capabilities, rather than a threat, is crucial. Additionally, fostering ethical AI practices, ensuring transparent communication about AI implementations, and actively involving employees in the transition can contribute to a smoother and more inclusive AI integration.

What advice would you give to emerging leaders to help them thrive in an increasingly complex and technology-driven business landscape?

My advice to emerging leaders is to prioritize continuous learning, adaptability, and emotional intelligence. Cultivate a growth mindset, stay curious, and embrace change as an opportunity for innovation. Foster meaningful connections with your team, and leverage technology as an enabler rather than a barrier. Above all, lead with authenticity, empathy, and a commitment to ethical decision-making.

In your book ‘Mu – A Journey to Divine Love Through You and Nothingness’, you take a reader through a journey to discover how he got to where he is and how to get back to your essential nature. How is this related to modern leadership?

The journey in ‘Mu’ aligns with the essence of modern leadership by emphasizing self-awareness, authenticity, and aligning with one’s essential nature. Modern leaders must embark on a similar journey of self-discovery to lead with purpose and authenticity. Understanding one’s core values, navigating challenges with resilience, and fostering a connection to a higher purpose are all integral aspects of both the ‘Mu’ journey and effective modern leadership.

What personal philosophy or motto do you live by, and how does it guide your professional endeavors?

My guiding philosophy is rooted in the belief that sovereignty, when coupled with compassion, leads to conscious and impactful leadership. The motto I live by embraces authenticity, ethics, holistic thinking and leadership which aligns with our highest values for ourselves, our companies and our children.  This philosophy guides my professional endeavors by emphasizing the importance of empowering individuals, inspiring positive change, and facilitating transformative journeys toward realizing their full potential.