The Future Leader

4Artificial Intelligence and Technology

Why do so many CEOs think that leadership will be different in the next ten years? What are the trends causing them to believe that a new set of skills and mindsets will be required to lead? In this and the next few chapters, I will explore the trends that are shaping the future of leadership through 2030 and beyond (Figure 4.1). Current and future leaders must be aware of all of these trends and the implications that these trends will create.

Artificial intelligence and technology was by far the number-one trend that CEOs and employees across all levels identified as most impacting the future of leadership. During the CEO interviews, these discussions were usually more focused specifically on artificial intelligence. This was also the number-one trend identified by individual contributors, managers, and senior executives in the LinkedIn survey.

Our obsession with creating something better, stronger, faster, and smarter than us started many years ago. Our earliest encounter with some kind of AI appeared in the Greek story of Jason and the Argonauts, whose first mention appears in 800 BCE. According to the story, Jason was supposed to be king of a land called Iolkos but instead his uncle, King Pelias, sat on the throne. In order to reclaim his kingdom, Pelias told Jason to retrieve the Fleece of the Golden Ram. Jason assembled a team of heroes and adventurers and their journey began. On their way home after retrieving the fleece they were ...