S1:E18 - AI Leadership Means Knowing When Not to Automate

1 00:00:00,263 --> 00:00:01,358 Welcome Welcome to to the the show. 2 00:00:00,622 --> 00:00:01,358 show. 3 00:00:01,426 --> 00:00:03,509 Daniel, Daniel, I I want want to to begin begin with with a a sentence sentence that 4 00:00:03,381 --> 00:00:05,666 that makes makes ambitious ambitious executives executives slightly slightly 5 00:00:05,717 --> 00:00:09,015 uncomfortable: uncomfortable: the the hardest hardest AI AI decision decision is is 6 00:00:09,063 --> 00:00:11,091 very very often often not not adoption... 7 00:00:09,875 --> 00:00:11,091 adoption... 8 00:00:11,144 --> 00:00:12,050 it's it's restraint. 9 00:00:11,394 --> 00:00:12,050 restraint. 10 00:00:12,390 --> 00:00:14,846 Not Not whether whether you you can can automate automate it, 11 00:00:14,660 --> 00:00:16,205 it, but but whether whether you you SHOULD. 12 00:00:15,703 --> 00:00:16,205 SHOULD. 13 00:00:17,000 --> 00:00:18,429 [questioning [questioning tone] tone] That That word word restraint restraint is is 14 00:00:18,482 --> 00:00:20,105 doing doing a a lot lot of of work. 15 00:00:19,465 --> 00:00:20,105 work. 16 00:00:20,145 --> 00:00:22,985 Because Because most most leaders leaders hear hear AI AI and and they they hear 17 00:00:22,793 --> 00:00:25,616 hear speed, speed, scale, scale, efficiency. 18 00:00:24,886 --> 00:00:25,616 efficiency. 19 00:00:25,712 --> 00:00:28,890 They They don't don't hear, hear, "maybe "maybe leave leave that that alone." 20 00:00:28,345 --> 00:00:28,890 alone." 21 00:00:29,103 --> 00:00:32,089 So So when when you you say say restraint, restraint, what what exactly exactly are 22 00:00:32,029 --> 00:00:33,121 are they they protecting? 23 00:00:32,321 --> 00:00:33,121 protecting? 24 00:00:34,000 --> 00:00:35,346 They're They're protecting protecting judgment. 25 00:00:34,770 --> 00:00:35,346 judgment. 26 00:00:35,506 --> 00:00:37,826 And And that that is is where where the the discernment discernment premium premium 27 00:00:37,894 --> 00:00:38,462 begins. 28 00:00:37,894 --> 00:00:38,462 begins. 29 00:00:38,562 --> 00:00:41,102 The The discernment discernment premium premium is is the the advantage advantage a 30 00:00:41,022 --> 00:00:43,737 a leader leader gains gains when when they they know know when when not not to to 31 00:00:43,808 --> 00:00:46,687 automate, automate, not not to to delegate delegate to to a a model, 32 00:00:46,037 --> 00:00:49,469 model, not not to to accelerate accelerate a a process process simply simply because 33 00:00:49,189 --> 00:00:51,626 because a a tool tool has has made made acceleration acceleration available. 34 00:00:51,034 --> 00:00:51,626 available. 35 00:00:51,820 --> 00:00:53,538 Access Access is is cheap. 36 00:00:53,128 --> 00:00:53,538 cheap. 37 00:00:53,671 --> 00:00:55,775 Judgment Judgment is is not. 38 00:00:55,055 --> 00:00:55,775 not. 39 00:00:55,895 --> 00:00:58,571 And And in in executive executive life, life, the the cost cost of of a a bad bad 40 00:00:58,671 --> 00:01:01,529 yes yes is is often often far far greater greater than than the the cost cost of of 41 00:01:01,569 --> 00:01:02,648 a a delayed delayed no. 42 00:01:02,222 --> 00:01:02,648 no. 43 00:01:03,065 --> 00:01:04,317 The The bad bad yes. 44 00:01:03,537 --> 00:01:04,317 yes. 45 00:01:04,389 --> 00:01:07,191 That's That's the the phrase phrase that that sticks. 46 00:01:06,125 --> 00:01:07,191 sticks. 47 00:01:07,256 --> 00:01:10,024 Because Because I've I've coached coached enough enough senior senior leaders 48 00:01:09,604 --> 00:01:12,583 leaders to to know know that that most most regrettable regrettable decisions 49 00:01:11,791 --> 00:01:15,462 decisions don't don't begin begin as as reckless reckless decisions. 50 00:01:14,654 --> 00:01:15,462 decisions. 51 00:01:15,638 --> 00:01:18,736 They They begin begin as as enthusiastic enthusiastic ones. 52 00:01:18,192 --> 00:01:18,736 ones. 53 00:01:18,851 --> 00:01:22,009 Somebody Somebody says, says, "We "We can can roll roll this this out out in in two 54 00:01:21,829 --> 00:01:24,719 two weeks," weeks," and and everyone everyone feels feels clever. 55 00:01:24,159 --> 00:01:24,719 clever. 56 00:01:24,911 --> 00:01:27,668 Then Then six six weeks weeks later later they're they're cleaning cleaning up up 57 00:01:27,740 --> 00:01:31,424 confusion, confusion, mistrust, mistrust, rework... 58 00:01:30,173 --> 00:01:31,424 rework... 59 00:01:31,504 --> 00:01:33,264 all all the the invisible invisible taxes. 60 00:01:32,584 --> 00:01:33,264 taxes. 61 00:01:34,000 --> 00:01:34,797 Exactly. 62 00:01:34,000 --> 00:01:34,797 Exactly. 63 00:01:34,823 --> 00:01:37,418 There There is is a a kind kind of of busy busy AI AI enthusiasm enthusiasm right 64 00:01:37,288 --> 00:01:39,645 right now now that that looks looks impressive impressive from from a a distance. 65 00:01:39,141 --> 00:01:39,645 distance. 66 00:01:39,805 --> 00:01:40,920 Pilots Pilots everywhere. 67 00:01:40,480 --> 00:01:40,920 everywhere. 68 00:01:41,000 --> 00:01:42,428 Tool Tool stacks stacks multiplying. 69 00:01:41,842 --> 00:01:42,428 multiplying. 70 00:01:42,499 --> 00:01:43,867 Internal Internal demos. 71 00:01:43,147 --> 00:01:43,867 demos. 72 00:01:43,912 --> 00:01:44,980 Breathless Breathless language. 73 00:01:44,404 --> 00:01:44,980 language. 74 00:01:45,160 --> 00:01:47,938 But But if if you you stand stand back back and and look look carefully, 75 00:01:47,106 --> 00:01:50,093 carefully, much much of of it it is is motion motion without without hierarchy. 76 00:01:49,437 --> 00:01:50,093 hierarchy. 77 00:01:50,233 --> 00:01:53,131 Leaders Leaders mistake mistake activity activity for for maturity. 78 00:01:52,483 --> 00:01:53,131 maturity. 79 00:01:53,227 --> 00:01:56,491 They They confuse confuse experimentation experimentation with with operating 80 00:01:55,987 --> 00:01:57,121 operating discipline. 81 00:01:56,541 --> 00:01:57,121 discipline. 82 00:01:58,000 --> 00:01:59,828 [responds [responds quickly] quickly] Motion Motion without without hierarchy 83 00:01:59,036 --> 00:02:01,066 hierarchy -- -- that's that's good. 84 00:02:00,450 --> 00:02:01,066 good. 85 00:02:01,186 --> 00:02:05,337 So So the the team team is is doing doing ten ten AI-flavored AI-flavored things, 86 00:02:04,297 --> 00:02:07,573 things, but but nobody nobody has has sorted sorted which which one one actually 87 00:02:07,077 --> 00:02:09,886 actually deserves deserves executive executive attention. 88 00:02:09,230 --> 00:02:09,886 attention. 89 00:02:10,000 --> 00:02:13,198 Yes, Yes, and and the the quieter quieter habit habit is is much much more more 90 00:02:13,286 --> 00:02:14,070 valuable. 91 00:02:13,286 --> 00:02:14,070 valuable. 92 00:02:14,470 --> 00:02:17,586 It It is is the the leader leader who who says, says, "This "This workflow workflow 93 00:02:17,666 --> 00:02:20,979 is is repetitive repetitive and and low-stakes low-stakes -- -- fine, 94 00:02:20,219 --> 00:02:22,286 fine, automate automate portions portions of of it. 95 00:02:22,046 --> 00:02:22,286 it. 96 00:02:22,494 --> 00:02:25,953 This This decision decision affects affects trust, trust, accountability, 97 00:02:25,061 --> 00:02:28,509 accountability, or or reputation reputation -- -- slow slow it it down." 98 00:02:28,109 --> 00:02:28,509 down." 99 00:02:28,749 --> 00:02:31,860 That That person person may may appear appear less less innovative innovative in in 100 00:02:31,880 --> 00:02:32,500 the the meeting. 101 00:02:32,000 --> 00:02:32,500 meeting. 102 00:02:32,660 --> 00:02:34,735 But But in in the the long long run, run, they they are are building building 103 00:02:34,775 --> 00:02:36,975 something something far far more more durable. 104 00:02:36,255 --> 00:02:36,975 durable. 105 00:02:37,119 --> 00:02:40,313 They They are are building building institutional institutional judgment. 106 00:02:39,529 --> 00:02:40,313 judgment. 107 00:02:41,136 --> 00:02:43,080 Let Let me me push push on on that that a a bit. 108 00:02:42,440 --> 00:02:43,080 bit. 109 00:02:43,130 --> 00:02:45,000 Because Because some some listeners listeners are are gonna gonna hear hear this 110 00:02:44,808 --> 00:02:48,117 this and and think, think, "Fine, "Fine, but but restraint restraint can can become 111 00:02:47,775 --> 00:02:49,792 become an an excuse excuse for for fear." 112 00:02:49,184 --> 00:02:49,792 fear." 113 00:02:50,152 --> 00:02:52,989 I've I've seen seen leaders leaders hide hide behind behind caution caution when 114 00:02:52,733 --> 00:02:55,148 when what what they they really really mean mean is, is, "I "I don't don't 115 00:02:55,191 --> 00:02:57,533 understand understand the the tool tool well well enough enough to to use use it." 116 00:02:57,295 --> 00:02:57,533 it." 117 00:02:58,000 --> 00:02:58,308 [short [short pause] pause] Fair. 118 00:02:58,192 --> 00:02:58,308 Fair. 119 00:02:58,428 --> 00:03:00,583 Not Not every every no no is is wise. 120 00:02:59,695 --> 00:03:00,583 wise. 121 00:03:00,671 --> 00:03:03,580 Some Some no's no's are are simply simply disguised disguised insecurity. 122 00:03:02,700 --> 00:03:03,580 insecurity. 123 00:03:03,880 --> 00:03:06,934 But But discernment discernment is is not not reluctance. 124 00:03:06,124 --> 00:03:06,934 reluctance. 125 00:03:07,190 --> 00:03:10,284 Discernment Discernment is is specific. 126 00:03:09,020 --> 00:03:10,284 specific. 127 00:03:10,470 --> 00:03:12,601 It It can can tell tell you you why why this this use use case case is is 128 00:03:12,654 --> 00:03:14,757 appropriate appropriate and and that that one one is is not. 129 00:03:14,437 --> 00:03:14,757 not. 130 00:03:15,130 --> 00:03:17,547 It It can can articulate articulate the the trade-off. 131 00:03:16,897 --> 00:03:17,547 trade-off. 132 00:03:17,840 --> 00:03:20,901 It It can can say, say, "The "The output output may may be be fast, 133 00:03:20,293 --> 00:03:24,254 fast, but but the the verification verification burden burden is is too too high," 134 00:03:23,054 --> 00:03:27,605 high," or, or, "The "The draft draft is is useful, useful, but but the the final 135 00:03:27,205 --> 00:03:30,710 final call call must must remain remain human human because because accountability 136 00:03:29,898 --> 00:03:32,380 accountability cannot cannot be be outsourced." 137 00:03:31,586 --> 00:03:32,380 outsourced." 138 00:03:33,000 --> 00:03:35,470 And And that that difference difference matters matters because because teams teams 139 00:03:35,570 --> 00:03:36,589 can can feel feel it. 140 00:03:36,243 --> 00:03:36,589 it. 141 00:03:36,717 --> 00:03:39,707 They They know know when when a a leader leader is is anti-tool, 142 00:03:38,427 --> 00:03:41,226 anti-tool, and and they they know know when when a a leader leader is is 143 00:03:41,366 --> 00:03:42,866 pro-judgment. 144 00:03:41,366 --> 00:03:42,866 pro-judgment. 145 00:03:42,939 --> 00:03:45,304 Those Those are are VERY VERY different different signals. 146 00:03:44,654 --> 00:03:45,304 signals. 147 00:03:46,272 --> 00:03:46,800 Very Very different. 148 00:03:46,360 --> 00:03:46,800 different. 149 00:03:46,960 --> 00:03:48,400 One One creates creates fear. 150 00:03:48,000 --> 00:03:48,400 fear. 151 00:03:48,600 --> 00:03:50,798 The The other other creates creates standards. 152 00:03:50,142 --> 00:03:50,798 standards. 153 00:03:51,098 --> 00:03:54,156 And And standards, standards, in in this this moment, moment, 154 00:03:54,196 --> 00:03:58,389 are are worth worth more more than than enthusiasm. 155 00:03:55,579 --> 00:03:58,389 enthusiasm. 156 00:03:59,000 --> 00:04:01,392 Let Let me me give give you you the the number number that that should should sober 157 00:04:00,862 --> 00:04:02,346 sober people people up. 158 00:04:01,974 --> 00:04:02,346 up. 159 00:04:02,522 --> 00:04:06,975 Only Only 1% 1% of of organizations organizations self-report self-report AI AI 160 00:04:07,046 --> 00:04:07,774 maturity. 161 00:04:07,046 --> 00:04:07,774 maturity. 162 00:04:07,954 --> 00:04:09,494 One One percent. 163 00:04:08,574 --> 00:04:09,494 percent. 164 00:04:09,584 --> 00:04:10,333 Not Not twenty. 165 00:04:09,911 --> 00:04:10,333 twenty. 166 00:04:10,433 --> 00:04:11,213 Not Not ten. 167 00:04:10,833 --> 00:04:11,213 ten. 168 00:04:11,413 --> 00:04:12,093 One. 169 00:04:11,413 --> 00:04:12,093 One. 170 00:04:12,333 --> 00:04:14,964 So So when when executives executives talk talk as as though though the the market 171 00:04:14,622 --> 00:04:17,280 market has has already already sorted sorted this this out, 172 00:04:16,400 --> 00:04:20,868 out, no no -- -- most most teams teams are are still still improvising. 173 00:04:19,845 --> 00:04:20,868 improvising. 174 00:04:21,210 --> 00:04:23,543 That That 1% 1% is is the the entire entire story, story, really. 175 00:04:23,193 --> 00:04:23,543 really. 176 00:04:23,683 --> 00:04:26,655 Because Because it it means means access access has has spread spread much much 177 00:04:26,723 --> 00:04:28,168 faster faster than than judgment judgment has. 178 00:04:27,848 --> 00:04:28,168 has. 179 00:04:28,421 --> 00:04:31,441 Tools Tools are are now now easy easy to to obtain, obtain, 180 00:04:31,521 --> 00:04:34,235 easy easy to to test, test, easy easy to to talk talk about. 181 00:04:33,810 --> 00:04:34,235 about. 182 00:04:34,539 --> 00:04:36,953 Readiness Readiness is is not. 183 00:04:36,553 --> 00:04:36,953 not. 184 00:04:37,713 --> 00:04:40,625 A A license license is is not not a a capability. 185 00:04:39,825 --> 00:04:40,625 capability. 186 00:04:41,185 --> 00:04:44,375 A A prompt prompt library library is is not not an an operating operating model. 187 00:04:44,030 --> 00:04:44,375 model. 188 00:04:44,755 --> 00:04:47,734 And And a a company-wide company-wide announcement announcement does does not not 189 00:04:47,790 --> 00:04:50,611 magically magically create create managerial managerial discernment. 190 00:04:49,881 --> 00:04:50,611 discernment. 191 00:04:52,512 --> 00:04:54,425 The phrase I keep coming The phrase I keep coming back back to to is is false false 192 00:04:54,521 --> 00:04:55,905 readiness. 193 00:04:54,521 --> 00:04:55,905 readiness. 194 00:04:55,991 --> 00:04:57,775 Since Since the the tools tools sit sit right right there there in in the the 195 00:04:57,835 --> 00:05:00,476 browser, browser, people people assume assume the the organization organization is 196 00:05:00,264 --> 00:05:02,309 is further further along along than than it it is. 197 00:05:01,723 --> 00:05:02,309 is. 198 00:05:02,469 --> 00:05:04,706 It's It's like like buying buying a a piano piano and and calling calling the the 199 00:05:04,759 --> 00:05:06,344 house house musical. 200 00:05:05,144 --> 00:05:06,344 musical. 201 00:05:06,434 --> 00:05:08,057 The The instrument instrument arrived. 202 00:05:07,257 --> 00:05:08,057 arrived. 203 00:05:08,137 --> 00:05:09,732 The The capability capability did did not. 204 00:05:09,412 --> 00:05:09,732 not. 205 00:05:11,202 --> 00:05:12,352 That's That's exactly exactly right. 206 00:05:12,007 --> 00:05:12,352 right. 207 00:05:12,492 --> 00:05:15,134 The The presence presence of of the the tool tool creates creates psychological 208 00:05:14,328 --> 00:05:16,254 psychological overconfidence. 209 00:05:15,230 --> 00:05:16,254 overconfidence. 210 00:05:16,379 --> 00:05:19,201 People People feel feel modern modern because because they they have have access. 211 00:05:18,713 --> 00:05:19,201 access. 212 00:05:19,421 --> 00:05:22,474 But But decision decision quality quality remains remains uneven. 213 00:05:21,768 --> 00:05:22,474 uneven. 214 00:05:22,694 --> 00:05:26,071 One One team team uses uses AI AI for for first first drafts drafts and and gets 215 00:05:25,815 --> 00:05:27,111 gets genuine genuine lift. 216 00:05:26,647 --> 00:05:27,111 lift. 217 00:05:27,251 --> 00:05:30,299 Another Another uses uses it it in in a a customer-facing customer-facing process 218 00:05:29,879 --> 00:05:33,161 process with with almost almost no no governance governance and and introduces 219 00:05:32,661 --> 00:05:35,152 introduces risk risk they they barely barely understand. 220 00:05:34,422 --> 00:05:35,152 understand. 221 00:05:35,360 --> 00:05:37,352 Same Same access. 222 00:05:36,272 --> 00:05:37,352 access. 223 00:05:37,437 --> 00:05:39,462 Entirely Entirely different different quality quality of of judgment. 224 00:05:39,030 --> 00:05:39,462 judgment. 225 00:05:40,000 --> 00:05:42,553 And And the the companies companies moving moving fastest fastest are are not not 226 00:05:42,633 --> 00:05:44,393 always always leading leading best. 227 00:05:43,785 --> 00:05:44,393 best. 228 00:05:44,553 --> 00:05:46,864 I I think think that's that's the the tension tension executives executives hate 229 00:05:46,608 --> 00:05:48,224 hate admitting admitting out out loud. 230 00:05:47,744 --> 00:05:48,224 loud. 231 00:05:48,397 --> 00:05:50,698 Speed Speed photographs photographs beautifully. 232 00:05:50,035 --> 00:05:50,698 beautifully. 233 00:05:50,785 --> 00:05:52,455 Governance Governance does does not. 234 00:05:52,075 --> 00:05:52,455 not. 235 00:05:52,580 --> 00:05:56,367 Nobody Nobody posts posts a a triumphant triumphant screenshot screenshot saying, 236 00:05:55,785 --> 00:05:59,884 saying, "Good "Good news, news, we we decided decided NOT NOT to to automate 237 00:05:59,316 --> 00:06:01,802 automate a a sensitive sensitive decision decision because because the the 238 00:06:01,860 --> 00:06:03,864 accountability accountability chain chain was was muddy." 239 00:06:03,454 --> 00:06:03,864 muddy." 240 00:06:04,084 --> 00:06:07,300 But But that that might might be be the the most most mature mature move move in in 241 00:06:07,320 --> 00:06:07,937 the the building. 242 00:06:07,433 --> 00:06:07,937 building. 243 00:06:09,066 --> 00:06:09,714 It It often often is. 244 00:06:09,474 --> 00:06:09,714 is. 245 00:06:09,944 --> 00:06:13,542 Because Because leadership leadership at at altitude altitude is is not not measured 246 00:06:13,190 --> 00:06:15,775 measured by by how how many many things things you you touched touched with with AI. 247 00:06:15,429 --> 00:06:15,775 AI. 248 00:06:16,041 --> 00:06:18,398 It's It's measured measured by by whether whether the the organization organization 249 00:06:18,458 --> 00:06:21,593 can can use use AI AI without without creating creating confusion confusion about 250 00:06:21,393 --> 00:06:24,792 about ownership, ownership, quality, quality, or or consequence. 251 00:06:24,052 --> 00:06:24,792 consequence. 252 00:06:25,005 --> 00:06:28,706 If If only only 1% 1% report report maturity, maturity, then then the the 253 00:06:28,759 --> 00:06:31,742 competitive competitive advantage advantage is is plainly plainly not not mere mere 254 00:06:31,822 --> 00:06:32,382 access. 255 00:06:31,822 --> 00:06:32,382 access. 256 00:06:32,622 --> 00:06:35,740 It It is is the the discernment discernment premium premium -- -- the the ability 257 00:06:35,390 --> 00:06:38,058 ability to to convert convert tool tool abundance abundance into into better better 258 00:06:38,130 --> 00:06:39,498 executive executive decisions. 259 00:06:38,834 --> 00:06:39,498 decisions. 260 00:06:40,000 --> 00:06:41,995 [questioning [questioning tone] tone] So So if if I'm I'm a a VP VP listening 261 00:06:41,563 --> 00:06:44,234 listening to to this, this, and and my my CEO CEO says, says, 262 00:06:44,434 --> 00:06:47,351 "We "We need need to to move move faster faster on on AI," AI," 263 00:06:47,479 --> 00:06:50,103 what what should should I I hear hear underneath underneath that? 264 00:06:49,407 --> 00:06:50,103 that? 265 00:06:50,158 --> 00:06:53,815 Because Because sometimes sometimes "move "move faster" faster" really really means 266 00:06:53,350 --> 00:06:57,167 means "don't "don't get get left left behind," behind," and and sometimes sometimes 267 00:06:57,193 --> 00:07:00,122 it it means means "please "please make make us us look look current." 268 00:06:59,322 --> 00:07:00,122 current." 269 00:07:01,000 --> 00:07:02,758 I I would would hear hear two two questions questions beneath beneath it. 270 00:07:02,518 --> 00:07:02,758 it. 271 00:07:03,024 --> 00:07:07,145 First: First: where where does does speed speed actually actually improve improve 272 00:07:07,165 --> 00:07:07,944 the the business? 273 00:07:07,296 --> 00:07:07,944 business? 274 00:07:08,138 --> 00:07:11,447 Second: Second: where where does does speed speed merely merely increase increase 275 00:07:11,487 --> 00:07:14,481 the the volume volume of of unreviewed unreviewed decisions? 276 00:07:13,033 --> 00:07:14,481 decisions? 277 00:07:14,614 --> 00:07:17,115 Those Those are are not not the the same same thing. 278 00:07:16,225 --> 00:07:17,115 thing. 279 00:07:17,255 --> 00:07:19,509 The The mature mature leader leader distinguishes distinguishes between between 280 00:07:19,570 --> 00:07:22,060 acceleration acceleration that that compounds compounds value value and and 281 00:07:22,121 --> 00:07:24,049 acceleration acceleration that that compounds compounds error. 282 00:07:23,639 --> 00:07:24,049 error. 283 00:07:24,349 --> 00:07:26,923 And And if if you you cannot cannot explain explain that that difference difference 284 00:07:26,949 --> 00:07:29,640 to to your your team, team, then then the the team team will will improvise 285 00:07:29,058 --> 00:07:31,880 improvise its its own own rules... 286 00:07:30,280 --> 00:07:31,880 rules... 287 00:07:31,906 --> 00:07:34,031 which which is is usually usually how how messes messes begin. 288 00:07:33,541 --> 00:07:34,031 begin. 289 00:07:35,068 --> 00:07:38,080 The The improvisation improvisation point point matters. 290 00:07:36,790 --> 00:07:38,080 matters. 291 00:07:38,145 --> 00:07:40,190 Because Because once once everyone everyone is is making making private private 292 00:07:40,252 --> 00:07:42,663 judgment judgment calls calls in in their their own own corner, 293 00:07:41,863 --> 00:07:44,933 corner, you've you've got got fragmentation. 294 00:07:43,609 --> 00:07:44,933 fragmentation. 295 00:07:45,043 --> 00:07:48,478 Ten Ten small small AI AI policies, policies, none none of of them them written 296 00:07:48,268 --> 00:07:50,237 written down, down, all all of of them them different. 297 00:07:49,717 --> 00:07:50,237 different. 298 00:07:51,000 --> 00:07:53,223 Yes Yes -- -- and and fragmented fragmented judgment judgment is is one one of of 299 00:07:53,263 --> 00:07:55,532 the the hidden hidden costs costs of of easy easy access. 300 00:07:54,906 --> 00:07:55,532 access. 301 00:07:56,000 --> 00:07:57,754 This This connects, connects, for for me, me, to to something something I I see see 302 00:07:57,812 --> 00:07:59,749 constantly constantly in in VP VP transitions. 303 00:07:58,929 --> 00:07:59,749 transitions. 304 00:07:59,989 --> 00:08:02,625 You You were were promoted promoted for for being being the the best best Director. 305 00:08:02,049 --> 00:08:02,625 Director. 306 00:08:02,765 --> 00:08:04,940 The The most most reliable reliable person person in in the the room. 307 00:08:04,604 --> 00:08:04,940 room. 308 00:08:05,140 --> 00:08:07,253 The The one one who who caught caught every every flaw, flaw, 309 00:08:07,350 --> 00:08:10,764 reviewed reviewed every every deck, deck, rescued rescued every every deadline. 310 00:08:10,188 --> 00:08:10,764 deadline. 311 00:08:11,004 --> 00:08:14,042 Then Then you you become become a a VP VP and, and, without without meaning meaning 312 00:08:14,122 --> 00:08:16,677 to, to, you you keep keep running running the the Director's Director's playbook. 313 00:08:16,101 --> 00:08:16,677 playbook. 314 00:08:16,869 --> 00:08:19,305 Your Your team team routes routes everything everything through through you. 315 00:08:19,045 --> 00:08:19,305 you. 316 00:08:19,525 --> 00:08:22,010 You You review review everything everything before before it it ships. 317 00:08:21,530 --> 00:08:22,010 ships. 318 00:08:22,230 --> 00:08:25,125 You You work work later later and and later, later, and and your your impact impact 319 00:08:25,175 --> 00:08:26,243 somehow somehow feels feels thinner. 320 00:08:25,883 --> 00:08:26,243 thinner. 321 00:08:26,515 --> 00:08:28,960 That That is is the the Director's Director's ghost. 322 00:08:28,680 --> 00:08:28,960 ghost. 323 00:08:30,000 --> 00:08:30,051 [leans [leans in in through through tone] tone] [questioning [questioning tone] 324 00:08:30,041 --> 00:08:33,000 tone] And And AI AI can can become become a a very very elegant elegant disguise 325 00:08:32,296 --> 00:08:34,876 disguise for for that that ghost, ghost, right? 326 00:08:34,106 --> 00:08:34,876 right? 327 00:08:34,931 --> 00:08:36,509 Because Because now now instead instead of of saying, saying, 328 00:08:36,749 --> 00:08:39,861 "I "I need need to to personally personally touch touch everything," 329 00:08:38,801 --> 00:08:42,259 everything," the the executive executive says, says, "I'll "I'll just just use use 330 00:08:42,392 --> 00:08:44,571 AI AI to to process process more more of of what what comes comes through through 331 00:08:44,651 --> 00:08:44,891 me." 332 00:08:44,651 --> 00:08:44,891 me." 333 00:08:45,019 --> 00:08:46,161 Same Same bottleneck. 334 00:08:45,581 --> 00:08:46,161 bottleneck. 335 00:08:46,275 --> 00:08:47,677 Faster Faster bottleneck. 336 00:08:47,017 --> 00:08:47,677 bottleneck. 337 00:08:48,201 --> 00:08:49,237 Precisely. 338 00:08:48,201 --> 00:08:49,237 Precisely. 339 00:08:49,437 --> 00:08:51,755 AI AI becomes becomes another another form form of of personal personal 340 00:08:51,835 --> 00:08:52,635 load-bearing. 341 00:08:51,835 --> 00:08:52,635 load-bearing. 342 00:08:52,835 --> 00:08:55,498 Not Not leadership, leadership, just just throughput. 343 00:08:54,918 --> 00:08:55,498 throughput. 344 00:08:55,818 --> 00:08:58,687 The The competence competence penalty penalty shows shows up up here here in in a a 345 00:08:58,732 --> 00:09:01,396 subtle subtle way: way: the the better better you you were were at at the the old 346 00:09:01,216 --> 00:09:03,870 old job, job, the the more more tempted tempted you you are are to to absorb absorb 347 00:09:03,928 --> 00:09:05,145 complexity complexity yourself. 348 00:09:04,561 --> 00:09:05,145 yourself. 349 00:09:05,598 --> 00:09:08,494 AI AI can can make make that that temptation temptation feel feel efficient. 350 00:09:07,838 --> 00:09:08,494 efficient. 351 00:09:08,654 --> 00:09:10,961 But But if if every every important important decision decision still still 352 00:09:11,011 --> 00:09:13,829 terminates terminates in in your your head, head, you you have have not not scaled 353 00:09:13,349 --> 00:09:14,547 scaled judgment. 354 00:09:13,891 --> 00:09:14,547 judgment. 355 00:09:14,747 --> 00:09:17,574 You You have have merely merely accelerated accelerated dependency. 356 00:09:16,774 --> 00:09:17,574 dependency. 357 00:09:18,000 --> 00:09:22,552 That That line line -- -- accelerated accelerated dependency dependency -- -- I'm 358 00:09:22,492 --> 00:09:23,672 I'm gonna gonna keep keep that that one. 359 00:09:23,352 --> 00:09:23,672 one. 360 00:09:23,772 --> 00:09:26,469 Because Because I've I've lived lived a a version version of of it. 361 00:09:26,203 --> 00:09:26,469 it. 362 00:09:27,859 --> 00:09:31,983 Years Years ago, ago, before before all all this this current current AI AI frenzy, 363 00:09:31,015 --> 00:09:33,903 frenzy, I I was was leading leading a a team team through through a a messy messy 364 00:09:33,967 --> 00:09:35,415 strategic strategic transition. 365 00:09:34,615 --> 00:09:35,415 transition. 366 00:09:35,555 --> 00:09:38,527 And And I I remember remember thinking, thinking, very very sincerely, 367 00:09:37,719 --> 00:09:41,486 sincerely, "If "If I I can can just just hold hold the the context context in in my 368 00:09:41,326 --> 00:09:44,600 my own own head head a a little little longer, longer, I I can can protect protect 369 00:09:44,660 --> 00:09:45,880 the the quality." 370 00:09:44,910 --> 00:09:45,880 quality." 371 00:09:45,960 --> 00:09:46,920 Noble Noble story. 372 00:09:46,440 --> 00:09:46,920 story. 373 00:09:47,040 --> 00:09:48,196 Terrible Terrible system. 374 00:09:47,708 --> 00:09:48,196 system. 375 00:09:48,308 --> 00:09:50,585 What What I I was was actually actually doing doing was was training training the 376 00:09:50,525 --> 00:09:52,902 the team team to to wait wait for for my my synthesis. 377 00:09:52,094 --> 00:09:52,902 synthesis. 378 00:09:54,067 --> 00:09:56,230 That's That's a a painfully painfully honest honest distinction. 379 00:09:55,327 --> 00:09:56,230 distinction. 380 00:09:57,000 --> 00:09:59,517 It It was was painful painful to to notice. 381 00:09:58,531 --> 00:09:59,517 notice. 382 00:09:59,737 --> 00:10:02,583 [dry [dry laugh] laugh] Because Because I I felt felt indispensable. 383 00:10:01,398 --> 00:10:02,583 indispensable. 384 00:10:02,763 --> 00:10:05,863 And And leaders leaders love love that that feeling feeling more more than than they 385 00:10:05,735 --> 00:10:06,661 they admit. 386 00:10:05,956 --> 00:10:06,661 admit. 387 00:10:06,781 --> 00:10:10,173 The The problem problem is, is, indispensability indispensability scales scales 388 00:10:10,275 --> 00:10:11,127 poorly. 389 00:10:10,275 --> 00:10:11,127 poorly. 390 00:10:11,313 --> 00:10:14,159 If If I'd I'd had had today's today's tools tools back back then, 391 00:10:13,343 --> 00:10:15,434 then, I I might might have have made made it it worse. 392 00:10:14,944 --> 00:10:15,434 worse. 393 00:10:15,754 --> 00:10:19,114 I I might might have have said, said, "Great, "Great, now now I I can can summarize 394 00:10:18,610 --> 00:10:21,424 summarize more more inputs, inputs, answer answer faster, faster, 395 00:10:21,504 --> 00:10:23,010 stay stay on on top top of of everything." 396 00:10:22,430 --> 00:10:23,010 everything." 397 00:10:23,310 --> 00:10:26,358 But But the the issue issue wasn't wasn't my my processing processing speed. 398 00:10:25,878 --> 00:10:26,358 speed. 399 00:10:26,518 --> 00:10:29,232 It It was was my my refusal refusal to to distribute distribute judgment. 400 00:10:28,576 --> 00:10:29,232 judgment. 401 00:10:30,064 --> 00:10:31,036 That's That's beautifully beautifully put. 402 00:10:30,716 --> 00:10:31,036 put. 403 00:10:31,156 --> 00:10:33,822 The The bottleneck bottleneck is is rarely rarely lack lack of of information. 404 00:10:33,082 --> 00:10:33,822 information. 405 00:10:33,928 --> 00:10:35,815 It It is is often often the the leader's leader's identity. 406 00:10:35,167 --> 00:10:35,815 identity. 407 00:10:36,015 --> 00:10:39,173 Being Being the the safe safe pair pair of of hands hands becomes becomes part part 408 00:10:39,226 --> 00:10:40,452 of of the the self-concept. 409 00:10:39,460 --> 00:10:40,452 self-concept. 410 00:10:40,592 --> 00:10:43,725 And And then then AI AI arrives arrives and and offers offers a a seductive 411 00:10:43,107 --> 00:10:45,965 seductive promise: promise: keep keep being being the the hero, 412 00:10:45,565 --> 00:10:47,635 hero, just just with with more more horsepower. 413 00:10:46,975 --> 00:10:47,635 horsepower. 414 00:10:47,915 --> 00:10:50,994 But But the the VP VP role role demands demands something something else. 415 00:10:50,530 --> 00:10:50,994 else. 416 00:10:51,154 --> 00:10:52,674 It It demands demands altitude. 417 00:10:51,954 --> 00:10:52,674 altitude. 418 00:10:52,794 --> 00:10:53,874 Guardrails. 419 00:10:52,794 --> 00:10:53,874 Guardrails. 420 00:10:53,936 --> 00:10:54,911 Decision Decision rights. 421 00:10:54,489 --> 00:10:54,911 rights. 422 00:10:54,991 --> 00:10:56,186 Clear Clear escalation. 423 00:10:55,456 --> 00:10:56,186 escalation. 424 00:10:56,426 --> 00:10:59,303 The The move move is is from from being being the the smartest smartest responder 425 00:10:58,799 --> 00:11:01,300 responder to to being being the the architect architect of of how how decisions 426 00:11:00,868 --> 00:11:01,940 decisions get get made. 427 00:11:01,540 --> 00:11:01,940 made. 428 00:11:03,000 --> 00:11:04,757 So So let let me me try try to to explain explain it it back. 429 00:11:04,421 --> 00:11:04,757 back. 430 00:11:04,937 --> 00:11:08,104 The The Director's Director's ghost ghost says, says, "I'll "I'll catch catch it it 431 00:11:08,184 --> 00:11:08,504 all." 432 00:11:08,184 --> 00:11:08,504 all." 433 00:11:08,664 --> 00:11:12,091 The The mature mature VP VP says, says, "I'll "I'll design design a a system system 434 00:11:12,139 --> 00:11:13,851 that that catches catches what what matters." 435 00:11:13,281 --> 00:11:13,851 matters." 436 00:11:14,144 --> 00:11:15,366 Is Is that that close? 437 00:11:14,956 --> 00:11:15,366 close? 438 00:11:16,207 --> 00:11:16,877 Very Very close. 439 00:11:16,332 --> 00:11:16,877 close. 440 00:11:17,197 --> 00:11:21,437 I'd I'd only only sharpen sharpen one one word: word: not not just just catches 441 00:11:20,807 --> 00:11:23,676 catches -- -- discerns. 442 00:11:22,656 --> 00:11:23,676 discerns. 443 00:11:23,866 --> 00:11:27,672 Because Because in in the the AI AI era, era, the the premium premium goes goes to 444 00:11:27,566 --> 00:11:29,654 to the the leader leader who who can can teach teach an an organization organization 445 00:11:29,766 --> 00:11:32,927 what what deserves deserves human human scrutiny scrutiny and and what what does 446 00:11:32,607 --> 00:11:33,327 does not. 447 00:11:33,007 --> 00:11:33,327 not. 448 00:11:34,000 --> 00:11:36,474 Okay, Okay, let's let's make make this this concrete. 449 00:11:35,386 --> 00:11:36,474 concrete. 450 00:11:36,594 --> 00:11:40,298 Where Where should should leaders leaders be be especially especially cautious 451 00:11:39,234 --> 00:11:44,446 cautious -- -- not not abstractly, abstractly, but but in in actual actual executive 452 00:11:43,582 --> 00:11:45,006 executive work? 453 00:11:44,542 --> 00:11:45,006 work? 454 00:11:46,141 --> 00:11:47,620 Four Four places places immediately. 455 00:11:46,594 --> 00:11:47,620 immediately. 456 00:11:47,724 --> 00:11:49,498 High-stakes High-stakes people people decisions. 457 00:11:48,986 --> 00:11:49,498 decisions. 458 00:11:49,818 --> 00:11:51,776 Sensitive Sensitive governance. 459 00:11:50,676 --> 00:11:51,776 governance. 460 00:11:51,880 --> 00:11:54,043 Messy Messy cross-functional cross-functional trade-offs. 461 00:11:53,298 --> 00:11:54,043 trade-offs. 462 00:11:54,183 --> 00:11:56,514 And And moments moments requiring requiring trust-building. 463 00:11:55,709 --> 00:11:56,514 trust-building. 464 00:11:56,887 --> 00:11:59,787 If If you you are are deciding deciding who who gets gets promoted, 465 00:11:58,651 --> 00:12:01,373 promoted, how how a a delicate delicate performance performance issue issue is is 466 00:12:01,423 --> 00:12:04,645 handled, handled, or or how how a a reorg reorg message message lands, 467 00:12:03,675 --> 00:12:06,237 lands, you you are are no no longer longer just just processing processing 468 00:12:06,290 --> 00:12:06,953 information. 469 00:12:06,290 --> 00:12:06,953 information. 470 00:12:07,173 --> 00:12:10,393 You You are are shaping shaping meaning, meaning, consequence, 471 00:12:09,253 --> 00:12:11,428 consequence, and and relationship. 472 00:12:10,608 --> 00:12:11,428 relationship. 473 00:12:11,652 --> 00:12:14,538 That That is is not not an an area area for for casual casual delegation delegation 474 00:12:14,591 --> 00:12:15,097 to to a a model. 475 00:12:14,817 --> 00:12:15,097 model. 476 00:12:16,000 --> 00:12:18,798 High-stakes High-stakes people people decisions decisions -- -- that's that's the 477 00:12:18,678 --> 00:12:21,029 the first first one one that that should should make make people people sit sit up. 478 00:12:20,789 --> 00:12:21,029 up. 479 00:12:21,119 --> 00:12:24,384 Because Because "promotion" "promotion" sounds sounds administrative administrative 480 00:12:24,477 --> 00:12:26,856 until until you you remember remember a a promotion promotion decision decision can 481 00:12:26,676 --> 00:12:29,808 can change change somebody's somebody's income, income, visibility, 482 00:12:28,688 --> 00:12:32,202 visibility, confidence, confidence, whole whole trajectory. 483 00:12:31,242 --> 00:12:32,202 trajectory. 484 00:12:33,000 --> 00:12:33,797 Exactly. 485 00:12:33,000 --> 00:12:33,797 Exactly. 486 00:12:33,837 --> 00:12:35,388 And And sensitive sensitive governance governance is is similar. 487 00:12:34,958 --> 00:12:35,388 similar. 488 00:12:35,548 --> 00:12:38,255 If If your your name name is is on on the the line, line, if if the the organization 489 00:12:37,451 --> 00:12:40,010 organization may may have have to to defend defend how how a a decision decision was 490 00:12:39,950 --> 00:12:42,248 was made, made, then then the the standard standard changes. 491 00:12:41,668 --> 00:12:42,248 changes. 492 00:12:42,456 --> 00:12:44,633 Then Then there there are are messy messy cross-functional cross-functional 493 00:12:44,686 --> 00:12:45,431 trade-offs. 494 00:12:44,686 --> 00:12:45,431 trade-offs. 495 00:12:45,531 --> 00:12:47,829 Finance Finance wants wants one one thing, thing, product product wants wants 496 00:12:47,879 --> 00:12:50,863 another, another, legal legal sees sees risk, risk, operations operations sees sees 497 00:12:50,929 --> 00:12:51,339 delay. 498 00:12:50,929 --> 00:12:51,339 delay. 499 00:12:51,739 --> 00:12:53,975 AI AI can can help help summarize summarize inputs, inputs, 500 00:12:54,031 --> 00:12:54,615 certainly. 501 00:12:54,031 --> 00:12:54,615 certainly. 502 00:12:54,735 --> 00:12:57,329 But But it it cannot cannot own own the the trade-off. 503 00:12:56,039 --> 00:12:57,329 trade-off. 504 00:12:57,387 --> 00:12:59,718 Leadership Leadership is is the the act act of of taking taking responsibility 505 00:12:58,976 --> 00:13:00,598 responsibility for for the the choice. 506 00:13:00,038 --> 00:13:00,598 choice. 507 00:13:01,000 --> 00:13:03,549 And And trust-building trust-building -- -- that's that's the the one one I I think 508 00:13:03,349 --> 00:13:05,616 think people people underestimate underestimate most. 509 00:13:04,912 --> 00:13:05,616 most. 510 00:13:05,896 --> 00:13:08,248 A A team team can can tell tell when when a a leader leader is is using using a a 511 00:13:08,344 --> 00:13:11,285 tool tool to to avoid avoid the the hard hard human human part. 512 00:13:10,725 --> 00:13:11,285 part. 513 00:13:11,413 --> 00:13:13,362 They They may may not not say say it it in in the the meeting, 514 00:13:13,002 --> 00:13:14,881 meeting, but but they they feel feel it. 515 00:13:14,455 --> 00:13:14,881 it. 516 00:13:15,067 --> 00:13:17,666 If If the the moment moment calls calls for for presence, presence, 517 00:13:17,746 --> 00:13:20,703 nuance, nuance, maybe maybe even even apology... 518 00:13:19,504 --> 00:13:20,703 apology... 519 00:13:20,743 --> 00:13:23,179 a a generated generated draft draft is is not not the the same same thing thing as 520 00:13:23,073 --> 00:13:24,535 as earned earned trust. 521 00:13:23,845 --> 00:13:24,535 trust. 522 00:13:25,338 --> 00:13:25,478 Yes. 523 00:13:25,338 --> 00:13:25,478 Yes. 524 00:13:25,558 --> 00:13:28,670 So So the the practical practical answer answer is is a a decision decision matrix. 525 00:13:28,110 --> 00:13:28,670 matrix. 526 00:13:28,990 --> 00:13:32,586 I I tend tend to to look look at at four four variables: variables: speed, 527 00:13:31,626 --> 00:13:35,768 speed, stakes, stakes, reversibility, reversibility, and and accountability. 528 00:13:34,876 --> 00:13:35,768 accountability. 529 00:13:36,021 --> 00:13:39,362 Speed: Speed: does does faster faster help help here, here, 530 00:13:39,415 --> 00:13:41,190 or or merely merely create create rushed rushed output? 531 00:13:40,702 --> 00:13:41,190 output? 532 00:13:41,616 --> 00:13:44,703 Stakes: Stakes: what what happens happens if if this this is is wrong? 533 00:13:44,358 --> 00:13:44,703 wrong? 534 00:13:45,049 --> 00:13:48,369 Reversibility: Reversibility: can can we we unwind unwind the the decision decision 535 00:13:48,437 --> 00:13:51,437 easily, easily, or or is is the the damage damage sticky? 536 00:13:50,029 --> 00:13:51,437 sticky? 537 00:13:51,503 --> 00:13:54,347 Accountability: Accountability: whose whose name, name, precisely, 538 00:13:53,691 --> 00:13:56,502 precisely, is is attached attached when when this this goes goes sideways? 539 00:13:55,854 --> 00:13:56,502 sideways? 540 00:13:57,000 --> 00:13:58,504 [responds [responds quickly] quickly] Stakes Stakes and and reversibility 541 00:13:57,697 --> 00:14:00,181 reversibility together together are are powerful. 542 00:13:59,461 --> 00:14:00,181 powerful. 543 00:14:00,271 --> 00:14:03,696 Because Because a a low-stakes, low-stakes, reversible reversible task task -- -- 544 00:14:03,776 --> 00:14:06,570 say say a a rough rough draft, draft, internal internal summary, 545 00:14:05,680 --> 00:14:08,884 summary, early early brainstorming brainstorming -- -- that's that's one one 546 00:14:08,955 --> 00:14:09,603 category. 547 00:14:08,955 --> 00:14:09,603 category. 548 00:14:09,963 --> 00:14:12,560 A A high-stakes, high-stakes, hard-to-reverse hard-to-reverse call call with with 549 00:14:12,608 --> 00:14:15,113 your your name name on on it it is is a a completely completely different different 550 00:14:15,170 --> 00:14:15,592 animal. 551 00:14:15,170 --> 00:14:15,592 animal. 552 00:14:16,000 --> 00:14:16,638 Completely. 553 00:14:16,000 --> 00:14:16,638 Completely. 554 00:14:16,763 --> 00:14:19,352 Mature Mature leaders leaders make make those those distinctions distinctions 555 00:14:19,412 --> 00:14:20,032 visible. 556 00:14:19,412 --> 00:14:20,032 visible. 557 00:14:20,072 --> 00:14:21,592 They They don't don't keep keep them them private. 558 00:14:21,022 --> 00:14:21,592 private. 559 00:14:21,688 --> 00:14:23,899 They They create create guardrails guardrails their their teams teams can can 560 00:14:23,970 --> 00:14:25,017 actually actually follow. 561 00:14:24,595 --> 00:14:25,017 follow. 562 00:14:25,157 --> 00:14:28,283 Not Not grand grand policy policy documents documents nobody nobody reads, 563 00:14:27,633 --> 00:14:31,870 reads, but but usable usable rules: rules: where where AI AI is is encouraged, 564 00:14:30,970 --> 00:14:33,777 encouraged, where where it it is is reviewed, reviewed, where where it it is is 565 00:14:33,827 --> 00:14:36,476 prohibited, prohibited, and and when when escalation escalation is is mandatory. 566 00:14:35,892 --> 00:14:36,476 mandatory. 567 00:14:36,676 --> 00:14:39,514 The The goal goal is is not not to to slow slow the the team team down. 568 00:14:39,114 --> 00:14:39,514 down. 569 00:14:39,647 --> 00:14:42,623 It It is is to to reduce reduce ambiguity ambiguity so so people people do do not 570 00:14:42,443 --> 00:14:44,617 not have have to to guess guess at at the the edge edge of of risk. 571 00:14:44,217 --> 00:14:44,617 risk. 572 00:14:45,204 --> 00:14:48,992 And And "actually "actually follow" follow" is is important important there. 573 00:14:48,342 --> 00:14:48,992 there. 574 00:14:49,152 --> 00:14:51,384 I've I've seen seen governance governance documents documents that that are are so 575 00:14:51,224 --> 00:14:54,818 so polished, polished, so so complete, complete, so so unusable. 576 00:14:53,986 --> 00:14:54,818 unusable. 577 00:14:54,951 --> 00:14:58,405 Forty Forty pages pages of of caution, caution, zero zero operational operational 578 00:14:58,475 --> 00:14:59,285 clarity. 579 00:14:58,475 --> 00:14:59,285 clarity. 580 00:15:00,000 --> 00:15:01,986 [laughs [laughs softly] softly] Yes Yes -- -- governance governance that that reads 581 00:15:01,656 --> 00:15:04,897 reads beautifully beautifully and and fails fails functionally. 582 00:15:03,553 --> 00:15:04,897 functionally. 583 00:15:05,087 --> 00:15:09,013 The The better better test test is is simple: simple: can can a a busy busy manager 584 00:15:08,523 --> 00:15:11,403 manager use use the the rule rule in in under under thirty thirty seconds? 585 00:15:10,763 --> 00:15:11,403 seconds? 586 00:15:11,776 --> 00:15:14,749 If If not, not, the the guardrail guardrail is is decorative. 587 00:15:14,089 --> 00:15:14,749 decorative. 588 00:15:15,049 --> 00:15:17,766 And And decorative decorative governance governance is is one one of of the the 589 00:15:17,834 --> 00:15:20,952 faster faster ways ways to to produce produce false false confidence. 590 00:15:20,072 --> 00:15:20,952 confidence. 591 00:15:22,000 --> 00:15:24,630 This This is is precisely precisely why why we we built built the the AI AI Ready 592 00:15:24,300 --> 00:15:26,788 Ready Executive Executive cohort cohort under under Altitude. 593 00:15:26,128 --> 00:15:26,788 Altitude. 594 00:15:27,028 --> 00:15:31,418 It It begins begins June June 1, 1, 2026, 2026, and and it it is is designed 595 00:15:30,994 --> 00:15:34,218 designed for for VPs VPs and and Directors Directors who who can can feel feel the 596 00:15:34,158 --> 00:15:36,454 the gap gap between between where where they they were were promoted promoted from 597 00:15:36,070 --> 00:15:38,614 from and and where where the the role role now now demands demands they they 598 00:15:38,674 --> 00:15:39,254 operate. 599 00:15:38,674 --> 00:15:39,254 operate. 600 00:15:39,516 --> 00:15:41,968 Twelve Twelve weeks. 601 00:15:41,168 --> 00:15:41,968 weeks. 602 00:15:42,068 --> 00:15:44,397 Cohort-based, Cohort-based, online. 603 00:15:43,185 --> 00:15:44,397 online. 604 00:15:44,517 --> 00:15:46,195 Live Live and and async. 605 00:15:45,570 --> 00:15:46,195 async. 606 00:15:46,435 --> 00:15:48,989 Not Not a a course course you you simply simply watch, watch, 607 00:15:49,029 --> 00:15:51,451 but but structured structured work work that that helps helps leaders leaders close 608 00:15:51,121 --> 00:15:53,840 close that that judgment judgment gap gap under under real real conditions. 609 00:15:53,110 --> 00:15:53,840 conditions. 610 00:15:54,065 --> 00:15:56,400 And And I I think think the the phrase phrase that that matters matters there there 611 00:15:56,533 --> 00:15:59,277 is is structured structured work. 612 00:15:58,445 --> 00:15:59,277 work. 613 00:15:59,317 --> 00:16:01,113 Because Because the the leaders leaders who who struggle struggle with with this 614 00:16:00,921 --> 00:16:03,511 this usually usually do do not not need need another another inspirational 615 00:16:02,770 --> 00:16:05,742 inspirational keynote keynote on on the the future future of of AI. 616 00:16:05,076 --> 00:16:05,742 AI. 617 00:16:05,870 --> 00:16:08,216 They They need need frameworks frameworks they they can can carry carry into into 618 00:16:08,276 --> 00:16:09,416 Tuesday Tuesday morning. 619 00:16:08,766 --> 00:16:09,416 morning. 620 00:16:09,528 --> 00:16:10,936 They They need need peers. 621 00:16:10,256 --> 00:16:10,936 peers. 622 00:16:11,048 --> 00:16:13,810 They They need need pressure-tested pressure-tested thinking. 623 00:16:13,074 --> 00:16:13,810 thinking. 624 00:16:14,267 --> 00:16:15,273 Precisely. 625 00:16:14,267 --> 00:16:15,273 Precisely. 626 00:16:15,393 --> 00:16:18,141 The The program program covers covers the the competence competence penalty, 627 00:16:17,241 --> 00:16:20,374 penalty, the the Altitude Altitude Decision Decision Matrix, 628 00:16:19,348 --> 00:16:22,037 Matrix, AI AI governance governance without without becoming becoming the the 629 00:16:22,095 --> 00:16:25,310 bottleneck, bottleneck, the the Stakes Stakes Escalation Escalation Model, 630 00:16:24,500 --> 00:16:27,381 Model, and and leading leading teams teams through through resistance. 631 00:16:26,571 --> 00:16:27,381 resistance. 632 00:16:27,594 --> 00:16:30,491 In In other other words, words, how how to to stop stop operating operating like 633 00:16:30,299 --> 00:16:33,368 like the the best best person person in in your your old old role role and and start 634 00:16:32,968 --> 00:16:34,565 start leading leading at at altitude. 635 00:16:33,989 --> 00:16:34,565 altitude. 636 00:16:34,825 --> 00:16:37,994 And And just just as as importantly, importantly, it it gives gives you you peer 637 00:16:37,546 --> 00:16:40,867 peer accountability accountability -- -- other other leaders leaders navigating 638 00:16:40,287 --> 00:16:43,181 navigating the the same same transition, transition, which which matters matters 639 00:16:43,229 --> 00:16:44,616 more more than than people people realize. 640 00:16:43,966 --> 00:16:44,616 realize. 641 00:16:44,752 --> 00:16:48,688 Executive Executive judgment judgment sharpens sharpens in in conversation, 642 00:16:47,468 --> 00:16:50,288 conversation, not not in in isolation. 643 00:16:49,480 --> 00:16:50,288 isolation. 644 00:16:51,000 --> 00:16:53,305 The The peer peer piece piece is is underrated. 645 00:16:52,265 --> 00:16:53,305 underrated. 646 00:16:53,465 --> 00:16:55,940 If If you're you're a a VP VP and and everybody everybody around around you you 647 00:16:56,030 --> 00:16:59,131 assumes assumes you you should should already already know know this this stuff, 648 00:16:58,161 --> 00:17:00,889 stuff, the the loneliness loneliness gets gets expensive. 649 00:17:00,233 --> 00:17:00,889 expensive. 650 00:17:00,969 --> 00:17:03,043 You You start start improvising improvising in in private. 651 00:17:02,473 --> 00:17:03,043 private. 652 00:17:03,183 --> 00:17:05,919 And And given given that that only only 1% 1% of of organizations organizations 653 00:17:06,015 --> 00:17:10,234 self-report self-report AI AI maturity, maturity, private private improvisation 654 00:17:09,194 --> 00:17:11,512 improvisation is... 655 00:17:10,394 --> 00:17:11,512 is... 656 00:17:11,556 --> 00:17:14,148 probably probably not not the the best best development development plan. 657 00:17:13,604 --> 00:17:14,148 plan. 658 00:17:15,384 --> 00:17:16,509 No, No, it it is is not. 659 00:17:16,129 --> 00:17:16,509 not. 660 00:17:16,682 --> 00:17:19,544 Which Which is is why why we we also also have have the the free free live live 661 00:17:19,604 --> 00:17:22,178 session session on on The The Competence Competence Penalty Penalty on on April 662 00:17:21,848 --> 00:17:26,732 April 29 29 and and April April 30, 30, 2026 2026 -- -- same same content, 663 00:17:25,992 --> 00:17:28,886 content, two two times times -- -- for for leaders leaders who who want want to to 664 00:17:28,936 --> 00:17:30,632 understand understand the the pattern pattern first. 665 00:17:30,022 --> 00:17:30,632 first. 666 00:17:30,742 --> 00:17:33,502 Because Because I I do do think think people people deserve deserve a a sober sober 667 00:17:33,582 --> 00:17:36,290 diagnosis diagnosis before before they they commit commit to to a a solution. 668 00:17:35,714 --> 00:17:36,290 solution. 669 00:17:36,530 --> 00:17:39,245 The The point point is is not not to to sell sell urgency. 670 00:17:38,605 --> 00:17:39,245 urgency. 671 00:17:39,405 --> 00:17:42,202 The The point point is is to to help help capable capable leaders leaders see, 672 00:17:41,802 --> 00:17:44,676 see, clearly, clearly, where where the the Director's Director's ghost ghost is is 673 00:17:44,729 --> 00:17:46,034 still still running running their their day. 674 00:17:45,634 --> 00:17:46,034 day. 675 00:17:47,068 --> 00:17:50,593 And And that, that, to to me, me, is is the the credible credible invitation 676 00:17:49,723 --> 00:17:51,553 invitation here. 677 00:17:50,689 --> 00:17:51,553 here. 678 00:17:51,673 --> 00:17:54,511 Not Not "come "come learn learn the the hottest hottest tools." 679 00:17:53,751 --> 00:17:54,511 tools." 680 00:17:54,543 --> 00:17:57,143 More More like, like, "come "come learn learn how how not not to to become become 681 00:17:57,183 --> 00:18:00,733 the the bottleneck bottleneck in in an an era era that that rewards rewards speed 682 00:18:00,003 --> 00:18:04,160 speed and and punishes punishes sloppy sloppy judgment." 683 00:18:03,225 --> 00:18:04,160 judgment." 684 00:18:05,000 --> 00:18:05,799 Yes. 685 00:18:05,000 --> 00:18:05,799 Yes. 686 00:18:05,849 --> 00:18:09,399 Because Because in in the the AI AI era, era, the the premium premium does does not 687 00:18:09,219 --> 00:18:11,711 not belong belong to to the the loudest loudest adopter adopter or or the the 688 00:18:11,781 --> 00:18:13,549 busiest busiest experimenter. 689 00:18:12,324 --> 00:18:13,549 experimenter. 690 00:18:13,709 --> 00:18:15,863 It It belongs belongs to to the the leader leader who who can can tell tell the the 691 00:18:15,899 --> 00:18:18,572 difference difference between between useful useful acceleration acceleration and 692 00:18:18,152 --> 00:18:20,012 and expensive expensive overreach. 693 00:18:19,356 --> 00:18:20,012 overreach. 694 00:18:21,198 --> 00:18:22,154 That's That's the the work. 695 00:18:21,554 --> 00:18:22,154 work. 696 00:18:22,247 --> 00:18:23,386 We'll We'll leave leave it it there. 697 00:18:23,041 --> 00:18:23,386 there.