I recently finished listening to The AI-Savvy Leader by David De Cremer, and while I can’t say the book fundamentally changed my thinking about artificial intelligence, it certainly reinforced some beliefs I’ve held for quite some time.
Published in June 2024, the book explores nine principles of leadership in the age of AI: learning, purpose, inclusion, communication, vision, balance, empathy, mission, and emotional intelligence. De Cremer supports these principles with real-world business examples, though he generally refrains from identifying the companies and individuals involved.
None of these principles struck me as particularly groundbreaking. Frankly, much of what De Cremer discusses could apply to effective leadership regardless of whether artificial intelligence existed. However, perhaps that’s precisely the point.
As AI becomes increasingly integrated into our workplaces, I believe the human element of business becomes more important than ever. Companies need strong leaders who establish a clear direction, cultivate a meaningful culture, and make decisions they’re willing to stand behind. Just as importantly, those leaders must recognize when they’ve made the wrong decision and possess the humility and flexibility to change course.
After all, a company is ultimately defined by its people, regardless of how much artificial intelligence it utilizes.
One consideration worth mentioning is the book’s age. While June 2024 doesn’t seem particularly long ago, two years is practically an eternity in the world of AI. Some observations about the technology already feel dated. Interestingly, though, the book’s emphasis on human leadership may be even more relevant today than when it was published.
I should also mention that I listened to the audiobook, which proved challenging. Despite being credited to a human narrator, the narration sounded remarkably artificial. It was so monotonous that I eventually increased the playback speed to 1.5x, which made the experience considerably more tolerable.
Would I recommend The AI-Savvy Leader? Yes, particularly to new or emerging leaders. AI is influencing business whether we acknowledge it or not, and understanding its implications should be part of every leader’s thinking. More experienced leaders may find the book serves primarily as a reminder of principles they already know.
Ultimately, The AI-Savvy Leader didn’t change my outlook on AI. It reaffirmed it. Technology may transform how companies operate, but people will continue to determine what those companies stand for.
And that makes good leadership more important than ever.
Note: In the spirit of transparency, I use artificial intelligence to help develop, organize, refine, and challenge my writing. However, the ideas, beliefs, opinions, and conclusions expressed here are entirely my own.
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