The Human Loop Podcast

Ben Stocken

The Human Loop explores what happens at the intersection of human performance and emerging technology. Each episode unpacks how modern leaders can operate at their best while AI transforms the way we work. Powered by Atherio | Lead with Clarity Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episodes

  1. 7 JAN

    Leadership in 2026: The Old Playbook Is Now a Liability

    In this week's Human Loop I discuss the evolving landscape of leadership in 2026, emphasising the critical role of AI and the necessity for leaders to adapt their strategies. I highlights the importance of human skills, trust, and purpose in driving organisational performance, while also addressing the challenges posed by skill gaps in the workforce. Powered By Atherio, Real-time leadership wisdom for every manager - https://www.atheriohq.com Chapters: 00:00 The State of Leadership in 2026 02:27 Strategic Leadership as a Core Skill 04:22 The Importance of Human Skills and Trust 07:16 Closing the Gap Between Tech and Human Capability Studies Mentioned: Story 1: UK business investment in AI and training https://www.lloydsbankinggroup.com/assets/pdfs/media/press-releases/2025-press-releases/lloyds-bank/31.12.2025-lloyds-new-year-flash-business-barometer.pdf Story 2: Survey coverage & additional context https://www.lloydsbank.com/business/resource-centre/insight/business-barometer.html Story 3: Skills gaps & transformation barriers World Economic Forum summary on skills gaps and upskilling priorities https://gloat.com/blog/ai-employment-impact Story 4: AI in the workplace & skills obsolescence https://www.secondtalent.com/resources/future-of-workplace-statistics-that-are-important-to-know/ Connect with The host - Ben Stocken https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    8 min
  2. 24/12/2025

    The Weekly Loop: The Rise of AI in Business

    In this weekly loop I discuss the latest research and trends in human performance, AI integration in business, employee engagement, and the challenges of burnout. We highlight the significant use of AI in organizations, the concerning decline in employee engagement, and the critical need for effective communication and support for managers and employees to combat burnout and enhance productivity. Powered By Atherio: https://www.atheriohq.com/ Chapters: 00:00 The Rise of AI in Business 02:47 Employee Engagement Trends 06:07 The Burnout Crisis 08:55 AI Training and HR Integration 11:48 Leadership and AI Strategy Disconnect 15:02 Key Takeaways and Future Focus Studies Mentioned: Story 1: The AI Value Gap "The State of AI 2025: Agents, innovation, and transformation" Source: McKinsey & Company URL: https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/quantumblack/our-insights/the-state-of-ai Story 2: Manager Engagement Crisis "State of the Global Workplace 2025" Source: Gallup URL: https://www.gallup.com/workplace/state-of-global-workplace Story 3: Burnout at All-Time High "Workforce Trends 2026: Leaders Confront Burnout, Disengagement, and AI-Driven Change" Source: DHR Global URL: https://huntscanlon.com/workforce-trends-2026-leaders-confront-burnout-disengagement-and-ai-driven-change/ Story 4: The AI Training Gap "2025 Talent Trends: Artificial Intelligence in HR" Source: SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) Published: February 2025 URL: https://www.shrm.org/topics-tools/research/2025-talent-trends/ai-in-hr Story 5: The AI Strategy Illusion "Workforce 2025 Global Insights Report" Source: Korn Ferry URL: https://www.kornferry.com/about-us/press/korn-ferry-reveals-workforce-2025-research Powered By Atherio, Real-time leadership wisdom for every manager Connect with The host - Ben Stocken https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    18 min

About

The Human Loop explores what happens at the intersection of human performance and emerging technology. Each episode unpacks how modern leaders can operate at their best while AI transforms the way we work. Powered by Atherio | Lead with Clarity Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.