This episode of The Breakout Room explores a tension nearly every leader is feeling but few are naming out loud. As AI accelerates thinking, decision-making, and output, what happens to the human side of leadership? Paul and Betsy dig into why intellect alone does not create effective leadership and why connection, friction, and presence may be more important now than ever.This conversation covers:▪ How AI accelerates intellect but cannot replace biology or spirituality in leadership▪ Why connection is the real cheat code when it comes to using AI well▪ The hidden risks of frictionless work, communication, and feedback▪ How younger generations experience AI differently and what that means for leaders▪ Practical leadership distinctions like care one level out and drive versus being drivenTogether, they explore how leaders can use AI as a tool without losing the very things that make leadership effective: relationship, agency, and humanity.CHAPTERS00:00 – What AI helps with and what it cannot touch01:03 – Welcome to The Breakout Room and catching up02:00 – Travel, pace, and the realities of modern leadership life07:30 – Security training, humor, and making leadership real08:47 – Community, followers, and building shared language10:00 – The Artist’s Way, journaling, and the critical inner voice12:00 – AI prompts, productivity, and what work is worth doing14:30 – Where organizations really are with AI in leadership16:20 – Young people, AI, and changing expectations of interaction18:45 – Performance feedback, filtered communication, and authenticity22:00 – Connection as the cheat code for AI24:10 – Intellect, leadership effectiveness, and imbalance26:30 – Relationships as the true source of scale29:50 – Friction, humanity, and the cost of convenience33:00 – Debrief tips for leaders and coaches35:00 – Care one level out and drive versus being driven36:40 – Connection as the remedy and closing reflectionsWelcome to The Breakout Room.In this conversation, Paul and Betsy unpack what it really means to lead in a world where AI is rapidly accelerating intellect. They challenge the idea that faster thinking automatically creates better leadership and explore why over-indexing on AI can subtly weaken connection, agency, and trust. Along the way, they share stories from their own work, laugh about the realities of leadership life, and offer practical distinctions leaders can apply immediately.From the difference between drive and being driven, to why care without connection falls flat, this episode is a reminder that leadership is not just about tools or technology. It is about choice, presence, and the courage to stay human even when the friction feels uncomfortable.If you're ready for honest insights, stories from the road, and a few laughs along the way... you're in the right room.Watch The Breakout Room: https://youtu.be/BDud5fhkJUA🔗 Follow Us:PAUL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ptbyrneBETSY: https://www.linkedin.com/in/betsy-leatherman-99b7b4/Thanks for joining us in The Breakout Room.
