Artificial intelligence is no longer a distant technology trend. It is already changing how companies operate, how teams make decisions, how leaders think about strategy, and how people imagine the future of work. But as AI becomes more powerful, the most important question is not simply what the technology can do. It is how humans choose to lead with it.In this episode of Silicon Valley Unplugged, we sit down with Tonya J. Long, a leadership and AI strategist, venture builder, speaker, and author of AI and the New Oz: Leadership’s Journey to the Future of Work. Tonya’s work focuses on helping leaders, teams, and organizations translate AI ambition into practical strategy, sustainable adoption, and real business value. Her perspective brings together technology, leadership, organizational change, and the human side of innovation.The conversation explores the intersection of AI and humanity: how leaders can move beyond buzzwords, how organizations can adopt AI responsibly, and why human judgment, creativity, trust, and courage still matter in an increasingly automated world. From the boardroom to the breakroom, AI is forcing every organization to rethink not only its tools, but also its culture, leadership, and purpose.For Sparknify, the rise of AI is not just a technology story. It is a human story. It is about founders, executives, creators, workers, students, and communities navigating one of the most profound shifts of our time.The future will not be defined by AI alone. It will be shaped by the people who decide how to use it, challenge it, guide it, and create with it.Watch this conversation with Tonya J. Long on Silicon Valley Unplugged and explore what it means to lead, work, and remain human in the age of AI.About Silicon Valley UnpluggedSilicon Valley Unplugged (SV Up) by Sparknify is a monthly live studio show with audience produced by Sparknify, broadcast across the Comcast PEG Channels in Silicon Valley, and distributed across social and digital platforms. Each episode brings together visionary founders, technologists, and creators to discuss bold ideas at the intersection of innovation, humanity, and the future.Visit https://sparknify.com/live-show for information on upcoming episodes, guest speakers, and how to attend future shows in person.🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon to stay plugged in to future episodes of SV Up — where Silicon Valley speaks, unplugged.#SiliconValleyUnplugged #Sparknify #TonyaJLong #AIAndHumanity #FutureOfWork #AILeadership #HumanCenteredAI #ResponsibleAI #SiliconValley #Innovation
