Real Talk: Leading Small Teams

185: AI Isn’t the Solution Unless You Know the Problem First


Listen Later

Too many leaders are jumping into AI hoping it’ll fix their workflows—but without clarity on what needs fixing, it might just make things worse.

What You’ll Learn:

  • How to identify the real problems AI should solve in your team.
  • The biggest AI misuse traps managers fall into.
  • A decision-making framework for evaluating automation tools.
  • When AI helps—and when human leadership is irreplaceable.

In this episode of The New Manager Playbook, Lia Garvin breaks down a critical leadership skill for the AI era: discernment. With businesses rushing to adopt automation, Lia explains why understanding the specific problems you’re solving is the only way to ensure AI helps instead of hinders.

You’ll hear real client examples where confusion, fear, and inefficiency followed blind AI adoption—and how clarity of purpose turned things around. Lia outlines top use cases for automation (like data aggregation and information flow), while reminding managers that people-centric problems—like communication gaps and turnover—still need human solutions.

This is a must-listen for new and seasoned managers who want to lead with intention, empower their teams, and use AI as a tool—not a crutch.

Like what you heard? Subscribe to The New Manager Playbook and leave a review! Share this episode with a leader who needs to hear it.

--

WORK WITH LIA:

How many times have you thought "I wish this whole managing people thing was a little easier" or better yet - "tell me what to do to be a better manager and I'll do it"?

I've got you covered ;) My new book, The New Manager Playbook, your comprehensive guide to managing with confidence and ease is now available!

Grab your copy today!
https://www.liagarvin.com/newmanagerplaybook/

Want some support for yourself or your team, let's chat! Schedule a call here: calendly.com/liagarvin/scaleup-strategy

CONNECT WITH LIA:

Website: https://www.liagarvin.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liagarvin/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lia.garvin/
Music by: https://www.instagram.com/isaacy8s/

Looking for support for yourself of your team? I've got you covered.
Explore manager training, leaders keynotes & offsites, and 1:1 advisory, or my 90-Day-COO program for business owners who want simple systems that actually work.

I help teams build clarity, accountability, and momentum through practical tools and research-backed strategies that make managing easier.

Get all the details at: www.liagarvin.com
or reach out at [email protected]

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Real Talk: Leading Small TeamsBy Lia Garvin

  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9

4.9

81 ratings


More shows like Real Talk: Leading Small Teams

View all
Coaching for Leaders by Dave Stachowiak

Coaching for Leaders

1,470 Listeners

The Learning Leader Show With Ryan Hawk by Ryan Hawk

The Learning Leader Show With Ryan Hawk

1,336 Listeners

The Mindset Mentor by Rob Dial

The Mindset Mentor

13,600 Listeners

The Bossticks by Lauryn Bosstick and Michael Bosstick / Dear Media

The Bossticks

14,964 Listeners

Clutterbug - Real-Life Hacks and Tips to Declutter, Organize and Clean your Home Fast by Clutterbug

Clutterbug - Real-Life Hacks and Tips to Declutter, Organize and Clean your Home Fast

2,108 Listeners

THE ED MYLETT SHOW by Ed Mylett

THE ED MYLETT SHOW

14,031 Listeners

The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett by DOAC

The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett

8,876 Listeners

No Bullsh!t Leadership by Martin G Moore

No Bullsh!t Leadership

131 Listeners

Huberman Lab by Scicomm Media

Huberman Lab

29,272 Listeners

ZOE Science & Nutrition by ZOE

ZOE Science & Nutrition

2,131 Listeners

The Mel Robbins Podcast by Mel Robbins

The Mel Robbins Podcast

20,222 Listeners

HBR On Leadership by Harvard Business Review

HBR On Leadership

170 Listeners

BigDeal by Codie Sanchez

BigDeal

950 Listeners

The Jefferson Fisher Podcast by Civility Media

The Jefferson Fisher Podcast

8,482 Listeners