Paul Smith (linkedin.com/in/pdsmithmba/), Chief Information Officer at Amnesty International, joins host Dan Freehling (contempusleadership.com) to discuss tech leadership with people and ethics front and center. Drawing from a career that spans industry (defense, automotive, and more) and humanitarian organizations, Paul shares hard-won insights on AI adoption (00:30), four essential digital skills for non-technical professionals (09:32), and emotional intelligence, strategic communication, and talent development for technical leaders (15:53). Paul relays his own journey from a working class background to the global C-suite (22:00) and emphasizes the power of mentorship, permission-giving, and inclusive hiring to help other non-traditional talent make a similar journey (37:54). Recommended reading: “Bulletproof Your Career” by Patricia Romboletti. Show notes at forwardlookingleadership.com.