Humanity At Scale: Redefining Leadership

What does it mean to lead when machines join the team?

In this episode of Humanity at Scale, host Bruce Temkin sits down with Faisal Hoque, a three-time Wall Street Journal bestselling author and the founder of multiple companies focused on innovation, transformation, and human-centered leadership. Together, they explore what it truly means to lead in a world increasingly shaped by AI. From managing hybrid teams of humans and machines to navigating the moral dimensions of automation, Faisal shares thought-provoking insights on why the most powerful leadership skills of the future, empathy, emotional intelligence, and ethical clarity, are also the most human.
What You’ll Learn:

• How AI is transforming leadership from a technical to a moral imperative
• Why emotional intelligence is the essential skill of the AI era
• The real danger of losing entry-level jobs to machines and what it means for society
• How leaders can design hybrid teams that elevate both systems and humans
• The role of government in securing ethical AI development
• Why “pause and think” might be the most revolutionary leadership move you can make

Faisal Hoque is a three-time Wall Street Journal bestselling author and the founder of multiple companies focused on innovation, transformation, and human-centered leadership. His books, Lift, Transcend, Reinvent, and Survive to Thrive, blend systems thinking, technology strategy, and Eastern philosophy to present a new vision for leadership in turbulent times. A lifelong technologist and spiritual thinker, Faisal has advised organizations like the U.S. Department of Defense, GE, and Mastercard on navigating change with intention and integrity.
Episode Resources:

• Faisal Hoque on LinkedIn
• Bruce Temkin on LinkedIn
• Faisal Hoque's website & Books

Humanity At Scale: Redefining Leadership is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

What do 50,000 novels, AI, and leadership have in common?
In this episode of Humanity at Scale, host Bruce Temkin sits down with Katherine Elkins, Professor at Kenyon College and Principal Investigator at IBM Notre Dame Tech Ethics Lab, about how AI is transforming human emotion, storytelling, and leadership. From uncovering universal narrative patterns to navigating ethical dilemmas in AI integration, Elkins shares compelling insights on preserving empathy, trust, and creativity in a tech-driven world. Whether you're leading teams, building tech, or simply curious about the future, this episode offers a profound look at how to scale humanity alongside machines.
What you will learn:

• From Homer to GPT: The Collision of Human Imagination and AI with Katherine Elkins
• How stories follow universal emotional patterns revealed through AI analysis 
• Why AI's hyper-personalization capabilities may pose greater risks 
• The importance of developing forecasting skills in an era of rapid technological change
• How leaders can ethically integrate AI while maintaining human-centered organizations
• Why transparent AI strategies are crucial for addressing workplace anxiety and trust
• The critical balance between leveraging AI tools and preserving human creativity

Katherine Elkins is a Professor of Comparative Literature and Humanities at Kenyon College and Principal Investigator at the IBM Notre Dame Tech Ethics Lab. With a background in literature, philosophy, cognitive science, and AI governance, she explores how artificial intelligence understands and shapes human emotion, creativity, and culture. Co-author of The Shapes of Stories, she led pioneering machine learning analysis of 50,000 novels. A featured expert on AI and creativity, she serves on NIST’s US AI Safety Institute and speaks globally on ethical AI. 


Episode Resources:

• Katherine Elkins on LinkedIn
• Kenyon College Website
• Talent Harbour Website
• Bruce Temkin on LinkedIn

Humanity At Scale: Redefining Leadership is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

What if the key to successful digital transformation isn't about technology at all, but about people?
In this episode of Humanity at Scale, host Bruce Temkin sits down with Kamales Lardi, CEO of Lardi & Partner Consulting and author of The Human Side of Digital Business Transformation. Together, they explore why successful transformation is 80% about people, not technology. Kamales shares how to build digital confidence, foster trust, and use AI to enhance rather than replace human potential. Backed by neuroscience and grounded in real-world experience, this conversation offers powerful insights for leaders navigating change. Tune in to learn how to lead transformation with empathy, purpose, and a deep commitment to keeping humanity at the center.
What you will learn:

• How to shift from technology-first to human-centered digital transformation 
• Why traditional change management often fails and how to build trust from the start
• The neuroscience behind resistance to change and techniques to build team synchrony
• How to develop "digital confidence" in employees without overwhelming them
• Why AI should augment rather than replace human capabilities in organizations
• The "Values Contract" framework for ensuring leadership teams prioritize human needs
• The importance of abundance thinking in leading digital transformation initiatives
• How to maintain algorithmic oversight and prevent over-reliance on AI decision-making
• Why does successful transformation require continuous engagement 
• The critical balance between driving efficiency and preserving team creativity 
  
  

Kamales Lardi is a globally recognized digital transformation expert with over 25 years of experience guiding organizations through human-centric, tech-driven change. As CEO of Lardi & Partner Consulting, she has led 50+ global initiatives across Fortune 500 firms and governments. Named a Top 10 Global Influencer in Digital Transformation, Kamales is also a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and Teaching Fellow at Durham University. Her work empowers leaders to embrace technologies like AI and blockchain while keeping people at the heart of innovation.


Episode Resources:

• Kamales Lardi on LinkedIn
• Lardi & Partner Consulting Website 
• Talent Harbour Website
• Bruce Temkin on LinkedIn

Humanity At Scale: Redefining Leadership is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

What if loyalty isn't something you earn over time, but something you design from day one?
On this episode of Humanity at Scale, host Bruce Temkin sits down with Joey Coleman, founder and Chief Experience Composer of Design Symphony and bestselling author of Never Lose a Customer Again, and Never Lose an Employee Again, to uncover why most organizations lose up to 70% of customers and employees in the first 100 days. Drawing from his eclectic background in law, education, and performance, Joey breaks down the eight emotional stages of relationship-building and offers powerful strategies to spark loyalty from day one. Whether you're leading a team or growing a customer base, this episode reveals why "heart count" may matter more than headcount.

What you will learn:

• How to prevent 20-70% loss of customers and employees in the first 100 days
• Why most leaders wrongly believe money is the primary reason employees leave 
• The Eight Emotional Phases framework for building lasting relationships
• How to use the "Balloon Theory" to catch customers before they silently float away
• The six essential communication tools for building genuine emotional connections 
• Why investing in "heart count" rather than "head count" is crucial 
• Transforming handwritten notes into powerful loyalty-building moments
• The critical difference between measuring ROI on technology versus investing in human connection
  
  

Joey Coleman is a bestselling author, dynamic keynote speaker, and expert in customer and employee retention. With a background that spans criminal defense, teaching, performance, and global consulting, he helps organizations design remarkable experiences in the critical First 100 Days® of relationships. Joey’s books, Never Lose a Customer Again and Never Lose an Employee Again, offer practical frameworks used worldwide. He’s spoken on all seven continents and empowers leaders to build lasting loyalty through emotional connection and human-centered design.


Episode Resources:

• Joey Coleman on LinkedIn
• Joey Coleman Website
• Never Lose a Customer Again on Amazon
• Never Lose an Employee Again on Amazon
• Talent Harbour Website
• Bruce Temkin on LinkedIn

Humanity At Scale: Redefining Leadership is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

What if you could transform your organization's customer experience while keeping empathy and the human element at its core? 
In this episode of Humanity at Scale, host Bruce Temkin is joined by Conny Kalcher, Group Chief Customer Officer at Zurich Insurance Company, to discuss reimagining customer experience in large organizations. They explore moving beyond transactions to build meaningful, empathetic customer relationships. Conny shares how Zurich leverages AI to support, not replace, human connections, embeds empathy into its culture, and uses co-creation to drive transformation. From empowering teams to fostering prevention-focused services, the discussion reveals how customer-centric leadership fuels innovation and long-term trust. A must-listen for anyone navigating digital transformation while keeping humanity at the heart of business.
What you will learn:

• About transitioning from transactional interactions to meaningful customer relationships in large organizations
• The business case for making customer experience a core strategy 
• Why co-creation beats dictation when implementing organizational change
• How to use AI to strengthen human connections while maintaining ethical standards
• The framework for embedding empathy into corporate culture 
• How to balance global consistency with local execution in regulated industries
• The principles for using customer insights to drive innovation 
• How to combine AI and a human element in corporate communications 
• Why flatter, and flexible organizations enable better customer-centric transformation
  
  

Conny Kalcher is the Group Chief Customer Officer at Zurich Insurance Company, where she leads global customer experience transformation and cultural change. With over 30 years of experience in brand marketing and CX, including a pivotal role in LEGO’s turnaround, she is known for embedding empathy into corporate culture at scale. A founding partner of the NPS and Loyalty Forum, Conny drives innovation that fuels sustainable growth. She brings together high-performing teams to create meaningful, customer-focused change. Outside of her role at Zurich, she serves on the Board of Trustees at the Z Zurich Foundation, championing sustainability and social impact worldwide.


Episode Resources:

• Conny Kalcher on LinkedIn
• Zurich Insurance Company Website 
• Talent Harbour Website
• Bruce Temkin on LinkedIn

Humanity At Scale: Redefining Leadership is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

What if you could actively shape the future instead of just reacting to it?
In this episode of Humanity at Scale, host Bruce Temkin is joined by Lisa Kay Solomon, Designer in Residence at Stanford’s d.school, for a powerful conversation about leading with imagination in an era of disruption. Together, they explore how leaders can actively shape the future by cultivating foresight, ethical decision-making, and human-centered design. Lisa shares actionable frameworks, like the “Design Criteria” and “Must, Should, Could, Won’t,” to help leaders move beyond reactive strategies and foster possibility thinking. Learn how to become a better ancestor, make values-driven choices, and unlock the human potential needed to navigate complexity and build more meaningful futures.
What you will learn:

• How to balance short-term pressures with long-term "good ancestor" thinking
• Why imagination is a critical leadership skill and how it can be developed
• The "Design Criteria" framework for making values-based decisions 
• How to practice "futures thinking" through scenario planning and backcasting
• Why leaders must create conditions for human agency and possibility thinking
• The "Must, Should, Could, Won't" template for clarifying organizational values
• How to rehearse potential futures rather than being blindsided by the present
• Why empathy and human connection help unleash organizational potential
• How to combat attention economy forces that limit creative and strategic thinking
• The importance of practicing "outside-in" thinking versus traditional strategic planning
  
  

Lisa Kay Solomon is a bestselling author, educator, and speaker dedicated to making design a powerful, everyday leadership practice. As Designer in Residence at Stanford’s d.school, she bridges futures thinking and design to help students and leaders shape more intentional, human-centered futures. A 2020 ixDA Woman of Design honoree, Lisa has led transformational efforts at Singularity University and CCA’s MBA in Design Strategy, and recently launched LinkedIn Learning’s first “Leader as Futurist” course to bring future-ready mindsets to a broader audience.



Episode Resources:

• Lisa Kay Solomon on LinkedIn
• Stanford d.school Website 
• Talent Harbour Website
• Bruce Temkin on LinkedIn

Humanity At Scale: Redefining Leadership is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In an era of rapid workplace transformation, human connection remains the cornerstone of effective leadership and organizational success.
In this episode of Humanity at Scale, host Bruce Temkin sits down with Dr. Vivienne Ming, a visionary neuroscientist and AI pioneer, to explore how technology can elevate, not replace, human potential. Sharing her inspiring journey from homelessness to innovation leadership, Ming unpacks how purpose, ethical design, and a deep understanding of human complexity should shape AI development. From the “Better After Use” principle to rethinking leadership and productivity, this conversation is packed with insights for anyone aiming to build more human-centric organizations and unlock AI’s role as a catalyst for creativity, compassion, and real-world impact.
What you will learn:

• How to transform personal struggles into purpose-driven innovation 
• The "Better After Use" principle to evaluate how technology enhances human capability
• Why designing AI systems requires understanding the full human ecology 
• How to approach AI implementation for cost-cutting and enhancing human creativity
• The power of imperfect leadership and why self-awareness matters 
• Why purpose is the single biggest predictor of productivity in large organizations
• How to develop compensatory strategies for personal weaknesses 
• The importance of asking whether we're solving the right problems 
• Why understanding human complexity should drive technology development 
• How to ensure AI amplifies human potential instead of replacing human capabilities
  
  

Dr. Vivienne Ming is a theoretical neuroscientist, entrepreneur, and author, frequently featured in The New York Times, The Atlantic, and The Financial Times. She co-founded Socos Labs, an independent institute exploring human potential through science and technology. A former UC Berkeley visiting scholar, Vivienne invented AI systems for healthcare, mental health, and refugee support. She serves on multiple boards and speaks globally on inclusive innovation while enjoying life as a wife and mother of two.


Episode Resources:

• Dr. Vivienne Ming on LinkedIn
• Dionysus Digital Health Website 
• Talent Harbour Website
• Bruce Temkin on LinkedIn

Humanity At Scale: Redefining Leadership is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In an era of rapid workplace transformation, human connection remains the cornerstone of effective leadership and organizational success.
In this episode of Humanity at Scale, host Bruce Temkin sits down with WSJ bestselling author, human workplace expert, and keynote speaker, Erica Keswin. Together, they explore the future of human-centric leadership in a tech-driven world. They discuss how leaders can create thriving and connected workplaces by striking a balance between innovation and empathy, while fostering positive cultures through intentional rituals and practices. Keswin also challenges outdated retention strategies and emphasizes the need for deeper workplace relationships, especially in hybrid settings. With insights on preparing for AI, empowering middle managers, and leading with vulnerability, this episode offers practical guidance for anyone looking to build resilient, people-first organizations. 
What you will learn:

• How to find the "sweet spot" between technology and human connection 
• The three essential components of effective workplace rituals that build lasting culture
• Why traditional employee retention models are outdated 
• How to create workplace cultures that honor both productivity and human connection
• The power of vulnerability in leadership 
• How to prepare for AI integration while strengthening essential human skills
• Why middle managers are crucial for organizational success 
• The importance of active listening as a cornerstone leadership skill 
• How to develop meaningful rituals that enhance workplace culture 
• Why workplace culture should be viewed as a strategic priority 
  
  

Erica Keswin is a bestselling author, renowned workplace strategist, and internationally sought-after speaker who helps companies build human-centric cultures that drive organizational success. Through her Human Workplace Trilogy—Bring Your Human to Work, Rituals Roadmap, and The Retention Revolution—Erica has redefined what it means to lead with empathy and purpose. Rica is a highly sought-after coach and is recognized by Marshall Goldsmith and Business Insider. She also advises leading companies on creating connection-rich, high-performing workplaces. Erica lives in New York City with her family and beloved labradoodle, Cruiser.


Episode Resources:

• Erica Keswin on LinkedIn
• Erica Keswin Website 
• Talent Harbour Website
• Bruce Temkin on LinkedIn

Humanity At Scale: Redefining Leadership is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

What if disruption could be your greatest ally in creating positive change?
In this episode of Humanity at Scale: Redefining Leadership, host Bruce Temkin sits down with Charlene Li, Strategic Advisor and Keynote Speaker, Founder and CEO of Quantum Networks Group, and New York Times bestselling author, to explore how leaders can harness disruption as a catalyst for innovation. Charlene shares insights on creating psychological safety while pushing boundaries, building cultures where failure fuels growth, and leading through uncertainty with bold vision and empathy. From AI-driven shifts to lasting organizational transformation, this conversation offers actionable strategies for thriving in times of change.
Join them as they discuss:

• A Career Built on Disruption: "I Came, I Saw, I Disrupted"
• The Power of Embracing Discomfort in Leadership
• Stretching vs. Stressing: Finding the Right Balance in Change
• Burning the Boats: Committing Fully to Transformation
• Three Questions That Drive Successful Disruptive Organizations
• Building Trust and Belonging in Times of Change
• Navigating AI Disruption: Strategies for Success
• Leadership Skills for the Future
• Aftershow: Key Insights on Leading Through Disruption

Charlene Li is a globally recognized thought leader on disruptive transformation strategy and leadership. A New York Times bestselling author and entrepreneur, she has helped organizations navigate seismic shifts in business and society. Charlene has worked with 14 of the Dow Jones 30 companies, advising leaders on innovation, culture change, and the impact of generative AI. Recognized as one of LinkedIn’s Top 10 Voices on Company Culture, she shares her insights through books, articles, and weekly live streams. She also speaks at major conferences and provides executive coaching, empowering leaders to drive meaningful, people-centric transformation in their organizations.


Episode Resources:

• Charlene Li on LinkedIn
• Quantum Networks Group Website
• Talent Harbour Website
• Bruce Temkin on LinkedIn

Humanity At Scale: Redefining Leadership is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

How can leaders create a culture where people with different perspectives collaborate and thrive?
In this episode of Humanity at Scale, host Bruce Temkin speaks with psychologist and neuroscientist Kurt Gray, Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at UNC, Chapel Hill, to explore how leaders can navigate moral complexity and foster empathy in organizations. They discuss how perceptions of harm shape moral divides, why storytelling builds understanding better than facts, and how power impacts empathy. Listen in as Kurt shares actionable insights into making ethical decisions transparent, designing inclusive systems, and using emotional intelligence to lead with both clarity and compassion in these morally challenging times.
What you will learn:

• How moral disagreements stem from different perceptions, not differences in values
• Why personal stories and vulnerability are more effective than facts in bridging divides
• The "Charitable Pause" principle for preventing knee-jerk reactions 
• How excess power can erode empathy 
• Why organizations need to promote collaboration over competition 
• How to make ethical decisions transparent 
• Recognizing that opposing viewpoints often come from a shared desire for protection
• Why AI must be aligned with human moral psychology 
• The critical role of emotional intelligence in leading through moral complexity

Kurt Gray is a Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he directs the Deepest Beliefs Lab and the Center for the Science of Moral Understanding. He also teaches organizational ethics at UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School. A leading voice on the psychology of morality, politics, and AI, his work appears in The New York Times, HBR, and Nature. He is the author of The Mind Club and the forthcoming book Outraged, exploring how to bridge moral and political divides.


Episode Resources:

• Kurt Gray on LinkedIn
• UNC  Website
• Talent Harbour Website
• Bruce Temkin on LinkedIn

Humanity At Scale: Redefining Leadership is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so