In this episode of the ScaleX™ Insider podcast, Brendan McGurgan sits down with Rasmus Hougaard — founder and CEO of Potential Project, Thinkers 50-nominated leadership expert, and author of Compassionate Leadership: How to Do Hard Things in a Human Way and More Human: How the Power of AI Can Transform the Way You Lead (Harvard Business Review Press, 2025).

Rasmus joins the show to explore what it truly means to scale leadership with purpose, why human qualities are more important than technical skills in the age of AI, and how leaders can intentionally use technology to become more aware, wise, and compassionate.

We dive deep into:

• What scaling leadership with purpose really means in 2025

• Why 24% of today's leaders are unqualified for future challenges without developing awareness, wisdom, and compassion

• How AI can be leveraged as a tool to amplify human qualities, not replace them

• Practical strategies for training AI to reflect your values, guide decision-making, and act as a "360° coach"

• How curiosity, deep questioning, and a beginner's mind enhance wisdom and leadership impact

• The importance of slowing down through meditation, reflection, and breathwork to lead effectively

Rasmus also shares powerful examples of leaders using AI to strengthen human connection, challenge biases, and make more intentional, impactful decisions.

👉 Tune in to hear how purpose, human qualities, and intentional AI use can transform the way you lead people, organizations, and yourself.

📌 Connect with Rasmus Hougaard:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rasmushougaard

Books:

• More Human: How the Power of AI Can Transform the Way You Lead

• Compassionate Leadership: How to Do Hard Things in a Human Way. Ras

• The Mind of the Leader: How to Lead Yourself, Your People, and Your Organization for Extraordinary Results

About Simple Scaling & ScaleX™ Insider Podcast

🧭 About Simple Scaling & ScaleX™ Insider Podcast: ScaleX™ helps SME leaders scale with purpose using the proven ScaleX™ Framework. Hosted by Brendan McGurgan, the ScaleX™ Insider Podcast shares insights from top entrepreneurs and business thinkers.

If you're an SME leader looking for a proven plan to scale, here are two ways to work with us:

👉 Join the Northern Ireland ScaleX Accelerator Programme (2026) For CEOs, founders & MDs of SMEs (£2m–30m revenue) ready to scale leadership, teams, and value. Join the waitlist: https://scalexaccelerator.simplescaling.com/

👉 Join ScaleX Elevate (£750k–2m businesses) A digital learning community with weekly training, support, and expert sessions — designed to give you a roadmap to 2x your revenue and talent within 2 years. Register your interest: https://scalexinsights.simplescaling.com/elevate

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