SPOS #944 – David De Cremer On AI Savvy Leadership

Welcome to episode #944 of Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast.

Here it is: Six Pixels of Separation – The ThinkersOne Podcast – Episode #944. David De Cremer, the Dunton Family Dean at the D’Amore-McKim School of Business at Northeastern University, is passionate about the intersection of technology and leadership. With a rich background in psychology and behavioral economics, David has dedicated his career to understanding how emerging technologies, especially AI, can transform businesses while keeping people at the heart of it all. He’s worked across the globe, guiding leaders on how to effectively and responsibly integrate AI into their organizations. David’s journey is rooted in a deep curiosity about human behavior and a passion for leadership. He’s held prestigious positions at places like the National University of Singapore and the University of Cambridge, where he founded the Centre on AI Technology for Humankind. This wealth of experience has given him unique insights into the challenges and opportunities that AI presents. In our conversation, we dive into his latest book, The AI Savvy Leader – Nine Ways To Take Back Control And Make AI Work. David addresses a critical issue: Many leaders today are handing over control of AI strategy to their tech teams, which can lead to a disconnect between AI initiatives and overall business strategy. His book offers a practical guide for leaders to reclaim their role in the AI transformation. It’s not about becoming a tech lead… it’s about applying timeless leadership skills — like creating a vision, effective communication, and strategic execution — in the context of AI. David emphasizes that AI should be a tool to enhance decision-making and efficiency, not a replacement for human judgment. He shares stories from his work, highlighting both the successes and pitfalls of early AI adoption. The core message is clear: Leaders need to stay engaged and proactive, ensuring that AI aligns with their organization’s values and goals. David’s approachable and insightful perspective makes complex topics accessible. He reminds us that while technology evolves rapidly, the fundamental principles of good leadership remain constant. If you’re a business leader looking to understand how to leverage AI effectively and responsibly, David De Cremer’s insights are invaluable. Enjoy the conversation…

• Running time: 1:08:55.
• Hello from beautiful Montreal.
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• Here is my conversation with David De Cremer.
• The AI Savvy Leader – Nine Ways To Take Back Control And Make AI Work.
• D’Amore-McKim School of Business at Northeastern University.
• Centre on AI Technology for Humankind.
• Follow David on LinkedIn.
• This week’s music: David Usher ‘St. Lawrence River’.

Chapters:

• 00:00 – The Importance of AI in Business Education and Leadership.
• 02:24 – Using AI as a Tool for Decision-Making and Efficiency.
• 07:06 – Challenges of AI Adoption and Implementation.
• 13:52 – Aligning Corporate Purpose with AI Comprehension.
• 37:17 – Ethical Considerations in AI Implementation.
• 39:17 – The Role of Education in Preparing AI-Savvy Leaders.
• 49:52 – Aligning AI with Human Values.
• 52:50 – The Need for Proactive Leadership in the AI Era.