Inspiring Leaders Podcast: Leadership in the Age of AI

Rob Hornby, Co-CEO of AlixPartners and Rita Clifton CBE, Portfolio Chair and Non-Executive Director (including Deputy Chair of the John Lewis Partnership, Chair of Simplyhealth, Chair of the international sustainability organisation Forum for the Future, Visiting Fellow at Saïd Business School University of Oxford, Fellow and former Trustee of WWF-UK, Board Trustee of Green Alliance and Criticaleye Board Mentor) join Criticaleye’s Senior Editor Bridgette Hall to discuss what it takes to lead successfully in a digital world.

As technology continues to transform every aspect of business, leaders are under growing pressure to balance innovation with ethics, human connection and cultural change. Rob and Rita explore how leaders can build empowered teams, retain top talent and drive organisational transformation while navigating the complexities of AI, automation and data-driven decision making.

Discussion points include:

• How technology is reshaping organisations and the ways executives and Boards lead
• The ethical dilemmas surrounding AI, data and automation – and how leaders can ensure inclusivity and people-centred progress
• The growing importance of human and empathetic leadership in a tech-driven era
• How traditional sectors can adapt, foster resilience and integrate new technologies without destabilising core operations
• The key traits leaders need to thrive amid digital disruption
• The role of Boards in supporting executives through digital evolution and complex decision making
• Why benchmarking and learning from peers is critical in a fast-changing environment
• Final reflections on how leaders can inspire cultural change and build teams equipped for the future