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Video: How Do Leaders Navigate AI?

Last updated 15 April 2026 Published 29 May 2024

As AI rapidly advances, business leaders face the daunting task of navigating its impacts - both the potential upsides and inevitable disruptions. In this insightful episode of The AI-Powered Business Leader, Alastair McDermott sits down with Joanna Pineda, CEO and "Chief Troublemaker" at Matrix Group, a digital agency serving associations and nonprofits.

Joanna provides a refreshingly candid perspective on the role of AI in her company's deliberate strategy to "reinvent" itself every 3-4 years to stay ahead of technological shifts. She shares how Matrix has fostered an environment of open communication and experimentation around AI tools, from productivity aids to potential new AI-powered services.

The conversation dives into the often-avoided elephant in the room - the impact of AI on jobs and employees' valid concerns about getting displaced. Joanna offers a pragmatic approach centred on transparency, continuous learning, and leveraging AI for growth rather than layoffs.

You'll gain valuable insights on:

  • - Creating a culture that embraces AI experimentation while addressing ethical considerations like data privacy
  • Practical ways to upskill teams and help them develop an "AI-augmented" mindset
  • How to have honest conversations about AI's impacts without stoking panic
  • Leveraging AI as a force-multiplier by automating grunt work, not replacing human expertise

Whether you're just beginning to explore AI's potential or are already on the journey, this candid discussion will equip you with a balanced, human-centric framework for leading your organisation into the AI-powered future.

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