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Video: How Do Leaders Navigate AI?

AI Strategy
Updated 9th August 2026 Published 29th May 2024

As AI rapidly advances, business leaders face the daunting task of handling its impacts - both the potential upsides and inevitable disruptions. In this insightful episode of Fewer Late Nights, Not Fewer Humans, 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 using 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
  • Using AI as a force-multiplier by automating routine work, not replacing human expertise

Whether you're just beginning to explore AI's potential or are already progressing, 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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