So are the questions we ask ourselves and our AI tools.

When people talk about AI and leadership, the conversation often starts with tools:
“What’s the best AI for writing emails?”
“Which one summarizes meetings fastest?”

But the real shift isn’t in the tech.
It’s in how leaders are beginning to think with AI, not just through it.

This is a fundamental change.

From assistant → to co-thinker

A few years ago, AI was something most leaders delegated to their teams.
Now, the most thoughtful leaders I coach are integrating AI into how they reflect, decide, and grow—even at the most senior levels.

Not to replace their voice.
But to hear it more clearly.

They’re using AI to:

• Mirror their thinking back to them.

• Challenge assumptions without judgment.

• Explore scenarios and consequences, faster.

• Refine messages before they ripple through a team.
  

In short, they’re not outsourcing leadership—they’re enhancing the clarity with which they lead.

What makes AI agentic?

It’s not about the tech being autonomous.
It’s about how leaders invite it into the decision-making process—as a kind of reflective partner.

Here’s what that might look like:

• Before finalizing a big change, asking AI:
  “What other angles am I not seeing?”

• Using AI to simulate how different stakeholders might react to a message.

• Pairing strategy sessions with an AI thought partner—not for answers, but for perspective.
  

The result?
More confident decisions.
Less noise.
A deeper habit of slowing down to think better.

Where to begin

You don’t need to be an AI expert to lead this way.
Start small.

Try this:
Before your next team decision, ask ChatGPT:
“Challenge my thinking on this.”
Then reflect: Did it surface anything useful? Did it shift your framing?

After a leadership conversation, prompt:
“Summarize the key concerns this person might walk away with.”
Use that insight to inform your next step.

This isn’t magic.
It’s just a modern mirror—one that works best when we show up curious and open.

Leadership isn't about having all the answers.

It’s about learning how to ask better questions—with the right partners.

Some of those partners are human.
And now, some are not.

And the more intentional we become with both?
The more resilient, clear, and future-ready our leadership becomes.

Feeling like your meetings and leadership rhythm could use a reset?

Sometimes, all it takes is a short pause and honest reflection to spot what’s working, and what’s getting in the way.