kakief

[kakief]

AI Is Everywhere—But Are We Really Talking About It?

A Moment That Made Me Pause Not long ago, I led an Artificial Intelligence (AI) workshop with a group of executives. As expected, some had technical questions about AI’s practical applications in business. But what surprised me were the personal angles—leaders wondering how AI might change education for their kids, whether it would impact job security for their teams, or even how it might shift…

[kakief]

Building Sustainable Change: What Leaders Need to Know

Organizational change is a constant in today’s dynamic landscape. Whether driven by technological advancements, evolving market demands, or internal strategic shifts, the ability of an organization to adapt and thrive hinges on the successful adoption and long-term sustainability of these changes. However, the path to successful change isn’t always smooth. Several interconnected factors can…

[kakief]

Pay Attention to the Signs: What Leadership can Learn from a Sidewalk Closure

We’re often so focused on where we’re headed, we forget to question if the path is still right. The sign may be obvious—but clarity only helps when we take the time to notice it. Have you ever walked straight toward a warning sign, certain the path was still open—until you found it wasn’t? There’s something symbolic about a sidewalk that looks open but has a sign clearly telling you otherwise. It…

[kakief]

Ten Ways Transparent Leaders Earn Trust - And Results

“Trust is built on telling the truth, not telling people what they want to hear”  – Simon Sinek Business leaders collaborate around a digital globe, symbolizing the global importance of trust, open communication, and transparency in modern organizations. Have you ever been part of an organization where important decisions were made behind closed doors – and you only found out after the fact? If…

[kakief]

What Megan’s Story Reveals About Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Before we scrolled through feeds or shopped from our couches, the internet felt like an intimidating experiment. In the early ’90s, it was new, strange, and—to many—unnecessary. But those who were willing to explore the unknown helped shape the modern world. Today, Artificial Intelligence can feel just as uncertain. What if we learned from our past, and viewed AI not as a threat, but as the next…

[kakief]

Capturing Contrast: A Century in One Frame

This image of the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis was taken on a beautiful June day in 2021. I love taking pictures when the sun is bright and the skies are blue. I remember standing in the Walker Sculpture Garden, taking in the beauty around me and feeling a deep appreciation for living here and all that it has to offer. I didn’t expect this photo to be featured across the world at the World…

[kakief]

Why Samuel the Blacksmith Matters in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Today, loads of people view Artificial Intelligence with anxiety and uncertainty, fearing job loss and radical changes to our daily lives. But we have faced similar transitions before. History offers us perspective: every technological revolution has come with disruption and fear, yet it also brought unprecedented opportunity and growth. Let’s journey back to the early 19th century to understand…

[kakief]

AI Isn’t the Problem—Trust Is

Artificial Intelligence is making its way into workplaces everywhere. Tools that once seemed futuristic—AI-powered assistants, predictive analytics, automated workflows—are now just part of how businesses operate. But here’s the real challenge: It’s not the technology that’s slowing AI adoption. It’s the people. A recent Business Insider article pointed out something that many leaders are…

[kakief]

Beyond Buzzwords: Why DEI Matters for Everyone, Not Just Some

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) often get dismissed as corporate jargon or initiatives that only benefit certain groups. But DEI is more than a buzzword—it’s about building workplaces and communities where everyone can thrive. When done right, DEI fosters innovation, strengthens teams, and creates opportunities that lift all of us.   So, who truly benefits, and what’s at stake when we…

[kakief]

A Bigger Picture of DEI – Who Really Benefits and Who Gets Left Behind?

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is about more than race. It’s about access, opportunity, and the ability for everyone to thrive. Yet, DEI is at the center of heated debates right now. Some see it as unnecessary or divisive. Others believe it’s only about one group of people. But what if we took a step back? What if DEI is actually about making the world work better for all of us? I…

[kakief]

The Power of Small Acts of Kindness in Challenging Times

The past year has tested me in ways I never expected. Job searching is never easy, but in today’s climate, it is a process riddled with frustration, uncertainty, and the kind of waiting that can wear down even the most resilient spirits. Some days, optimism feels like a heavy weight to carry. But I remind myself to hold onto hope, even when it is hard. And then, in the midst of the struggle,…

[kakief]

In leadership, strength doesn’t come from uniformity—it comes from diversity, collaboration, and inclusion. A perfect metaphor for inclusive leadership is a tightly woven knot made up of different threads, each bringing its own color, texture, and strength. Inclusive Leadership: Weaving Strength Through Diversity Alone, a single thread may hold little weight. But when intertwined with others, it…

[kakief]

2025: The Year of Disruption – Are We Ready?

The pace of Artificial Intelligence (AI) innovation is not slowing down—it is accelerating. 2025 will be a year of disruption, transformation, and reinvention as organizations across industries rethink how they work, engage employees, and drive value. Are you ready for disruptive AI technology? Because it is here now. But here is the key: Technology alone is not the disruptor—our mindset…

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𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙙𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙙𝙚𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙞𝙣𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙞𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙛𝙞𝙚𝙡𝙙? 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙙𝙤𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥 𝙢𝙚𝙖𝙣 𝙩𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪?

[kakief]

AI Adoption and Leadership: Guiding Your Team Through Change

As AI continues to transform the workplace, it’s clear that adopting these technologies isn’t just about tools—it’s about people. The success of AI integration hinges on how well leaders can align technology with human needs and organizational goals. This is more than a technical shift; it’s a cultural transformation that requires thoughtful communication and trust-building. For leaders, this is…

[kakief]

#changemanagement #futurestate #changeadoption