Artificial Intelligence in Business: Balancing Innovation with Humanity

Last week, I had the privilege of attending an exclusive event hosted by Business Sydney and NIDA Corporate Training. The focus? Exploring how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the business landscape and, crucially, how we can ensure that the “human touch” remains at the heart of our workplaces.

As businesses increasingly embrace AI to streamline operations and enhance decision-making, there’s a pressing question for leaders and board members: How do we balance technological innovation with the need to nurture people and preserve our organizational culture?

Key Insights from the Panel Discussion

The event brought together an impressive panel of experts:

•  Hon. Victor Dominello, former NSW Government Minister and founder of ServiceGen

•  Louise Cummins, Chief Marketing Officer, World Vision Australia

•  Tom Pagram and Jen Hookey, Partners at PwC Australia specializing in AI and Data Analytics

•  Moderated by Terri Martin, Head of NIDA Corporate Training

The panelists highlighted both the opportunities and risks associated with AI adoption. While AI can drive efficiency, enhance customer experiences, and uncover new growth opportunities, there’s a real risk of losing the human connection that makes organizations thrive.

One recurring theme was the role of leadership in guiding organizations through this transformation. Leaders must ask: Are we using AI to empower our teams, or are we unintentionally creating barriers to meaningful communication and collaboration?

Human Connection: The Ultimate Competitive Advantage

Following the panel, we participated in an interactive NIDA workshop, Developing Rapport – human connection in the workplace. This session was a powerful reminder of the irreplaceable value of human connection in building trust, collaboration, and strong teams.

The workshop explored practical skills for developing rapport, reinforcing that even in an AI-driven world, leadership and communication remain fundamentally human endeavors.

What’s Next for Leaders and Boards?

For leaders and board members, the message was clear: AI is not just a technology to implement; it’s a transformation to lead. Here are some questions to consider as you navigate this journey:

1.  How are we using AI to enhance—not replace—human capabilities?

2.  Are we investing in our people and culture to balance technological change?

3.  What strategies do we have in place to maintain meaningful connections with customers and teams?

As someone who serves on boards and consults with organizations on strategy and transformation, I found this event particularly valuable. It reaffirmed that while AI is reshaping the way we work, the future of business success still depends on our ability to lead with empathy, vision, and purpose.

Let’s Continue the Conversation

If you’re exploring how to navigate AI in your organization or board role, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Feel free to reach out or connect with me on LinkedIn. Together, we can shape a future where innovation and humanity go hand in hand.