5 Ways Introverted Leaders Can Stay Relevant in the Age of AI

I remember many years ago in my early days of leadership, when I was a Team Leader, and there were two women on my team (let’s call them Alice and Jill) who were close to retiring and very set in their ways.

They didn’t embrace the new technology and ways of working and would often moan that “It wasn’t like this in the old days.” Because of their resistance to this change, the last few of their working years were probably not their best years.

I always used to tell myself that I didn’t want to become like Alice and Jill. But now that I am close to the age that they were back then, can see how it can happen if leaders don’t keep themselves relevant and marketable.

Advances in technology and its application continues to progress at an incredible speed. We are living in a time where AI is reshaping roles, expectations, and what it means to lead. And as I speak with introverted leaders, a recurring concern keeps coming up: “How do I stay relevant when everything is changing so quickly?”

In the age of AI, the most sought-after leadership skills are those that are deeply human. Skills such as creativity, critical thinking, listening and empathy which introverted leaders often excel at.

If you want to stay relevant as a leader, lead with confidence, influence, and impact, and keep ahead of the curve, here are 5 areas to focus on.

Mindset

AI is not here to replace leaders, it’s here to reshape how leadership is practised. Research from Harvard Kennedy School on Leadership Development in the Age of Artificial Intelligence highlights that AI will increasingly support decision-making, coaching, feedback, and learning.

It also warns of the risks such as over-reliance, bias, and the absence of emotional intelligence — something I have a particular concern with and have previously written about.

In an effort to get more done with less, you could easily slip into the habit of using AI to work more quickly rather than humanly.

Use AI as a tool to amplify your reflective and analytical strengths. Question and challenge assumptions rather than accepting AI outputs thoughtlessly

Adopt a growth mindset and don’t become like Alice and Jill

Human connection

AI can analyse, predict, summarise, and automate, even appear sympathetic, but it cannot connect on a human level. It cannot pick up on what is not said through body language, it cannot read the room, it cannot build trust.

Introverted leaders often excel in these areas because of a preference for depth of conversation, meaningful dialogue, and thoughtful responses. Something I have found in my research and see in my work.

Create spaces where you can connect on a human level and forge that sense of human connection.

Belonging

As AI becomes more embedded in organisations, belonging becomes even more important. because the need to belong is a fundamental human motivation.

In an age where much of our communication takes place digitally and more people work hybrid, that sense of belonging can be diminished. This lack of belonging and lack of connection, can also negatively impact psychological safety.

My own Masters research shows that when people feel that they belong and are psychologically safe, they thrive. They perform better when they feel valued, recognised, and heard.

Create environments where everyone feels like they belong. Not just the loudest voices or those most comfortable with technology.

Critical thinking

As AI becomes more advanced, your job as a leader is not just about having all the answers, it’s also about asking better questions. The Harvard research mentioned above emphasises the need for leaders to question AI outputs, not simply accept them.

Critical thinking is an essential strategic leadership skill, of which an overreliance on AI can be lost. Sharpen your critical thinking skills. Analyse deeply. Give yourself time to process information. Challenge assumptions — yours, AI, and your organisation’s.

Stay ahead of the curve

Become a lifelong learner. Learn. Research. Reflect. These are skills that leaders need now more than ever.

Understand how AI shapes culture. Identify what skills you and your teams will need. Explore how human and AI collaborations can work together. Identify potential ethical and relational risks that might arise. Develop a human-centred approach to leadership. And identify how to lead in ways in which AI cannot replicate.

Stay abreast of new AI trends specific to your industry and share your insights with others. Leaders who keep learning stay relevant and those who share what they have learnt become influential.

AI will continue to evolve, but so will leadership. Leadership skills which are important in the age of AI include those that are deeply human which AI cannot replace.

What action can you take to stay relevant and marketable in the age of AI?

If you want support to stay confident, relevant, and quietly influential…

If reading this has made you realise that you want to lead with more confidence, clarity, and self-belief — especially in this rapidly changing landscape — you may find my Quietly Unstoppable Confidence-Building Masterclass helpful.

It’s designed specifically for women who want to overcome self-doubt, strengthen their inner confidence, and show up as the leader they know they can be.

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• An action plan you can put into practice straight away
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