How Does AI Make You Feel?
“Everyday, I think, I'm living in science fiction. It's already here,” said the senior software leader. To him, it’s awe inspiring, and chilling. This leader is excited about AI, deeply invested in helping his organization use it well, and it makes him deeply anxious. He believes the future is on the line. His name is 🌊 Lee Gonzales and you'll learn more about him in a couple weeks.
If 21st-century capitalism has one core rule, it’s that innovation rules, and disruption drives progress. But disruption also drives anxiety. As Brené Brown recently said, “If you’re not feeling unsettled, you’re probably not paying attention.” Wow, does that ring true. The only way we “win” the AI race in favor of humanity is if we honor our most human trait: our emotions, unsettled and uncomfortable as they are.
In my new article for Harvard Business Review, “Why AI Makes Us So Anxious” I explore why even the most pro-technology leaders are feeling unsettled right now. AI is transforming our work and our sense of control, purpose, and meaning—and it’s happening fast. AI gets smarter every day, while we… don’t.
The leaders I talk to tell me they’re excited about what AI can do and deeply uneasy about what it means. They’re using it daily, relying on it, even — and still wondering what it might take away. They feel anger, fear, anxiety, grief. AI clashes with values they hold dear. These mixed emotions aren’t a sign of weakness. They’re a sign you’re paying attention.
In part I of the piece, I share practical tools to help you unpack your own AI-related anxiety, understand what values are being challenged, and choose what actions you might take. Part II will guide you on how to lead your teams with clarity and compassion through massive change. Because managing AI anxiety isn’t about suppressing fear; it’s about using it wisely.
👉 Read the full article in Harvard Business Review.
How do you feel about AI and the future of… everything? Tell me!
Morra
P.S.: Want to dig in? Here’s a handful of questions to help dig into your specific emotions:
How do I feel about AI in general? What excites me? What worries me?
Am I anxious about losing relevance as a leader or am I excited to see what’s next…or a little of both?
Do I worry about pressure to cut jobs either now or in the future?
Do I trust my company to make good decisions when it comes to implementing AI?
What feels uncertain about my company’s AI strategy right now? How does that make me feel?
How does my team feel about AI?
Am I overwhelmed by the speed of change?