The evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) and human connection is redefining how businesses approach transformation, culture, and leadership. In a recent webinar, Tim Morton, co-founder of Prompta AI, and Brian Gorman, an expert in organizational transformation, engaged in a thought-provoking discussion on how AI is reshaping business and workforce dynamics.
AI: A Catalyst for Change, not a Replacement for Humans
“Artificial intelligence is certainly transforming industries. It’s on top of conversation. It’s changing the business landscape,” said Tim Morton in his opening remarks. But as AI continues to evolve, the challenge isn’t just about technological adoption—it’s about ensuring human-centric transformation.
Morton emphasized the importance of inclusivity, collaboration, and innovation in integrating AI successfully: “One of the biggest challenges of adopting and integrating AI with human connection is the need to be inclusive, innovative, and collaborative. That’s what will enable successful organizations.”
The Workforce Shift: Adapting to the New Reality
The workforce is undergoing a profound shift, and AI is playing a major role in that transformation. “The nature of work is changing,” noted Brian Gorman. “The workplace is changing. People’s relationship to the work they do is changing. Covid was the catalyst. AI is the next disruptor; there is yet another around the corner.” He compared the current level of disruption to the start of the Industrial Revolution, arguing that businesses must recognize and adapt to this new era.
“We can’t ensure anything. AI is accelerating these changes, and companies that fail to adapt risk being left behind.”
One key takeaway was the importance of businesses actively guiding AI adoption rather than leaving it to chance. As Morton put it: “It’s so important not to leave AI adoption to chance. Organizations need leadership strategies in place to ensure AI is implemented in a way that enhances, rather than disrupts, workforce dynamics.”
AI as an Enabler, Not a Decision-Maker
AI is a powerful tool, but it must be seen as an enabler—not a replacement for human decision-making. “Forget intelligence. AI has us beat,” Gorman acknowledged. “What we have, though, is unique—our emotional intelligence, our ability to apply AI thoughtfully and strategically.”
This sentiment was echoed by Morton, who warned against blindly trusting AI-generated insights: “We see companies now where the only voice leadership trusts is AI. But AI should be a data point—not the gospel. Leaders need to balance institutional knowledge, experience, and intuition with AI-driven insights.”
Gorman added that AI can get things wrong, citing an example from his own research: “I was doing some research on a former client to write up a case study. AI told me their headquarters was in the wrong place—five years after they had moved.” This underscores the importance of human oversight in the application of AI.
Human-Centric Leadership in the Age of AI
As businesses integrate AI, the role of leaders is more crucial than ever. “Leadership of the past isn’t working anymore,” Gorman stated. “We need leaders who know how to build and sustain trust, who empower their teams, and who can navigate this era of rapid transformation.”
A key concern raised was burnout and overwork, exacerbated by digital transformation and AI-driven efficiencies. “Burnout is a leadership problem,” Gorman argued. “If you’re giving employees more work than is reasonable, they’re setting the priorities—not you.”
Morton highlighted a structured approach to AI adoption to combat this: “We need to think about AI adoption in terms of ‘Start, Stop, Continue, Automate.’ Leaders should examine what tasks can be automated to free up time for employees to focus on more meaningful, strategic work.”
Rethinking Culture and Collaboration
The conversation also explored how AI affects workplace culture and collaboration. “We’re seeing companies where AI implementation has actually led to less human connection,” said Morton. “People are working more in silos, engaging less, and in some cases, trust between teams is deteriorating.”
To counteract this, organizations need to focus on fostering collaboration and inclusivity. Gorman suggested looking within: “There are people in every organization who have insights on how to use AI wisely. Leaders need to ask questions and listen.”
The Future of AI & Business Transformation
Looking ahead, both speakers agreed that AI is not a passing trend—it’s the foundation of the next era of business transformation. “AI will have more and more value as we move forward, but if we lose connection with the people, we’ve lost everything,” Gorman cautioned.
The key to a thriving AI-powered organization? A balanced approach that integrates technology with human insight, emotional intelligence, and thoughtful leadership. Morton summarized this idea well: “AI is an enabler, not a solution. The organizations that will succeed are those that integrate AI to enhance human potential—not replace it.”
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Final Thoughts
The webinar provided valuable insights on how businesses can navigate AI transformation while maintaining strong human connections. As companies continue to integrate AI into their workflows, leaders must focus on trust, inclusivity, and emotional intelligence to ensure AI serves as a tool for growth rather than disruption.
The AI-human balance is not just about technology—it’s about how we use it to empower people, strengthen culture, and build a sustainable future for businesses in 2025 and beyond.
Click here to watch the webinar
Learn more about Prompta.ai and connect with Brian Gorman