The Compass Within: Core Values, AI, and the Future of Leadership | DisrupTV Ep. 409

In DisrupTV Episode 409, hosts R “Ray” Wang and Vala Afshar explore a powerful theme: how core values—not algorithms—should guide leadership in the age of AI. Through the “Compass Within” framework, they illuminate the “Big Three” life decisions shaped by values and explore how aligning individual and organizational values can redefine leadership, culture, and the digital workplace.

Meet the Guests

Robert Glazer – Founder & Board Chairman at Acceleration Partners and #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, offering deep perspectives on leadership, personal growth, and aligning core values with professional success. Robert discusses his “Compass Within” framework for guiding life and career decisions through values.

Jim Sullivan – Executive Coach and Leadership Consultant, specializing in helping leaders and organizations clarify their values and align them with strategy, culture, and performance outcomes. Jim provides practical insights on embedding values into leadership behaviors.

Jacqueline Carter – Strategic Advisor and Organizational Development Expert, focusing on coaching, culture, and leadership development programs that foster ethical, sustainable, and human-centered organizational practices. Jacqueline explores how values-driven leadership transforms workplace culture and drives impact.

Key Takeaways

  • Values as True North – Effective leadership in AI-infused environments requires leaders to root decisions in clear, authentic values rather than reactive data points.
  • The “Big Three” Life Decisions – The episode introduces a framework of three core decisions shaped by one’s values—essential for navigating career, culture, and technology challenges.
  • Human-Centered AI – Values serve as the ethical foundation for building AI systems that enhance human experience rather than replacing human judgment.
  • Culture and Strategy Alignment – Leaders must bridge personal values with organizational vision to create workplaces that are both innovative and grounded in purpose.

Memorable Quotes

  • “What truly guides great leaders? Core values are often misunderstood—but they matter more than ever in the age of AI.” – Robert Glazer
  • “Aligning personal and organizational values can transform leadership, culture, and the future workplace.” – Vala Afshar
  • “The Compass Within framework helps us navigate critical life decisions—especially when technology accelerates change.” – Jim Sullivan
  • “When values guide decisions, culture becomes the engine for sustainable performance and innovation.” – Jacqueline Carter

Final Thoughts

Episode 409 reminds us that the next frontier of leadership demands a values-first mindset. In a world captivated by algorithms and automation, the timeless guidepost for human-centered leadership remains our internal compass—our core values.

By prioritizing values over velocity, leaders can develop AI strategies that build trust, nurture culture, and empower teams. When values and innovation coalesce, people—not just data—become transformative agents of progress.

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Business Research Themes

Data to Decisions, Future of Work, Innovation and Product-led Growth

Roles

Chief Executive Officer, Chief Information Officer, Chief Product Officer, Chief Technology Officer