Leading in Real Time: Thriving Amidst the Machines | DisrupTV Ep. 414

This week on DisrupTV, we sat down with trailblazers who are redefining what’s next for business and technology:

  • Dolo Miah, CEO of Linebreak
  • Margaret C. Andrews, author of Manage Yourself to Lead Others: Why Great Leadership Begins with Self-Understanding
  • Jon Reed, Co-founder of diginomica

In this episode, we explore what it takes to lead—and stay human—in the age of AI. Our guests unpack the real-time revolution transforming enterprises, why self-awareness and empathy separate great leaders from good ones, and how organizations can thrive amidst intelligent machines. From the myths of AI project success to the power of mindfulness and culture, this episode dives deep into what makes leadership indispensable in a world that never stops moving.

Key Takeaways

1. Real-Time Enterprises: The Competitive Edge

Dolo Miah emphasized the importance of building real-time enterprises. Referencing a MIT study, Dolo noted that high-performing real-time businesses experience significantly improved revenue growth and profitability. Key points include:

  • The necessity of a machine-scale pseudo operating model that can sense, understand, and act across distributed environments.
  • The application of OODA loops (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act) in complex systems like autonomous vehicles and manufacturing assembly lines.
  • Implementing predictive maintenance to minimize operational disruptions and maximize efficiency.
  • Adapting to Black Swan and mini Black Swan events through rapid, intelligent decision-making.

2. Leadership and Self-Awareness

Margaret C. Andrews highlighted that 85% of effective leadership traits are interpersonal skills, with self-awareness at the core. Key takeaways include:

  • Understanding your personal values, life purpose, and backstory enhances leadership impact.
  • Great bosses are recognized for trustworthiness, mentorship, and the ability to see potential in their teams.
  • Leadership is a creative exercise, requiring continuous reflection on how to motivate diverse individuals.
  • Parenting and life experiences can deepen leaders’ emotional intelligence and empathy in the workplace.

3. Demystifying AI in the Enterprise

Jon Reed addressed the potential and limitations of AI in business:

  • AI can improve operational efficiency and free human resources for higher-value tasks.
  • Agentic AI, when combined with deterministic RPA and human supervision, can drive measurable impact while avoiding over-reliance on automation.
  • Enterprises must balance human expertise and machine capabilities, ensuring humans remain indispensable in decision-making and creativity.
  • AI adoption requires domain knowledge, self-awareness, and adaptability to harness its full potential.

4. Balancing Humans and Machines

The panel explored how the workplace is evolving with AI:

  • Automation and AI will redefine jobs, requiring humans to focus on problem-solving, creativity, and ethical decision-making.
  • Young professionals should embrace AI to solve new challenges rather than fear it.
  • Leaders like Jon advocate for using AI ethically and compassionately, emphasizing kindness and positive societal impact alongside efficiency gains.

Actionable Takeaways

  • Explore real-time enterprise strategies in your industry to enhance responsiveness and profitability.
  • Incorporate self-awareness into leadership development programs, focusing on interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.
  • Leverage AI thoughtfully, balancing automation with human creativity and strategic decision-making.

Final Thoughts

DisrupTV Episode 414 underscores a crucial reality: the future of business success hinges on the balance between human insight and technological capability. Real-time enterprises set the benchmark for agility, while self-aware leaders foster creativity, trust, and engagement. AI is a powerful enabler—but humans must remain strategic, ethical, and adaptable to leverage its full potential. Leaders who embrace these principles will not only drive profitability but also cultivate resilient, purpose-driven teams capable of thriving in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Related Episodes

If you found Episode 414 valuable, here are a few others that align in theme or extend similar conversations:

 

Business Research Themes

Future of Work, New C-Suite, Tech Optimization

Roles

Chief Analytics Officer, Chief Digital Officer, Chief Executive Officer, Chief People Officer, Chief Technology Officer