Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 02/23/2025.
As AI and automation increasingly dominate, the old top-down, transactional ways of leading no longer work. This talk would challenge leaders to focus on building genuine human connection and emotional intelligence as the key leadership skills of the future.
Key Takeaways:
Why traditional management techniques fail in a world driven by AI and automation.
The need for leaders to prioritize connection and empathy in a digitally overloaded environment.
How leaders can adapt by integrating emotional intelligence with tech advancements.
The rigid, hierarchical leadership structures of the past no longer foster innovation and agility. This talk challenges leaders to break away from outdated models and embrace new, flexible ways of leading, focusing on collaboration, adaptability, and fluid roles. Music serves as a metaphor, where leaders must sometimes step back and let others take the lead.
Key Takeaways:
Why the old top-down, control-based leadership models no longer work.
Utilizing the principles of music to improvise (like the best musicians do).
Learning how to actively listen versus passively listen.
How to foster a culture of collaboration and adaptability without rigid hierarchies.
Leading in a flat, decentralized, and remote-first work environment.
How the power of listening unleashes the power to lead.
Old leadership models based on control, compliance, and data-driven efficiency fall short in the age of AI. This talk argues that to lead in the future, leaders need to balance the precision of AI with human creativity, empathy, and connection—skills that machines can’t replicate.
Key Takeaways:
Harness music to blend the strengths of AI with the irreplaceable human touch.
Integrate the teachings of music, such as the Ensemble Method, with technological innovations to leverage AI’s power without losing the humanity of Human Resources.
The importance of leading with heart, empathy, and creativity in the age of AI.
How to blend the strengths of technology with key characteristics that only humans can share.
AI’s ability to increase productivity, provide clearer and better ways to communicate, and offer data analysis.
The old one-size-fits-all leadership model doesn’t work across today’s multi-generational workforce, where values, motivations, and communication styles vary drastically. This talk focuses on how leaders can leverage the strengths of each generation to create high-performing, innovative teams.
Key Takeaways:
Why outdated leadership approaches don’t resonate with a multi-generational workforce.
How to build inclusive, cross-generational teams that leverage diverse perspectives.
Practical strategies for leading Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, and Boomers in harmony.
Corporate norms rooted in bureaucracy, risk-aversion, and top-down leadership are failing in today’s fast-moving world. This keynote invites leaders to reject the outdated systems that hold them back and embrace bold, authentic leadership that fosters innovation and agility.
Key Takeaways:
Why the old ways of working and leading stifle innovation and engagement.
How to break free from outdated corporate norms and lead with authenticity.
Creating a culture where creativity, risk-taking, and transparency are rewarded.
Stephen J. Kohler is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Amplifying Human Connection in a Digitally Disconnected World, Breaking the Leadership Mold: Innovating in a Post-Hierarchy World , Leading with Humanity: The New Leadership Imperative in the Age of AI, Cross-Generational Leadership: Harmonizing Diverse Voices in the New Workforce and The Courage to Break Corporate Norms: Leading with Authenticity and Innovation. The estimated speaking fee range to book Stephen J. Kohler for your event is $10,000 - $20,000. Stephen J. Kohler generally travels from Chicago, IL, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Tara LaFon Gooch, MBA, Sherry Winn, Coach Tiarra, Rashad Rayford and Clara Capano. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Stephen J. Kohler for an upcoming live or virtual event.
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