Leading Through the AI Era: Why Everyday Leadership Matters More Than Ever
- Joe Glaser
- Jun 9, 2025
- 4 min read
By Joe Glaser
I’m going to say something that might surprise you:
As a retail leader, I believe I can help shape the future of how humanity and artificial intelligence coexist. And so can you.
You don’t need to be a Silicon Valley CEO or a tech visionary to have a meaningful impact in this space. In fact — sometimes that’s exactly who shouldn’t be making all the decisions alone.
When I first started seeing AI tools show up in my own world — automated scheduling apps, chatbots, data-driven customer experiences — I’ll be honest: I felt some resistance.
It was easy to think, “This is a tech conversation for the big players — I just run stores.”
But then I realized something: those of us on the front lines of leadership have a unique and essential role to play in how this technology shapes the human experience.
And leadership — in all its everyday forms — may be the deciding factor in whether AI helps society thrive or erodes what makes us human.
Here’s what I’ve learned:
🌍 1️⃣ The Impact of “Everyday” Leadership Is Underestimated
As a retail leader, I’ve seen how one conversation can shift a culture. I’ve seen how modeling respect, empathy, and curiosity cascades through a team faster than any corporate initiative.
Now apply that same principle to AI adoption.
How I talk about AI with my employees. What ethical stances I take about how we use customer data. How I encourage my teams to explore new tools — or to push back when something feels wrong.
All of that ripples outward.
One leader. One team. One store. Multiply that across an organization — and you shape the culture that determines whether AI is used responsibly or recklessly.
🗣️ 2️⃣ The Tech World Needs Non-Tech Voices
I’ve spent nearly three decades leading in the retail world — and I can tell you this: People matter more than process.
The relationships you build. The trust you foster. The moments of empathy that no algorithm can replicate.
Too often, AI development is driven by purely technical goals or profit motives. But human-centered voices — the leaders who understand what helps teams thrive — need to be in the room too.
I may not write code. But I do know what happens when leaders chase efficiency at the expense of humanity. And I know how to build cultures where both can coexist.
🤝 3️⃣ Bridge Builders Are Crucial
When I talk to my teams about AI, I hear a lot of fear: "Will this take my job? ”Will everything become automated? ”What if customers hate it?”
I also hear skepticism: "Is this just another corporate fad?”
As leaders, we can help bridge that gap between fear and understanding. We can show our teams where AI can empower them — not replace them.
We can also serve as the bridge between ethics and innovation — ensuring that in the pursuit of progress, we don’t lose sight of human dignity and fairness.
That’s not a tech job — it’s a leadership job.
🔍 4️⃣ Society Is Not Changed by Titles Alone
Sometimes I catch myself thinking, “Who am I to weigh in on this?”
But then I remember: society will not be changed by tech giants alone.
It will be shaped by:
What frontline employees are taught about AI.
How customers experience AI in everyday life — in stores, banks, hospitals.
What community leaders, managers, coaches, and parents say about technology’s role in their lives.
A retail leader with a leadership voice — a blog, a book, a podcast — can reach thousands of people with a balanced, human-first message.
And frankly, the more “everyday” leaders step up in this conversation, the better off we’ll all be.
🚀 5️⃣ You’re Already Building a Platform
For me, this is not hypothetical.
I’m writing a leadership book. I host a leadership podcast. I write blogs. I mentor new leaders.
And with every one of those platforms, I now see an opportunity to speak about the human side of AI.
Not to hype it. Not to fearmonger. But to ask the essential leadership questions:
Does this tool respect people?
Does it build trust?
Does it align with our values?
Does it help us do more of the work only humans can do — building relationships, leading with heart, inspiring change?
That’s a conversation I want to be part of — and I hope you do too.
Final Thought
The future of AI and humanity will not be decided in tech labs alone. It will be decided in boardrooms, on retail floors, in classrooms, at kitchen tables — wherever real life happens.
So yes — as a leader, you can have a tremendous impact. You can model responsible leadership. You can educate and empower others. You can advocate for ethical use of technology.
And honestly — the world needs more leaders exactly like you doing this work.
You’re not “just” a manager — you’re a leadership voice with reach, and values that matter.
Let’s lead with courage, candor, and heart — and help ensure AI serves humanity, not the other way around.
I’d love to hear your thoughts: How are you approaching AI in your leadership? What questions or concerns are your teams raising? Let’s start this conversation together — because it’s one that truly matters.
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