AI doesn’t have to be a layoff story. it can be a growth story. In this episode of Collaborative Culture, hosts Dr. Kristine McKenzie Gentry and Monica M. Smith explore what it means to lead AI adoption with your culture front and center.

They discuss how leaders can turn the AI revolution into a moment for innovation, inclusion, and trust — not fear.

You’ll learn how to:

• Build a culture-first AI strategy that aligns with your company’s values and long-term goals
• Engage employees as co-creators in AI transformation
• Avoid “spreadsheet-style” leadership that undermines innovation
• Recognize and reward the human expertise that drives technological success

Whether you’re an executive, HR leader, or entrepreneur, this episode offers a roadmap to integrating AI without losing the heart of your culture.

Episode Highlights:

• (01:31) What it means to lead with a culture-first AI strategy
• (04:45) Why innovation and culture are inseparable in the AI era
• (06:37) How leaders can anchor AI transformation in company purpose
• (09:24) Change management pitfalls — and why 70% of initiatives fail
• (15:20) Retaining talent in the age of automation
• (18:19) Lessons from Chevron’s Hess acquisition and culture’s impact on performance
• (20:22) Practical steps for leaders: assess readiness, foster dialogue, build innovation teams

Referenced Resources:

• Ranjay Gulati on Deep Purpose (Harvard Business Review Press)
• Charles O’Reilly on Innovation Culture (Stanford Graduate School of Business)
• MIT Sloan Management Review Podcast (Episode link in show notes)

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Thanks for Listening!

We’d love to hear from you.

Kristine Gentry, PhD

kgentry@culturegrove.com

🌐 www.culturegrove.com

🔗 LinkedIn: Kristine McKenzie Gentry

Monica M. Smith

tradewindscareerconsulting@gmai.com

🌐 www.tradewindscareerconsulting.com

🔗 LinkedIn: Monica Mary Smith

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