Charlene Li joins Dusty to explore what decades of navigating disruption can teach leaders about the rapidly evolving age of AI. Drawing on her experience at Forrester, founding Altimeter, and advising executives through successive waves of technological change, Charlene argues that leaders should stop chasing every new AI tool and start with the problems they actually need to solve. She explains why AI fluency comes through practice rather than mastery, how leaders can overcome the competing forces of FOMO and FIGO (fear of getting involved), and why vision, strategy, judgment, openness, and human connection become even more important as technology accelerates. The conversation also examines Charlene's own leadership failures and lessons, including a painful layoff at Altimeter, and why honesty, fairness, confidence, curiosity, and the willingness to move forward without perfect information are essential during uncertainty. Ultimately, Charlene challenges leaders to see AI not simply as a tool for efficiency, but as an opportunity to unlock human potential, create possibilities that previously didn't exist, and lead disruptive change with greater courage and intention.
Key Timestamps:
(
04:25) – Design Thinking Sales
(
09:02) – Origin of Disruption
(
13:25) – Altimeter Value Wedge
(
15:34) – Open Leadership Culture
(
19:43) – Three Questions for Leaders
(
20:53) – AI Hesitancy Gap
(
37:06) – AI Fluency Challenge
(
47:01) – Leading Through AI Uncertainty
(
51:45) – Rapid-Fire Wisdom
Key Topics Discussed:
Leadership Unlocked, Leadership Insights, Dusty Holcomb, Servant Leadership Principles, Self-Leadership Strategies, Growth Mindset in Leadership, Integrity and Leadership, Leadership Development Resources, Effective Leadership Habits, Empowering Leadership Techniques, Senior Executive Insights, Leadership Quotes and Reflections, Leadership Podcast, Executive Coaching, CEO Podcast, Business Leadership, Leadership Growth, Leadership Journey, Stories From Leaders, Leadership Tools, High-Performing Teams, Leadership Mindset, Decision Making, Personal Growth, Leadership Coaching, Organizational Leadership
Mentions:
Mentions:
Winning with AI: The 90-Day Blueprint for Success by Charlene Li and Dr. Katia Walsh
Groundswell: Winning in a World Transformed by Social Technologies by Charlene Li
Open Leadership: How Social Technology Can Transform the Way You Lead by Charlene Li
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
More of Leadership Unlocked:
What is Leadership Unlocked: How Leaders Win in the Era of AI?
Leadership Unlocked is a leadership podcast about the moments that shape how real leaders grow. Hosted by executive coach & strategist Dusty Holcomb, it features real stories and honest conversations with CEOs, founders, and senior leaders navigating real-world challenges and growth.
Each episode delivers real-world leadership insights, stories from leaders in the field, and practical tools for high-performing teams—making it a must-listen for anyone serious about leadership development.
Whether you're leading a company, a team, or yourself, you'll walk away with something you can use right now.
New episodes weekly. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts or visit ArcqusGroup.com/podcast to learn more.