Thrive Through Disruption: How Leaders Boldly Stay Ahead in the Rapidly Changing Era of AI

Leadership + Artificial Intelligence + Future of Work 

AI is reshaping every industry, every business model, and every competitive advantage you thought was secure. The leaders who win the next decade are the ones who learn to harness the power of emerging technologies. In this electrifying keynote, Future of Work strategist and HBR Press author Josh Drean shows your audience how to move past incremental thinking and practically embrace AI-driven transformation with clarity and confidence at the speed you need to embrace.

Drawing from global research, executive advisory work, and real-world case studies from the world’s most innovative organizations, Josh reveals the emerging technologies that matter now, and the mindset leaders need to implement them before they’re outpaced. He translates cutting-edge trends into simple, actionable strategies any organization can use to accelerate growth and increase resilience to unlock next-level performance. 

Josh brings an energetic, story-rich delivery shaped by his background as a performer and international keynote speaker, creating a dynamic experience that keeps audiences laughing and thinking differently about what’s possible. Attendees walk away with a blueprint they can act on immediately, equipped to make smarter decisions to empower their teams and build an organization capable of thriving through whatever comes next.

Audience Takeaways

1. How to spot and capitalize on emerging trends before competitors do
2. A simple framework for integrating AI and other disruptive technologies
3. Why adaptability, not efficiency, is the new currency of high-performing organizations
4. How to build teams and cultures that remain resilient under pressure
5. Clear next steps to lead confidently through the next wave of change

THE ERA OF HUMAN+: Amplifying Human Potential Through AI

Artificial Intelligence

In a world increasingly shaped by AI, the role of humans at work is evolving. 

AI has the power to take on repetitive, mundane tasks, freeing people to focus on creativity, strategic thinking, and human connection. Yet, many organizations misstep by viewing AI solely as a replacement for human labor, focusing on cost-cutting instead of growth.

In this keynote, Josh Drean redefines the relationship between humans and AI, showing how organizations can harness this technology to augment, rather than replace, human potential. By creating systems that enhance adaptability, creativity, and innovation, leaders can bridge the gap between the rapid pace of technological advancement and the irreplaceable value of the human touch. This session challenges leaders to move beyond automation for efficiency and instead embrace AI as a tool for amplifying human capabilities to unlock new levels of productivity and innovation.

Through relatable examples, actionable frameworks, and inspiring insights, this session offers a roadmap for integrating AI in a way that benefits both employees and organizations.

Key Focus Areas:

• AI as an Amplifier, Not a Replacement: The role of AI in enhancing human skills and decision-making rather than replacing jobs.
• Real-World Case Studies: Exploring how leading organizations are leveraging AI to drive better outcomes for both employees and businesses.
• Transforming Employee Experience Through AI: How AI tools can immediately and tangibly improve the way people work by reducing friction and enhancing engagement.
• Balancing Technology with Humanity: Ensuring that AI adoption aligns with organizational values and prioritizes the human touch.

This Keynote is For:

• C-suite leaders exploring the transformative potential of AI for their organizations.
• HR professionals seeking to integrate AI into employee experience strategies.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this keynote, participants will understand how to use AI as a force multiplier for human potential and leave equipped with actionable strategies to implement in their organizations.

Leading in the New Era: Adapting to the Workforce of Tomorrow

Leadership

Leadership is evolving. In today’s workplace, traditional models of command and control are giving way to approaches rooted in empathy, adaptability, and vision.

Leaders are grappling with unprecedented challenges, technological advancements, changing workforce dynamics, and the growing demand for purpose-driven cultures. The stakes are high: the ability to lead effectively in this era of transformation can mean the difference between thriving and falling behind.

In this keynote, Josh challenges leaders to redefine their roles in a rapidly changing world. By embracing change, fostering human-centric leadership, and cultivating cultures of trust and innovation, today’s leaders can guide their teams through uncertainty while inspiring growth and resilience. Let’s redefine leadership for a new era. Together, we can inspire teams, cultivate trust, and navigate the future of work with confidence.

Key Focus Areas:

• AA Shift in Leadership: Moving from authority-driven to influence-driven leadership to meet the expectations of today’s workforce.
• Navigating Workforce Disruption: How to lead effectively amidst hybrid work, decentralization, and generational shifts in the workplace.
• Building Cultures of Trust and Purpose: Why employees are demanding more from their work—and how leaders can deliver.
• Balancing Technology and Humanity: Integrating AI, Web3, and other technologies without losing sight of the human element in decision-making and collaboration.

Audience:

• C-suite executives leading transformation initiatives in their organizations.
• Managers and team leaders seeking to elevate their leadership approach.
• HR professionals supporting leadership development and cultural change.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this keynote, leaders will have a deeper understanding of what it takes to inspire and empower their teams in today’s workplace.

1. Adapting to a Changing Workforce
2. Building Cultures of Purpose and Trust
3. Leveraging Disruption for Growth