The Human Side of AI in Business with Steve Cadigan

In this powerful episode, I’m joined by Steve Cadigan, LinkedIn’s First Chief HR Officer, best-selling author, thought leader and talent strategist. We dive into how AI can align with our organizational values like customer service, integrity, and collaboration. We explore how AI can create new roles and opportunities while emphasizing the importance of developing our unique human skills like leadership and communication. We also discuss practical strategies for building a healthier and more sustainable relationship with technology and how AI can empower senior workers, bridge generational gaps, and drive transformational change for businesses.

Guest Introduction

Steve Cadigan is an incredible talent advisor, speaker, and author. As the former CHRO at LinkedIn, he played a massive role in shaping the company’s culture and success. With over 25 years of HR leadership experience, Steve founded Cadigan Talent Ventures, where he works with organizations like Google, Cisco, and Manchester United. He’s passionate about using AI to enhance humanity, not replace it, and he’s the author of Workquake, a must-read book on the future of work and business transformation.

The Human Side of AI in Business – Key Takeaways

• AI should align with core values like integrity, teamwork, and service to truly support transformational growth.
• We’ll see AI open up opportunities that focus on unique human strengths, such as leadership, communication, and empathy, especially important in online coaching businesses.
• Before looking outside for talent, use AI to map and uncover your team’s internal skills and capabilities.
• AI offers a chance to rethink how technology enhances lives, relationships, and business scaling strategies.
• Seniors bring irreplaceable human experience and connection skills, which AI cannot replicate, creating new opportunities in the workforce.

AI and Humanity: Building a Healthy Relationship

AI should serve us by making our lives more meaningful and reducing stress, not increasing it. It’s an opportunity to improve relationships, both personally and professionally, and create more balanced lives. For transformational coaches and business leaders, leveraging AI effectively can mean deeper connections with clients, fostering trust, and delivering greater value.

Generational Impacts of AI

Steve shared fascinating insights on how AI could be a game-changer for older workers. Seniors bring skills like empathy, experience, and pattern recognition that AI cannot replicate. Younger generations may shift their focus to humanities and power skills, creating a workplace where different generations thrive together. This shift can bring new perspectives and approaches to transformational coaching and online businesses.

Key Quotes

• “We’re not just cutting jobs; we’re rethinking how technology can help us build more enriching relationships.”
• “AI can’t replace what makes us uniquely human—our empathy, leadership, and ability to connect.”
• “Seniors have the human skills AI can’t replicate—this could swing the pendulum in their favor.”
• “Winning back our relationship with technology is essential for our collective well-being.”
• “Experimentation isn’t just a strategy—it’s a survival skill in today’s fast-evolving AI landscape.”

Resources Mentioned

• Steve’s website: stevecadigan.com 
• Follow Steve on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cadigan 
• Follow Steve on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stevecadigan 
• Get Steve’s book on Amazon here
• Join my upcoming free LIVE workshop: lindseya.com/workshop