Listen "Psychological Safety in the Age of AI (S1E18)"
Episode Synopsis
In this episode of My BrainWise Coach, hosts Cole Bastian and Phil Dixon discuss the exciting and sometimes daunting topic of AI transformation. Reflecting on their recent exploration of trust and its rebuilding, the hosts pivot to delve into the neuroscience of managing and leading through technology shifts, particularly AI. The conversation covers the impact of AI on individual roles and organizational structures, and strategies to navigate these changes with empathy and effective communication. They also touch on the broader implications of such transformations on personal identity, psychological safety, stress management, and fostering curiosity. To celebrate reaching 500 subscribers, the hosts announce a contest to give away five copies of Phil's book and an invitation to their upcoming BrainWise coffee and chat event. Reflection questions and actionable tips for managing change are also provided to enrich the listeners' experience.00:00 Introduction and Recent Topics Recap01:45 Phil's Kitchen Woes and BrainWise Moments06:31 Celebrating Milestones and Announcing a Contest12:39 The Neuroscience of AI Transformation16:40 Understanding Identity and Change23:15 Leadership Strategies for AI Transformation28:40 Unlearning Old Habits with AI30:22 The Role of Curiosity in Innovation34:21 Managing Stress and Burnout37:53 Personalized Learning and Adaptation45:37 Balancing Compassion and Accountability48:59 Redefining Success in the AI Era54:55 Reflection and Moving Forward59:33 Conclusion and Contest AnnouncementMajor Takeaways and BrainWise TipsEmbrace Small Predictabilities: Amidst uncertainty, create small, predictable routines to ground yourself. Rituals such as mindfulness or regular check-ins can help maintain a sense of safety and readiness to learn.Identity Beyond Work: Remember, job roles are just one part of who you are. Reaffirm your identity in more stable aspects of your life, such as relationships or hobbies, to buffer against role-related changes.The Power of Empathy and Over-Communication: If you're a leader, practice empathy and clear, frequent communication. Admit what you don’t know and commit to informing your team when more is learned. This transparency builds trust and reduces fear.Unlearning vs. Learning: Unlearning old habits may be challenging but is essential when integrating AI. Approach tasks with curiosity, asking how AI can enhance efficiency rather than fearing it.Curiosity as a Catalyst: Let curiosity drive your exploration of AI. Inquisitiveness can transform fear of the unknown into opportunities for innovation and personal growth.Avoid Burnout: Manage stress by balancing work with relaxation and self-care practices. Utilize techniques like humor and nature exposure to reset and refresh your mind.The Importance of Storytelling: Leverage stories to help reframe fears into possibilities. Personalize stories to your audience, allowing for unique interpretations that foster connection and understanding.Maintaining Psychological Safety: In times of AI transformation, cultivate a culture of psychological safety. Encouraging open dialogue where team members feel safe to express concerns is vital for fostering innovation.Balancing Compassion and Accountability: Leaders must juggle compassion for your team's struggles with holding them accountable. This dual focus helps maintain productivity while supporting emotional well-being.Redefining Success: Success in the AI era goes beyond mere output. Focus on the impact and quality of decisions, leveraging human strengths like empathy, creativity, and discernment.
More episodes of the podcast My BrainWise Coach
How Trust Works in the Brain (S1E16)
13/10/2025
Learn How Your Brain Actually Works (S1E15)
06/10/2025
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