On the latest episode of Fortune’s podcast Leadership Next, a new chapter unfolds as Diane Brady, executive editorial director of the Fortune CEO Initiative and Fortune Live Media, introduces her co-host Kristin Stoller, editorial director. The sixth season kicks off with a powerful discussion featuring Jason Girzadas, CEO of Deloitte US, the show’s sponsor. Together, they delve into the pressing concerns likely to shape business leadership in the year ahead.
The AI Revolution
A central theme of their conversation is artificial intelligence (AI), which is poised to dominate discussions among business leaders. Stoller predicts that AI will continue its significant influence, a sentiment echoed in Brady’s recollections of engaging interviews from the previous year, including a thought-provoking chat with Marc Benioff of Salesforce about the transformative power of agentic AI.
In 2024, conversations surrounding AI permeated nearly every episode, highlighting its profound implications for business operations. Leaders recognized AI not just as a tool, but as a potential paradigm shift in how work gets done—transforming job roles, enhancing productivity, and influencing company structures.
Shifting Workforce Dynamics
As the discussion continues, the impact of AI on the workforce becomes a focal point. Stoller shares insights from various CHROs and executives, revealing a shared apprehension and excitement regarding the automation of tasks. For Girzadas, automation raises important questions about job fulfillment; while it promises to alleviate mundane tasks, it also challenges the very fabric of workplace satisfaction.
The podcast illustrates the complexities of integrating AI into the workplace, encouraging listeners to think critically about labor dynamics and job design. Will the automation of certain roles lead to an increase in happiness among workers or a loss of traditional job satisfaction found in routine tasks? These questions evoke a spirited debate on the psychological implications for a workforce that must adapt to rapid technological changes.
Legacy Brands and Reinventing History
The trio also discusses the reinvention of legacy brands in a landscape increasingly dominated by innovation. Both Brady and Stoller highlight how companies with rich histories, like Deloitte, are navigating this challenging environment. They explore how organizations are adopting new technologies while holding onto the core values that underpinned their success.
Girzadas emphasizes the importance of legacy brands recognizing the need for continuous learning and leveraging new technologies as a path to renewal. As brands face competition from agile newcomers, the conversation reflects a sense of urgency; traditional businesses must evolve or risk obsolescence.
Mergers, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships are hinted at as essential strategies for legacy brands to reinvigorate their market presence. Observations of recent bankruptcies, like Red Lobster and TGI Friday’s, illustrate the delicate balance between nostalgia and innovation in attracting today’s consumers.
Economic Outlook and Geopolitical Challenges
Optimism emerges as a powerful theme in Girzadas’ outlook for the year, contrasting last year’s anxieties. However, he stresses the importance of being cautiously optimistic, given the geopolitical volatility currently affecting the global business landscape. The dialogue reflects a realization that while there are promising technologies and market conditions, external factors such as international conflicts will inevitably influence business strategies.
The podcast takes listeners further into discussions around climate change, the energy transition, and the urgent need for businesses to address these pressing issues. Experts like Tom Steyer have already shed light on the investment opportunities in sustainability, reiterating that leadership in 2025 will require not just an awareness of technological shifts but also an acute understanding of environmental responsibilities.
Workforce Wellbeing and Longevity
Another intriguing trajectory discussed is the notion of the “longevity economy.” As life expectancy increases, how will workplaces adapt to retain talent and ensure the well-being of their employees at various stages of their careers? Girzadas envisions a future where the definition of work evolves, allowing employees, particularly those in later career stages, to find roles that contribute to a balanced life and continued professional fulfillment.
The interplay between technology and health further connects to the workplace environment, as companies are tasked with not only providing impactful experiences but also enhancing employees’ quality of life. Investing in a healthy workplace is portrayed not as an obligation, but as a competitive advantage in attracting and retaining top talent.
Striking a Balance
Ultimately, the episode encapsulates the multifaceted challenges facing business leaders: adopting AI while maintaining workforce satisfaction, reinvigorating legacy brands amidst rapid changes, and navigating the complexities of global politics and environmental responsibilities. The conversation serves as a call to action for leaders to think strategically about how they embrace change while remaining committed to their core values. Each theme resonates beyond the podcast, offering insights into the evolving landscape of business leadership and the critical questions that will shape its future.
In this engaging format, listeners are left with much to ponder as they consider the profound transitions that lie ahead in the realms of technology, culture, and economic strategy.
