You’ve got the dashboards. The automation. The AI tools promising to transform your workflow.
But if your people are burning out, resisting change, or feeling disconnected—what’s the point?

In this episode, I sit down with Charis Loveland, a seasoned AI strategist and tech ethicist, to explore why emotional intelligence is quickly becoming the most underrated leadership skill in the digital era. We unpack the tension between speed and empathy, innovation and connection—and why successful AI adoption isn’t just a tech challenge, it’s a human one.

This isn’t about coddling employees or resisting change. It’s about equipping leaders to lead humans through change—with clarity, curiosity, and compassion.

We cover:
– Why emotional intelligence is a competitive edge in tech-driven orgs
– How automation creates unintended risks to trust and culture
– What it means to lead responsibly in the age of AI
– How to upskill teams in empathy, communication, and adaptability
– Why fear-based rollouts sabotage adoption
– What self-awareness has to do with scaling innovation
– How to involve your teams early—and why it matters

Why this episode matters:
You can’t lead transformation if your team doesn’t trust you. In a world obsessed with digital fluency, this episode is your reminder that empathy is still a power skill. If you're building the future of work, don't forget to bring your humanity with you.

Guest Bio:
Charis Loveland is an AI strategist, product leader, and advocate for responsible tech adoption. With deep experience in both government and enterprise, she’s spent her career at the intersection of data, ethics, and human-centered design. Charis helps organizations harness the potential of AI without losing sight of their people, and brings a grounded, systems-level view to transformation. She’s also a passionate educator focused on equipping future leaders with the soft skills that matter most.

Why she matters to you:
If you’re rolling out AI and wondering why your team isn’t on board, this episode is a wake-up call. Charis will help you rethink how you design, communicate, and lead change in a way that sticks.

Learn more about Charis: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/charisloveland/⁠⁠

https://aws.amazon.com/executive-insights/content/emotional-intelligence/

https://www.inc.com/ali-donaldson/how-leaders-can-combat-burnout-on-their-teams-this-winter.html

https://youtu.be/hBsX5h9cGnA?si=6QPQhLLdP2mOgnRp

https://youtu.be/0_aaVkq7tKc?si=omFs4hQ6S0GyKacn

Host Bio:
Kate Ball is an international talent strategist, bestselling author, and unapologetic Bullshit Exorcist on a mission to torch performative HR and take down corporate nonsense with a smile. With 20+ years spent shaking up culture, leadership, and talent strategy at giants like Amazon, Expedia, and Cision, she now runs Sparkle & Sass Consulting—helping brave companies and bolder leaders stop playing nice and start doing better.

On The Culture Chronicles, Kate calls it like it is: no jargon, no fluff, and definitely no beige. Just sharp minds, spicy takes, and real talk about what’s broken at work—and who’s bold enough to fix it.

This isn’t your HR department’s podcast. It’s the one they hope you never find.

Learn More About Kate: ⁠⁠www.sparkleandsassconsulting.com⁠⁠
Connect on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kateball1/⁠⁠
Follow on Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/the_culturechronicles/⁠⁠
Explore The Culture Chronicles Book Series: ⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/author/kateball⁠⁠