Episode 6

Leading with Empathy: Building High-Trust Teams in the Age of Automation

Summary:

Leadership in the modern workplace requires more than technical expertise. In this episode, Alexa Beavers discusses how AI, automation, and evolving workforce expectations are transforming the skills leaders need. Success hinges on "power skills" like emotional intelligence and adaptability—qualities machines can't replace. Alexa shares insights on cultivating trust, inspiring action, and navigating ambiguity with confidence. As AI continues to handle technical tasks, leaders who thrive will be those capable of connecting deeply with people and guiding them through change. Discover how to set yourself apart by developing these essential human-centered leadership skills.

Chapters:

0:00

The Future of Leadership and Human-Centered Skills

1:06

AI's Limitations in Leadership and Human Connection

1:35

Power Skills and Technology in Future Leadership

2:03

Adapting to Leadership Shifts for Future Success


Host Alexa Beavers: linkedin.com/in/alexabeaverspmp

Executive Producer Jim Kanichirayil: linkedin.com/in/drjimk

Music Credit: "Lost in Dreams" by Kulakovka

Transcript
Alexa Beavers: [:

The future of work belongs to those who develop power skills, the human centered leadership skills that technology can't replace. I worked with an executive who spent years climbing the corporate ladder based on the technical expertise and operational efficiency she was great at. But as her company embraced AI and automation, something shifted, the tasks that she used to own were now handled by machines.

and and control styles, they [:

AI can optimize processes, but it can't build trust. It can analyze data, but it can't inspire action. It can generate insights, but it can't coach a struggling employee to find their confidence. That's where power skills come in, self-awareness, adaptability, emotional intelligence, and the ability to develop and inspire other humans.

The best leaders will use discretion to lean into these human skills while leveraging technology to hinder the rest. The future of work depends on leaders who can navigate ambiguity with confidence, build psychologically safe and high trust environments. They're the ones who will have the tough conversations with both empathy and clarity.

ality check for you. Are you [:

Because leadership is shifting and the ones who succeed are gonna be the ones who know how to do what technology can't. The future belongs to those who don't just manage change. They lead humans through it. The only question is, are you ready?

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About the Podcast

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About your hosts

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Alexa Beavers

I’m the founder and CEO of The Axela Group, where I work with leaders who are doing hard and important things—whether that’s leading change, shifting culture, or just figuring out how to keep showing up when the pressure’s on.

These days, I spend a lot of my time multiplying my impact through our growing team at The Axela Group. Our incredible team of coaches and consultants is making a difference in work and in life —through coaching executives to tap into their whole human intelligence, consulting on how to navigate rapid change, developing productive teams, and creating spaces where leaders can share their challenges, lessons, and what matters most in these fast-moving times. In essence, I’m building a team that helps others lead with clarity and humanity—especially in messy, high-stakes environments. I am also bringing real leaders stories of growth and transformation to life through amazing conversations with leaders across industries who have been there done that - and are courageous enough to share.

When I’m not in conversation with a leader who is sharing their story or leading my own amazing team, I’m probably up to my eyeballs in paint doing art, walking the dogs by the river, or hanging with my crew of teenagers in Richmond, Virginia.

Ping me if you’re trying to lead through change and want a partner who’s been in the trenches.
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Dr. Jim Kanichirayil

I'm the occasional host and full time producer of the Transformation Unfiltered show. At this point I've had over 1500 podcast episodes hosted/produced and it's one of my favorite mediums to work in.

I've previously hosted and produced top 10% globally ranked podcasts (Cascading Leadership, HR Impact, Engaging Leadership) and have a number of other shows I've helped launch and produce as well.

When I'm not in these interwebs streets yappin' away, I'm a fractional Head of GTM (go-to-market) for early stage/accelerating growth stage HRTech, TATech, and executive coaching organizations. I help organizations integrate sales, marketing, and partnership functions into a unified practice.

Ping me if you have questions and/or if you want to be a guest.