What’s Inside
Can you believe it? 2026 is here!
Before we get swept up in what’s new and shiny this year, we wanted to take a minute to pause on what we believe will really matter most this year: leadership.
In this issue, we focus on the human side of AI and why leadership sits squarely at the center of success in 2026:
AI transformation is a people problem
2026 marks a leadership shift
Exciting innovation from CES shows the technology is ready, execution is the gap
AI Transformation Is a People Problem
AI is moving into execution in 2026, and people, not technology, will decide the outcome.
This is the year AI shifts from:
experiments → execution
interesting → expected
side projects → core operations
That shift demands focus, intention, and courage. And it makes 2026 something else entirely:
“This is the year leadership defines the outcome.”
Not because leaders need to code or choose the perfect model, but because progress now depends on inspiring people to change, learn, and move forward together.
The Hard Truth
If your company isn’t generating real ROI from AI adoption yet, you don’t have a technology problem. You have a people problem.
Yes, AI transformation requires tools, data, and governance. But those are now table stakes. What actually determines success is:
“The willingness of humans inside your organization to change how they work.”
And that change is hard.
What Even Silicon Valley Misses
A recent post from Jack Soslow, former AI investor at Andreessen Horowitz and founder of Ciridae, captured this perfectly:
Technology is the easy part… the hardest part is the human work of driving change. Sitting with people. Earning trust. Refining the product until it fits their hands. Pushing until adoption actually happens.
And the reality is:
Generating $1 of EBITDA requires three things working together:
(1) business acumen,
(2) technical skill, and
(3) people skills to drive behavior change.
These capabilities barely exist in most teams.
This is why transformation is so expensive.
So Here is Our Simple Reframe for 2026
Instead of asking:
“Where can we apply AI?”
Ask:
“What behavior has to change in for AI to actually create value?”
That is how leaders turn AI into real impact in 2026.
Why This Matters Now: Clear Signals from CES
If you’ve been paying attention to the announcements coming out of CES 2026, one thing is unmistakable: AI is no longer a feature, it’s the foundation.
From robots to TVs to everyday devices, CES made it clear that intelligence is now embedded by default, not bolted on as an extra. Everything is being designed with AI at the core, from how products think, to how they adapt, to how they interact with the world around them.
A few highlights that stood out:
NVIDIA showcased next-generation AI chips designed to power real-time autonomous systems and edge intelligence.
LEGO debuted jaw-dropping smart brick technology that can recognize other bricks, trigger effects, and even play music—bringing AI into physical play in entirely new ways.
And the robots this year? On another level. Atlas continues to redefine what real-world, AI-powered robotics can do (check out the demo below).
So before pushing ahead with your next exciting AI initiative, take a moment to ask:
“Are we rolling out AI, or are we actually changing how people work?”
Your answer will define your results this year.
And once you’re clear on that, get excited, because the innovation in front of us is extraordinary. The technology is ready. The opportunity is massive. And with the right leadership, 2026 can be a breakout year.
Stay Curious. Stay AI-First.
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