AI for Leaders in 2026: Promoted or Replaced?

Have you ever sat in a meeting about AI, nodded along, then thought, "I've got no idea what they're talking about, and I'm meant to be leading this"? If so, you're in good company.

In this episode, I chat with Em and AI expert James Killick to answer the question every leader is quietly asking. In 2026, does AI get you promoted, or replaced?

Here's the truth. AI isn't coming for leaders. It's coming for the leaders who live in the detail and do the work of the people below them. Your job hasn't changed since the Industrial Revolution. Take your people, your tools, and your budget, and turn them into something valuable.

In this episode:

Why AI replaces the technical work, not the leadership work, and who that puts at risk
The "automate last" rule, and why 9 in 10 AI projects fail
How to treat AI like an over-enthusiastic intern, so your judgement matters more, not less
The one mindset shift: lead AI inward, lead people outward
What to hand to AI first, and the 20% only you can do

The window is open right now. Move first and you get ahead. Sit still and you get left behind.

Leadership Beyond the Theory June cohort is open. Doors close Friday 26 June. Join now: https://go.leadershipbeyondthetheory.com/

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Connect with James:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ai_orchestrator/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-killick/

YouTube + Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@james-killick

Join his FREE Skool community: https://www.skool.com/make-money-with-ai

Get training or his DFY AI services: njin.co

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You can connect with me at:

Website: https://www.yourceomentor.com