AI has many shaking in their boots, and some falling out of them!
What is the responsibility of business?

Humans take credit for creating AI, yet also talk about it as if it were an asteroid that fell from an unknown exoplanet! On July 14, 2025, I published an article titled Leading in the AI Era. – There, I spoke about the acumen required for success in this new work environment where humans and AI will be quasi, if not full-fledged, collaborators. – Specifically asserting that in the new era, successful leadership requires developing skills in two distinct areas: artificial intelligence (AI) and emotional intelligence (EI), to drive high performance without sacrificing human well-being.

Unsurprisingly, a few days ago, Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft, shared the same insight about emotional intelligence as a pivotal skill in an article for Inc. magazine. The article is titled Microsoft’s CEO calls emotional intelligence the key to success in the AI age.

What now?

Like artificial intelligence, human intelligence is not inherently virtuous or ethical. It aims to achieve its desired end, making some pursuits double-edged swords that benefit some and harm others. Emotional intelligence is a form of human intelligence, and some could leverage it to justify hurting others by arguing that the end justifies the means at scale.

Hence, the pivotal question is: How do businesses incentivize people to build acumen in emotional intelligence and artificial intelligence and use both to advance the whole rather than promote self at the detriment of the group?

Today, AI appears powerless without humans because it relies on high-power computing infrastructure, enabled by people. However, some suggest that in a few years, AI capability will exceed human ability, leading to AI autonomy and an Armageddon-type showdown. – The threat presents a unique responsibility and privilege for businesses and business leaders.

The responsibility of business

It is implausible that all humanity would succumb to destruction at the hands of their own creation, without a vicious fight! Conceivably, few could position themselves to dominate the majority by maintaining tight reins on AI. Thereby, determining the health outcomes, lives, and prosperity outlook of the majority. As 1% currently owns more wealth than 95% of humanity, some argue that this describes the current world, not a future one.

In such a world, life is a dinner party, and being born is the invitation. But the seating at the dining table, overflowing with abundant and fine delicacies, is limited to a few. And everyone else is left scraping for breadcrumbs on the kitchen table and floor.

In 2024, stats from Oxfam, the international organization focused on alleviating poverty, corroborate this, as follows:
– Globally, over a third of the largest 50 corporations—worth $13.3 trillion—are either run by a billionaire or have a billionaire as a principal shareholder.
– And, countries in the global South are home to 79 percent of the world’s population. Yet own just 31 percent of global wealth.

The privilege great leaders embrace

Most understand the rationale for compensating a business leader highly. Therefore, it does not bother them. Concerns surface when the interests of one or a few supersede the well-being of the whole. When that happens, a business is malfunctioning. Because legitimate business exists to serve and advance the whole, not a select few.

Additionally, customers do not pay hundreds of dollars for filet mignon because of the CEO or an executive. They do because of the service of the cook, waitress, host, janitor, dishwasher, and valet.

People will always be a greater force multiplier or threat than AI ever could, and great business leaders know this! They know that those at the bottom of the org chart are the giants whose shoulders they stand on. Therefore, diligently and humbly, they embrace the privilege of structurally and tactically enabling them to succeed. For they also know that if we do not get it right, our visions of Armageddon could be the G-rated version of our collective story.

For you and to you,
Aké

Image credit: Pixabay_ColiN00B