EP 106. How Managers Can Use AI Without Losing the Human Touch – with Annie Johnson

Is AI taking over? Or is it just another tool we need to learn how to lead well?

In this episode, I’m chatting with Annie Johnson, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer at Humaneer, to talk about what managers actually need to know about AI. 

Annie shares her journey from HR to AI builder, and how she helps managers navigate the messy, fast-moving space between human connection and emerging technology.

In this episode, we dive into:

- Why AI is more than ChatGPT - and how it’s already shaping your workplace

- What differentiates early adopters from hesitant resistors

- How managers can reduce fear and increase trust when talking about AI

- Practical, ethical use cases for AI in day-to-day leadership

- How to support your team’s curiosity and build safe experimentation into your culture

- Why the most human managers are the ones who’ll lead best in the AI era
Whether you’re excited about AI or still unsure, this episode will help you think more clearly, act more intentionally, and lead your team through change with confidence.

What did you think of the episode? Was it helpful or is there something else you want me to cover? Send me a DM on Instagram or LinkedIn - I would love to hear from you.

Links and Resources Mentioned:

VIP Leaders Leadership Program - the signature program that helps you strengthen your leadership identity, build trusted influence, and level up your emotional intelligence to become a leader people actually want to follow.  Enrol now for the next round starting in September. Early bird pricing on now. https://tashpieterse.com/vip-leaders

Connect with Annie:

Annie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-johnson-622540161/

Humaneer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/humaneerapp/?viewAsMember=true

Humaneer App: https://www.humaneer.app/

Are we connected? If not, connect here:

Website: tashpieterse.com

Instagram: @tash_pieterse

LinkedIn: tashpieterse

Are you enjoying the Lead With Less podcast? You can leave a review on Apple or Spotify, or submit a question in the Q&A section on Spotify and we’ll get back to you!