Is AI making leadership more human? Discover why empathy, trust, and a growth mindset are becoming essential leadership skills in the age of AI.
In Episode 6 of AI Voices, host Jesper Schleimann, Head of Business AI at SAP EMEA, sits down with Sofia Tenreiro, CEO of Siemens Portugal, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming leadership, business operations, and the way people work. As AI adoption accelerates, what does it take to lead teams through change while keeping people at the center?
Drawing on Siemens’ experience with industrial AI, Sofia explains how AI is moving beyond personal productivity to create real-world business value. From industrial automation and digital transformation to sustainability, the conversation explores why trusted data, reliability, and security matter when AI connects with the physical world. Sofia also shares how Siemens and Heineken used digital twin technology and AI to support a major sustainability project.
But successful AI transformation isn’t just about technology. It’s about people. Jesper and Sofia discuss why leaders must build trust, address employees’ concerns, and embrace a growth mindset to become “comfortable with the uncomfortable.” They explore how leading by example, encouraging collaboration, and investing in continuous learning can help organizations navigate rapid technological change.
Key takeaways from this episode include:
• Why AI is making human-centered leadership more important than ever
• How industrial AI differs from consumer AI and creates business value
• Why empathy, trust, and continuous learning are essential for AI adoption
• How leaders can model new behaviors and turn uncertainty into opportunity
• Why the “jagged edge of AI adoption” calls for personalized employee training rather than a one-size-fits-all approach
• How partnerships and cross-functional collaboration can accelerate innovation
Whether you’re a business executive, technology leader, or responsible for organizational transformation, this conversation offers practical perspectives on developing people, building confidence in AI, and leading with purpose.
Chapters
00:00 – Why People Are at the Center of AI
00:26 – Meet Sofia Tenreiro, CEO of Siemens Portugal
01:24 – Siemens’ AI Journey and Industrial Innovation
04:25 – Industrial AI vs. Consumer AI
07:40 – The Future of AI and Business Transformation
13:42 – AI, Digital Twins, and Sustainability
16:49 – Why AI Leadership Must Become More Human
19:32 – Building a Growth Mindset and Embracing Change
20:35 – Collaboration and Partnerships in the AI Era
22:14 – Why Leaders Must Lead by Example
23:43 – Continuous Learning and Personalized AI Adoption
26:09 – Final Thoughts on Leadership and AI
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