Lauren Leader

Creating a Humanity Centered AI Future

The rise of Artificial Intelligence poses untold threats to and vast opportunities for human kind – the question is however, how to we ensure that AI does not amplify the worst impulses or make worse the problems in our society – especially when it comes to bias and inequity.

Already, women are disproportionately targeted by the worst AI harms especially AI generated sexual images and other forms of digital violence. We also know that women are behind in terms of AI adoption and professions where women dominate are among those most likely to be displaced by AI. And yet, human centered AI also offers great positive potential to improve access to vital information, address societal inequities, cure diseases and social ills and expand democratic participation.

Those who embrace this opportunity while also implementing policies and guardrails to mitigate harm, will be best positioned to benefit from the AI revolution. In this interaction session I lay out the challenges and opportunities and challenge all of us to be part of the solution, before its too late.

Leading with Clarity through Change

The fast pace of change in many organizations can make it difficult for people leaders to support their teams with clear direction and leadership – especially when they themselves may not be clear about the direction of strategy they are expected to follow. But to keep teams motivated and focused on executing with excellence, it’s essential to communicate clearly. In this session we break down and practice a research driven process to improve the way we lead others with clarity, even in times of uncertainty. This skill is fundamental to motivating teams and keeping them engaged. During the workshop participants will work together on real challenges they are facing in their organizations to improve the way they communicate with and motivate their organizations to work effectively toward a shared goal.

Leadership Presence

No matter where we are in our careers, we always have the potential to improve our leadership presence which is the subtle but extremely significant way we present, communicate and impact others through our demeanor and authenticity. In this detailed research driven talk, we unpack the implicit expectations that are rarely explained or articulated but have a huge impact on how we are perceived by others. This program is for anyone who wants to be a more impactful leader but can be especially important for women who often face unconscious double standards.

In this workshop we will explore:

• The elements of gravitas – how we convey authority and power with authenticity, regardless of the title we hold
• How to improve our oral and presentation communications skills so we are our best selves in all situations
• How we show up authentically to convey that we are to be taken seriously as leaders

Advancing Through Sponsorship – Women’s Program

Most companies are committed to advancing more women into leadership however to ensure this becomes reality, more women in the pipeline for senior jobs must have the sponsorship of senior leaders in a position to help them advance. While it’s not always possible to recruit your own sponsor, emerging women leaders can be intentional about how they demonstrate their talents and build the trust of senior leaders. In this interactive 75-minute session we will break down the fundamentals of sponsorship and focus on strategies for building trusted workplace relationships and garnering and sustaining the support of senior leaders.

Advancing Great Talent Through Sponsorship – Senior Leaders Program

No one has ever advanced into leadership of any company or large organization without the support of sponsors in positions of power advocating for their progress.

In this interactive 60-minute session, specially developed for leaders, we will unpack some of the most critical and often misunderstood dynamics of this important relationship and help leaders understand better how to support the advancement of talented people. It will especially focus on some of the unique dynamics to effectively sponsoring women and underrepresented groups with tangible and specific actions and suggestions to help ensure your company is a true meritocracy.

Building Relationships of Influence and Impact – Women’s Program

Few skills have more lasting impact and power than the ability to build meaningful relationships with others, yet many women find this process superficial or unimportant. To succeed at business though relationships of power and impact are vital – they create a kind of durable capital that stands the test of time. In this session specifically for women, we break down the kinds of relationships we need to succeed and define them including mentors, sponsors, advocates and friends. By making explicit how each of these reciprocal relationships can serve us in moving our careers forward we help women create a plan for progress.