What happens when healthcare leaders unplug from the day-to-day and imagine the future — from 2035 back?
That’s exactly what we explored during Leadership Unplugged: AI + Humans, an Executive Roundtable co-hosted by Tracy Duberman, PhD, MPH, President & CEO of The Leadership Development Group, and Stephen Klasko, MD, MBA, Executive in Residence at General Catalyst and former President & CEO of Jefferson Health.
Leaders from across the health ecosystem came together to examine what it means to lead boldly at the intersection of technology and humanity — and how empathy, equity, and courage must guide us forward.
Key Provocations: What We Heard
The conversation made one thing clear: AI isn’t replacing people — it’s freeing them to focus on creativity, empathy, and connection.
Leaders were introduced to the ERAS framework — Empathy, Radical Collaboration, AI + Access, and Swift innovation — as a model for tomorrow’s care delivery. They emphasized that while AI can process data and automate routine tasks, it can’t replicate the enduring human qualities that define great leadership: emotional intelligence, creativity, and authentic connection.
Rebuilding trust and equity emerged as another critical theme. Restoring confidence in healthcare requires addressing bias, amplifying patient voices, and ensuring fairness and belonging across every level of the system.
Even the music that inspired participants — from “Don’t Stop Believing” to “Treat People with Kindness” — became symbolic of the qualities needed to lead in a time of change: resilience, optimism, and reinvention.
Leadership Lessons: So What
From the discussion came a clear call to action. Radical optimism fuels transformation — leaders who bring courage and positivity, even amid disruption, spark change in others. Empathy builds trust and connection, serving as a bridge between people and progress.
Participants also highlighted resilience and reinvention as defining traits of leadership in the AI era. The ability to help teams “get back up” and adapt repeatedly is as important as technical expertise. Collaboration across systems and sectors unlocks innovation, while technology, when used wisely, acts as fire — a force that can ignite creativity and accelerate progress rather than replace the human touch.
Finally, rebuilding trust in the healthcare industry requires equity. Fairness, inclusion, and belonging are not add-ons to leadership — they are essential to reestablishing confidence and leading meaningful change.
Quick Wins: Where to Start
The roundtable concluded with practical steps leaders can take right now. Start by baking empathy into leadership routines — incorporate it into rounds, conversations, and performance measures so it becomes a cultural norm. Adopt AI audaciously to eliminate friction, reclaim time, and redirect focus toward human connection.
Leaders should hire for curiosity and teach for courage, building teams that question assumptions and embrace learning. Making equity a core metric in every decision ensures accountability. And at the structural level, organizations must challenge outdated governance models that resist reinvention and hinder progress.
The Final Word
Healthcare transformation requires more than incremental change. Leaders who operationalize empathy, foster collaboration, and embrace AI thoughtfully will be best positioned to shape the future. Let technology reduce drudgery — and reinvest that time into building stronger connections, equity, and trust.
“AI will not replace workers, but those who embrace it will replace those who don’t.”
— Stephen K. Klasko, MD, MBA
“Empathy, equity, and courage will define the next era of leadership.”
— Tracy L. Duberman, PhD, MPH
Listen: Leadership Unplugged Playlist — inspired by songs of resilience, optimism, and reinvention.
Reflect: What’s one bold action you’ll take to operationalize empathy, equity, or AI-driven innovation in your organization?
The future of healthcare belongs to leaders who blend empathy with innovation. Ready to prepare your team for what’s next? Let’s start the conversation.