How Distributed Teams, Generative AI, and Global Shifts are Creating a New Human Powered Leader

In this episode of the Change Management Review Podcast, host Theresa Moulton speaks with Dr. Christie Smith, leadership advisor, author, and founder of The Humanity Studio. With more than 35 years of experience advising Fortune 500 C-suite leaders, Dr. Smith shares insights from her book Essential and introduces the concept of emotionally mature leadership.

They explore how leadership expectations have shifted in a world shaped by distributed teams, generative AI, global instability, and return to office mandates. Dr. Smith explains why traditional leadership frameworks are no longer enough, and why leaders must move from self-focused leadership toward selfless, human centered leadership. The conversation highlights practical ways leaders can build contextual awareness, deepen curiosity, and lead change with greater empathy and effectiveness.

You’ll discover:

• What emotionally mature leadership is, and how it differs from emotional intelligence and servant leadership
• Why today’s leadership challenges require a shift from self-focus to human centered decision making
• How insatiable curiosity helps leaders understand what is really happening with their people
• The role of context and discernment in leading through uncertainty and rapid change
• Why productivity only mindsets often damage engagement and trust
• How leaders can apply human judgment and purpose when introducing AI and new technologies
• What return to office mandates reveal about culture, flexibility, and employee expectations
• Simple leadership behaviors that increase trust, loyalty, and team energy
• Why leaders should think about legacy from day one, not just near retirement

If you lead change programs, work in cross functional teams, or coach leaders through transformation, this conversation offers actionable ways to strengthen team health so adoption becomes easier, faster, and more sustainable.

Guest Bio

Dr. Christie Smith is an author, international speaker, advisor, and founder of The Humanity Studio, a media, research, and advisory institute focused on improving how we live by revolutionizing how we work. She has more than 35 years of experience advising Fortune 500 C-suite leaders on strategy, leadership, culture, talent, and the impact of workforce technologies including AI.

She previously served as Global Head of Talent and Organization at Accenture, Managing Principal and West Region Leader at Deloitte, and Global Vice President for Inclusion and Diversity at Apple. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, Fortune, Forbes, and CNN. She is the co-author of Essential: How Distributed Teams, Generative AI, and Global Shifts Are Creating a New Human Powered Leader.