If you sometimes feel overwhelmed by the pace of technological change, you’re not alone. The rapid rise of generative AI has left many leaders grappling with how to keep up—let alone lead with confidence.
A few months back I spoke at a conference for HR leaders wrestling with this very challenge: how to upskill their workforce, put the right guardrails in place for AI adoption, and scale its benefits while also mitigating potential downsides. Their concerns aren’t unfounded. As organizations race to implement AI, many leaders find themselves paralyzed—not because they don’t see its potential, but because they fear making mistakes in uncharted territory.
And they’re not alone in this.
A McKinsey Global Survey found that while 87% of senior executives recognize digital transformation as a priority, only 10% believe their organizations are effectively implementing it. The real issue isn’t a lack of capable employees—it’s a lack of leaders moving at the necessary speed. Their research highlights that hesitation at the top—not a lack of technical readiness below—is the biggest roadblock to progress.
This hesitation is a hallmark of what I call the “courage gap”—the space between recognizing an opportunity and having the confidence to act on it. Too often, leaders hold back, fearing they’ll make mistakes or expose gaps in their expertise. But courage isn’t a fixed trait or a personality type—it’s a learnable skill that grows with practice. Just like any other leadership capability, our capacity for courageous action expands when we intentionally step beyond our comfort zones, engage with uncertainty, and take calculated risks. As AI reshapes industries at breakneck speed, the leaders who commit to building their courage muscle—experimenting, adapting, and leading despite the unknowns—will be the ones who unlock its full potential for their organizations.
Avoidance might feel safer, but it’s not.
History has shown that technological revolutions don’t wait for us to catch up. The steam engine, the internet, mobile computing—all initially sparked uncertainty and resistance. AI is no different, except that its transformation is happening exponentially faster.
A 2024 Leadership Priorities in Tech study by Valtech found that 94% of senior leaders experience ‘tech anxiety,’ with their biggest concerns centering around:
- Cybersecurity (24%)
- AI and machine learning (19%)
- Sustainability tracking (17%)
This fear is natural, but it’s also costly. McKinsey’s 2023 State of AI Report warns that companies failing to integrate AI into their business strategies risk being left behind by competitors who are actively embedding it into their operations.
Just as cold water doesn’t get warmer if you wait longer to jump in, avoiding AI won’t make it less intimidating. In fact, avoidance only makes the gap between those embracing AI and those resisting it even wider.
From Fear to Forward Motion: The Mindset Shift Leaders Need
The biggest obstacle to AI adoption isn’t technical—it’s psychological. Beliefs shape behavior. If you’ve ever thought, ‘I’m just not wired for technology’ or ‘This is for the younger generation’, you’re reinforcing a story that limits your ability to adapt.
Psychologist Carol Dweck’s research on growth mindset shows that leaders who believe their abilities can develop through effort, learning, and persistence outperform those who see intelligence and skills as fixed. The same applies to AI. Leaders who approach it with a learner’s mindset—rather than a fear of failure—will be the ones who thrive in this era of change.
I’ve had to challenge my own assumptions about technology. For years, I saw myself as “not tech-savvy.” But recognizing that this belief was holding me back, I committed to learning about generative AI. I fumbled forward, made mistakes, and am still no expert—but I’m far more capable than I was a year ago. The biggest shift wasn’t in my technical ability—it was in my mindset.
So, what stories are you telling yourself about technology?
If you believe AI, automation, or data analytics are beyond your grasp, that belief—not the technology itself—will be your biggest obstacle.
If you’re feeling the pull to engage with AI but are unsure where to start, here are four practical shifts that can help:
1. Experiment, Even If It Feels Uncomfortable
Growth happens outside your comfort zone. Whether it’s using AI for decision-making, automating routine tasks, or integrating digital dashboards into your workflow—try something new. It’s okay if you don’t get it right the first time. What matters is that you engage.
2. Commit to Continuous Learning
Leaders don’t need to become software engineers, but they do need digital literacy. Set aside time each week to engage with AI—whether it’s listening to a podcast, taking an online course, or reading up on industry trends. A CEO I know dedicates long-haul flights to deep learning—imagine what you could achieve with even a fraction of that commitment.
3. Seek Reverse Mentorship
Younger colleagues have grown up in a digital-first world—tap into their expertise. Reverse mentorship—where junior employees help senior leaders understand emerging technologies—is a powerful way to bridge generational gaps and build technological confidence.
4. Reframe Technology as an Opportunity, Not a Threat
Technology isn’t here to replace leadership—it’s here to enhance it. The most effective leaders aren’t those who resist change, but those who leverage it to create value. AI won’t replace you—but a leader who understands how to use AI just might.
Technology is no longer optional—it’s fundamental. The question isn’t whether AI, automation, and digital transformation will impact your industry, but whether you’ll step up and lead through it. You don’t have to be perfect, but you do have to be proactive.
So next time you find yourself hesitating to engage with technology, ask yourself:
- What belief is shaping my approach to this challenge?
- What small experiment can I take today?
- What mindset shift would empower me to lead with confidence?
As William Gibson put it, “The future is already here—it’s just not evenly distributed.” The difference between those who thrive in the AI era and those who struggle won’t be technical expertise—it will be mindset.
Hesitation has a cost. While some leaders lean in, experiment, and unlock AI’s potential, others risk falling behind, paralyzed by uncertainty. The unknown will always feel risky, but the bigger risk is inaction. AI isn’t just changing how we work—it’s redefining what’s possible. Those who are willing to brave the new, embrace continuous learning, and adapt with courage will be the ones who seize the opportunities ahead.
The future won’t wait. Will you step forward or be left behind?
Dr. Margie Warrell helps leaders and organizations cultivate the mindset to thrive amid change. A sought-after speaker and executive coach, her latest book, The Courage Gap explores how to move past fear and lead with confidence.