In this engaging episode of “Humor in the C Suite,” host Kate Davis welcomes tech strategist Michael Earls. Michael shares his insights on integrating humor into leadership, particularly within the ever-evolving landscape of AI and digital transformation. From his early days in engineering to his current role as an author and thought leader, Michael emphasizes how humor can foster connection and trust in the workplace, making daunting tech changes feel less intimidating.
The discussion delves into Michael’s career journey and his innovative approach to leading IT teams using humor. He shares amusing anecdotes, like his experience getting pulled over in a rental car wrongly reported as stolen, to illustrate how humor can break down barriers and build rapport. Michael also emphasizes the importance of maintaining human connections in an increasingly digital world, highlighting how humor plays a crucial role in this endeavor. His books, such as “Finding Direction in the Age of AI” and “Wired for Purpose,” underscore the need for humanity in technology-driven environments.
“I am copying and pasting, copying and pasting now. I’m a machine now. And that’s not what we were built for… We were built for critical thinking. Emotions… And empathy.” —Michael Earls
Key topics:
Leadership development in the age of AI · humor as an icebreaker in corporate IT leadership · Who are the “new zombies”? · why empathy and emotion are what AI still can’t replicate · AI hallucinations and the limits of large language models · curiosity as a leadership trait · knowing your room before you use humor · storytelling as the key to retention.
Guest advice: “Own the room. Know the room.” Michael’s guiding principle for using humor as a leader, learned from a mentor years ago.
“It doesn’t have a heart. It’s like a tin man.” —Kate Davis, on AI and empathy
Connect with Michael Earls:
Michael Earls is an Enterprise Cloud and AI Transformation Leader, author, and technology strategist with more than 20 years of experience across infrastructure, cloud modernization, AI adoption, and enterprise transformation.
