Adam Smith of Tension – Navigating AI Disruption and Leading The Unknown

Welcome back Adam Smith, founder of Tension, a Toronto-based user experience firm. It’s been about a year since our last conversation, and Adam Smith’s journey through the rise of AI, the shifting value of UX/UI, and the broader changes across creative and knowledge industries made us reflect more deeply on what we actually do—and how we define ourselves. Adam describes how AI has drastically reduced the manual “effort hours” that once drove the bottom line in UX/UI work. Yet he insists that the real differentiator comes from human experience, intuition, and the scars earned from tackling messy problems. AI can prototype quickly, but it can’t replicate the nuanced understanding that comes from his decades in the industry. Later in the episode, we get to the good stuff. Everyone, regardless of their job title, must face disruption head-on. You can’t wait for the new normal. The burden is on US to lead, question assumptions, and carve opportunities out of the unknown. Adam shares his own methods, including writing as a vehicle for self-discovery. He uses writing to process uncertainty, consider his audience, and reinforce the value of authenticity and connection. Something that AI just can’t do. Entrepreneurship, in its purest form, is about being comfortable fumbling in the dark. It’s about having the courage not just to keep a business afloat, but to create, experiment, and occasionally fail. The ability to find and filter meaning, purpose, and contribution as the foundation for work is, we believe, now essential for anyone seeking to thrive as automation only gets better and better. Adam Smith’s foray into entrepreneurship and disruption reminds us that tech may change how we work, but it doesn’t change why we work. Find Adam Smith at Tension. You can also follow him on LinkedIn. If you enjoyed this episode, you should also check out: Intentional Design with Adam Smith of Tension Agile In Toronto At Night – Adam Smith **GET THE BUSINESS OUTCOMES PARTNER PLAYBOOK** Learn how to deliver undeniable ROI that saves your job and accelerates your future https://learning.fusechamber.com/outcomes-partner-playbook **FORGE GENESIS IS HERE** All the skills you need to stop relying on job postings and start enjoying the freedom of an Agile career on YOUR terms. First cohort starts in Q1 2026 https://learning.fusechamber.com/forge-genesis **THE ALL NEW FORGE LIGHTNING** 12 Weeks to elite leadership! https://learning.fusechamber.com/forge-lightning **JOIN MY BETA COMMUNITY FOR AGILE ENTREPRENEURS AND INTRAPRENEURS** The latest wave in professional Agile careers. Get the support you need to Forge Your Freedom! Join for FREE here: https://learning.fusechamber.com/offers/Sa3udEgz **CHECK OUT ALL MY PRODUCTS AND SERVICES HERE:** https://learning.fusechamber.com **ELEVATE YOUR PROFESSIONAL STORYTELLING – Now Live!** The most coveted communications skill – now at your fingertips! https://learning.fusechamber.com/storytelling **JOIN THE FORGE*** New cohorts for Fall 2025!  Email for more information: [email protected] We’re also on YouTube! Follow the podcast, enjoy some panel/guest commentary, and get some quick tips and guidance from me: https://www.youtube.com/c/BadassAgile ****** Follow The LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/badass-agile ****** Our mission is to create an elite tribe of leaders who focus on who they need to become in order to lead and inspire, and to be the best agile podcast and resource for effective mindset and leadership game. Contact us ([email protected]) for elite-level performance and agile coaching, speaking engagements, team-level and executive mindset/agile training, and licensing options for modern, high-impact, bite-sized learning and educational content.