How Leaders Build Trust in the Age of AI

Hi everyone, This week’s episode of Lead The Machine is one I’ve been excited to share. I sat down with Marty Welch, a seasoned insurance executive and CEO of HEMIC, whose career has been shaped by leading people through waves of technological change — from the first PCs to predictive analytics to today’s era of AI. What stands out about Marty isn’t just his experience. It’s his clarity. He understands, better than most, that the biggest barrier to AI adoption isn’t the technology, it’s fear. And fear thrives in silence. Marty shares how great leaders build trust by bringing people into the process early, admitting what they don’t know, and aligning technology with mission rather than trend. He explains why learning is a more powerful frame than change, and how AI can finally free people to focus on the work that matters most, and how to keep empathy and connection at the forefront. Marty is an amazing mentor for all of us in human-centered leadership in complex situations. If you’re navigating AI, leading teams through uncertainty, or simply trying to understand how to build trust in a world that’s moving fast, Marty’s insights will resonate. Thanks for listening and for being part of this community. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit leadthemachine.substack.com