Who Are You Becoming in the AI Age with Akhtar Badshah

What if “solving problems” is keeping us stuck? Akhtar Badshah challenges how we lead in the age of AI—and invites us to shift from growth to purpose, from efficiency to effectiveness, and from chasing happiness to choosing contentment. A powerful call to show up for life—for the collective good.   In this powerful Season 11 episode, I’m joined (for the third time) by Akhtar Badshah—former Head of Microsoft Global Philanthropies and author of Purpose Mindset and Living with Purpose. Together, we explore a bold reframing of leadership in the age of AI—not just how we work, but how we choose, how we relate, and what kind of future we’re unconsciously building. Akhtar challenges our default obsession with "solving problems"—a Western lens that often overlooks what already works. Instead, he introduces Appreciative Inquiry, a transformative approach to leadership that begins with strength, life, and possibility. We dive into the evolution from a Growth Mindset to a Purpose Mindset—a shift from you and your work to you, your work, and your community. This trinity doesn’t just ask “Can I grow?” but “What does my growth do to the world?” 🔍 In this conversation, we unpack: Why purpose isn’t your job—it’s how you show up for life Appreciative Inquiry in action: Discover → Dream → Design → Deliver Fixed mindset vs growth mindset vs purpose mindset Why AI drives efficiency, but humans must drive effectiveness The hidden cost of convenience: Are we outsourcing our thinking? Moving from extraction to contribution—especially for companies A weekly ritual to reconnect with your strengths Why we need contentment more than happiness—and how to find it Akhtar’s simplest but most profound invitation: “Show up for life.” If AI is leaving you feeling uncertain, replaceable, or disconnected—this episode is your anchor. Your value isn’t in how fast you work. It’s in how deeply you lead. 🎧 Listen now—and then ask yourself: What gives you life, and how can you bring more of that to others?