Culture in the Age of AI: Why Human Values Matter More Than Ever

If you spend five minutes on LinkedIn, you’ll think AI is already running every workplace. The reality? Most companies are still figuring out what it even means for them.

A recent Gartner report shows HR, in particular, is behind in adopting AI. Yes, applicant tracking systems (ATS) have been using forms of automation for years, but that’s not the same as weaving AI systematically into how we hire, develop, and support people. Right now, what most leaders are experiencing is the pressure to figure it out. The buzz is everywhere, and the urgency is real, but the implementation often isn’t there yet.

The Hype vs. Reality

AI can write reports, help with scheduling, or draft job descriptions, but only with the right prompts, and always with a human eye making sure it’s doing what we actually want. We’re not at a place where machines can simply take over.

What’s happening instead is a shift in how we think about work. And that shift, whether it’s grounded in immediate adoption or future planning, is already changing culture.

The Culture Shift We Can’t Ignore

Cultures change. However, AI is bringing massive transformation to how we work, even if we haven’t all adopted the tools yet, and that means company cultures are also undergoing massive change.

Here’s the critical distinction:

• Companies that throw AI at employees with a “figure it out” mindset will create chaos, fear, and resistance.

• Companies that intentionally guide their people through this change, with strategy, values, and culture at the core, will create trust and resilience.

We already know from decades of research what people need to thrive: clarity, purpose, connection, and support. Leaders who ignore that in the rush to “do something with AI” risk burning out their people and undermining innovation.

Why People Are the Differentiator

If every company has access to the same AI tools, what’s going to set you apart isn’t the tech. It’s how your people use it.

The companies that thrive will be the ones that:

• Double down on trust so employees aren’t afraid to experiment.

• Lead with values that guide decision-making when the future feels uncertain.

• Spark collaboration that leads to innovation—not just efficiency.

This isn’t about “soft skills.” It’s about the operating system of your business, and culture is that operating system.

The Work Ahead

This is why Monica M. Smith and I dedicated a two-part series of our Collaborative Culture podcast to AI and culture. We explore the messy reality of how organizations are talking about AI and what leaders can do to prepare their cultures for what’s next.

If you haven’t tuned in yet, I encourage you to give it a listen. Because these conversations aren’t just about technology. They’re about how we shape the future of work in ways that honor both innovation and humanity.

A Teaser of What’s Coming

I’ll be sharing more soon, but here’s a sneak peek:

• Next week, I’m launching a call for speakers for Podium Project—an event designed to amplify underrepresented voices and get more women on stage. 

• I’m also creating a new workshop for female leaders who want to solidify their values in a hands-on, transformative way (hint: it involves a fun hands-on activity and getting crystal clear about what matters most to you).

Both initiatives connect back to this truth: when leaders are grounded in their values, they can guide their organizations through massive change with confidence and clarity.

Final Thought

AI may not be everywhere yet, but the anticipation of it is already reshaping work. That anticipation alone is a culture shift.

The leaders who will succeed aren’t the ones who just adopt the latest tools. They’re the ones who create strategies anchored in values, and intentionally guide their people through transformation.

Because at the end of the day, technology doesn’t lead. People do. And culture, your shared values, beliefs, and behaviors, is what will make or break your success in the age of AI.