Human-Centered AI Leadership Series

Human-Centered AI Leadership is a cohort-based professional development course designed for leaders and professionals navigating the growing impact of artificial intelligence in the workplace. Rather than focusing on technical skills or AI tools, the course centers on leadership, decision-making, communication, and the human implications of technological change.

Delivered over multiple sessions, participants explore how AI is reshaping work, how leaders make decisions in uncertain environments, and how to communicate change in ways that build trust and engagement. The course emphasizes real-world application, allowing participants to apply concepts directly to their roles and organizational contexts.

This program is ideal for managers, people leaders, and professionals responsible for guiding teams through change who want a practical, human-centered approach to leading in an AI-enabled world.

This course brings together professionals who register as individuals to learn in small, facilitated cohorts, engaging in practical, workplace-focused learning alongside peers from a variety of organizations.

This in-person series is held at the Conference Center @ Rio in Tempe, Arizona, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on the following dates:

• March 23
• April 13
• April 27
• May 7
• May 20

The $600 registration fee includes all five sessions.

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This opening session establishes a shared foundation for the cohort by reframing artificial intelligence as a leadership challenge rather than a purely technical one. Participants explore how rapid technological change, growing uncertainty, and shifting expectations are already influencing their work and decision making, often in subtle but meaningful ways.

The session focuses on helping leaders separate signal from noise. Participants examine common misconceptions about AI, where organizations tend to overreact or underreact, and why waiting for complete certainty often creates greater risk than acting thoughtfully. Through discussion and reflection, leaders begin to recognize how their assumptions about technology and change shape their leadership behavior.

Participants reflect on where AI is already affecting their role, their team, or their organization, even in the absence of a formal AI strategy. The session introduces a shared language and perspective that will support deeper exploration throughout the program.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Describe how AI is reshaping leadership and work, beyond technical use cases
• Distinguish between hype, fear, and meaningful signals related to Artificial Intelligence
• Identify where uncertainty is already influencing their leadership decisions
• Articulate their role as leaders in navigating change rather than waiting for clarity

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This session addresses one of the most common challenges leaders face during periods of disruption: making decisions when information is incomplete or constantly evolving. Participants explore why decision paralysis often increases in AI driven environments and how overreliance on data or automation can unintentionally weaken leadership judgment.

The session examines the relationship between human decision making and algorithmic recommendations, highlighting where each adds value and where caution is required. Leaders discuss the risks of delayed action as well as the consequences of acting too quickly without reflection.

Participants surface real decisions they are currently struggling with and apply practical approaches for moving forward responsibly. The emphasis is placed on building confidence in the decision-making process rather than finding perfect outcomes.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Explain why uncertainty is a permanent leadership condition in an AI-enabled environment
• Recognize patterns that lead to decision paralysis
• Balance human judgment with data and algorithmic input
• Apply a structured approach to making decisions when clarity is limited

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As organizations adopt new technologies, the greatest challenges are often human rather than technical. This session focuses on how fear, resistance, and uncertainty show up in teams and how leadership communication directly shapes employee experience and trust.

Participants explore why resistance to change is a rational response and how concerns about identity, relevance, and job security often sit beneath surface-level objections. The session emphasizes transparent communication, empathy, and leadership presence

during periods of transition.

Leaders practice reframing AI-related messages in ways that acknowledge uncertainty while reinforcing trust and shared purpose. Realistic workplace scenarios are used to ground the discussion in everyday leadership interactions.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Identify common emotional responses to technological change
• Communicate AI-related change with clarity and empathy
• Reduce fear and resistance through more intentional messaging
• Build trust and psychological safety during periods of disruption

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This session shifts the focus from awareness to application, helping leaders move beyond abstract conversations about AI and toward thoughtful implementation. Participants explore how to evaluate where AI can genuinely support work rather than introduce unnecessary complexity.

The session emphasizes aligning technology with real organizational needs, existing workflows, and human capabilities. Leaders discuss how to distinguish efficiency gains from meaningful impact and why ethical considerations are inseparable from leadership responsibility. Participants apply these ideas to real situations within their own organizations, identifying opportunities where AI may enhance work while preserving trust and purpose.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Identify where AI can add meaningful value within their organization
• Evaluate AI opportunities through a leadership and human-centered lens
• Translate AI tools into improved workflows and outcomes
• Recognize ethical considerations tied to AI implementation decisions

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The final session brings the cohort together to reflect on leadership identity, long-term relevance, and the uniquely human capabilities that remain essential in an AI-enabled workplace. Participants consolidate insights from the program and consider how their leadership approach will evolve as technology continues to change.

The session focuses on sense-making, judgment, empathy, and purpose as enduring leadership strengths. Participants reflect on how continuous adaptation becomes a leadership practice rather than a one-time response.

Leaders identify concrete actions they will take beyond the program and share insights with the cohort to reinforce learning and accountability.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Articulate what effective leadership looks like in an AI-driven environment
• Identify the human capabilities that remain critical and irreplaceable
• Commit to specific leadership actions beyond the course
• Apply a long-term, adaptive approach to leading through change

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Media Release: By attending this event, I authorize the Maricopa Community Colleges (including its colleges and related entities) to photograph, video, or quote me and to use the photographs, videos, or quotes for educational or promotional purposes in any type of media. The photographs, videos, and quotes may not be used for profit without my express permission. I understand that I will not be paid or rewarded for providing this authorization.

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