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In 2026, leadership is changing in real time. AI is speeding up decisions, reshaping jobs, and pushing change faster than most organisations have ever experienced. At the same time, leaders are being asked to carry more than ever before: to build trust, sustain performance, protect well-being, and create cultures where people can do their best work alongside intelligent machines. In this environment, success is about adopting new technology, as well as rethinking how we lead. For today’s leaders, navigating AI means doubling down on the human skills technology can’t replace. These five books speak directly to that challenge. They offer practical guidance, fresh perspective, and deeply human insight to help leaders unlock what matters most.
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As organisations race to adopt AI, many leaders treat it as a technology problem. But what if the real challenge isn’t the machines at all, but how we lead people through constant change? That’s the central question Potential-ize explores, and one many organisations overlook. Andrew Bryant reframes AI as a leadership moment, not a technical one. Drawing on more than 25 years of coaching leaders in global organisations, he shows that potential is not a fixed trait but a continuous process, built through self-leadership, capability, and resilience. Rather than competing with technology, Bryant argues leaders must amplify what makes people uniquely human. Introducing Bryant’s IGNITE framework, the book offers practical guidance on balancing challenges and support to drive performance without burnout. With research-backed insight, real-world stories, and clear reflection exercises, Potential-ize helps leaders build cultures where belief, belonging, and capability thrive. For leaders navigating AI-driven change who want stronger teams and future-ready organisations, this is an essential read.
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The old leadership playbook has expired. Are you ready for what’s next? Rewired guides leaders through the human-centric challenges of AI-driven work, helping teams stay resilient, innovative, and deeply human as technology accelerates change. Eve Simon draws on nearly two decades of global leadership experience, her Silicon Valley research, and contributions from 21 global wisdom catalysts to show leaders how to pivot from “Expert” to “Alchemist.” The book emphasises orchestrating teams fluidly, strengthening culture, and building trust, all while mastering the mindset shifts needed to lead proactively instead of reacting to disruption. Blending science, soul, and strategy, Rewired offers leaders a practical compass to cultivate emotional depth, spark innovation, and guide organisations through complexity. For executives, founders, and team leaders navigating uncertainty, this is a definitive guide to thriving in the age of intelligent machines.
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As AI speeds up change across society, leaders are facing a turning point - not just in how they work, but in how they think about the future. The Next Renaissance invites us to see the age of AI not as something to survive, but as a chance to expand human creativity, rediscover purpose, and make a bigger impact than ever before. Zack Kass draws on decades of experience advising organisations at the intersection of technology and leadership to show why this moment resembles the great leaps of human history, and why leaders must think beyond automation to human flourishing. He offers accessible insights into how AI can be harnessed as a collaborator rather than a competitor, emphasising human judgement, agency and meaning. Filled with historical context, practical principles, and thoughtful reflection, The Next Renaissance provides leaders with a hopeful and grounded roadmap for navigating change thoughtfully and responsibly. Whether you’re shaping strategy, culture or career development, this is a compelling guide for turning AI’s promise into human progress.
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As AI does more of the work and decisions happen faster, many leaders feel pushed to keep up by acting less human. Alive Inside reminds us that being human is not the problem - it’s the advantage. Qualities like compassion, courage, intuition, focus, and the ability to tell a good story are not weaknesses - they’re what good leadership looks like today. Using real examples, science, and stories from history, Emmanuel Gobillot shares a practical way to lead in an AI-driven world. He explains why being real beats trying to be perfect, why showing you care actually builds stronger teams, and why paying attention is the key to earning trust and respect. Alive Inside is a practical guide for leaders who want to use new technology without losing what makes them human - and build workplaces where people feel connected, motivated, and valued.
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The old way of managing is dead, and leaders today face unprecedented pressure to integrate AI without losing focus, clarity, or human connection. Smarter Leadership with Artificial Intelligence shows how future‑ready leaders can transform their organisations by leveraging AI to handle routine tasks, freeing teams to focus on higher‑value work. Susanne Ekström introduces a practical, proven approach to building a “shared brain” - a central intelligence that unifies teams, accelerates decision‑making, and turns data into actionable insight. She provides strategies for bridging organisational gaps, establishing a culture of psychological safety, and empowering teams to execute with confidence. With actionable tools, frameworks, and the 99‑Day Roadmap, Smarter Leadership with Artificial Intelligence teaches leaders how to reclaim time, end management fatigue, flag trends early, and accelerate innovation. For executives, managers, and leaders navigating AI‑driven transformation, this book offers a clear path to building high‑trust, high-performing, future-ready organisations.
1
As organisations race to adopt AI, many leaders treat it as a technology problem. But what if the real challenge isn’t the machines at all, but how we lead people through constant change? That’s the central question Potential-ize explores, and one many organisations overlook. Andrew Bryant reframes AI as a leadership moment, not a technical one. Drawing on more than 25 years of coaching leaders in global organisations, he shows that potential is not a fixed trait but a continuous process, built through self-leadership, capability, and resilience. Rather than competing with technology, Bryant argues leaders must amplify what makes people uniquely human. Introducing Bryant’s IGNITE framework, the book offers practical guidance on balancing challenges and support to drive performance without burnout. With research-backed insight, real-world stories, and clear reflection exercises, Potential-ize helps leaders build cultures where belief, belonging, and capability thrive. For leaders navigating AI-driven change who want stronger teams and future-ready organisations, this is an essential read.
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The old leadership playbook has expired. Are you ready for what’s next? Rewired guides leaders through the human-centric challenges of AI-driven work, helping teams stay resilient, innovative, and deeply human as technology accelerates change. Eve Simon draws on nearly two decades of global leadership experience, her Silicon Valley research, and contributions from 21 global wisdom catalysts to show leaders how to pivot from “Expert” to “Alchemist.” The book emphasises orchestrating teams fluidly, strengthening culture, and building trust, all while mastering the mindset shifts needed to lead proactively instead of reacting to disruption. Blending science, soul, and strategy, Rewired offers leaders a practical compass to cultivate emotional depth, spark innovation, and guide organisations through complexity. For executives, founders, and team leaders navigating uncertainty, this is a definitive guide to thriving in the age of intelligent machines.
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As AI speeds up change across society, leaders are facing a turning point - not just in how they work, but in how they think about the future. The Next Renaissance invites us to see the age of AI not as something to survive, but as a chance to expand human creativity, rediscover purpose, and make a bigger impact than ever before. Zack Kass draws on decades of experience advising organisations at the intersection of technology and leadership to show why this moment resembles the great leaps of human history, and why leaders must think beyond automation to human flourishing. He offers accessible insights into how AI can be harnessed as a collaborator rather than a competitor, emphasising human judgement, agency and meaning. Filled with historical context, practical principles, and thoughtful reflection, The Next Renaissance provides leaders with a hopeful and grounded roadmap for navigating change thoughtfully and responsibly. Whether you’re shaping strategy, culture or career development, this is a compelling guide for turning AI’s promise into human progress.
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As AI does more of the work and decisions happen faster, many leaders feel pushed to keep up by acting less human. Alive Inside reminds us that being human is not the problem - it’s the advantage. Qualities like compassion, courage, intuition, focus, and the ability to tell a good story are not weaknesses - they’re what good leadership looks like today. Using real examples, science, and stories from history, Emmanuel Gobillot shares a practical way to lead in an AI-driven world. He explains why being real beats trying to be perfect, why showing you care actually builds stronger teams, and why paying attention is the key to earning trust and respect. Alive Inside is a practical guide for leaders who want to use new technology without losing what makes them human - and build workplaces where people feel connected, motivated, and valued.
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The old way of managing is dead, and leaders today face unprecedented pressure to integrate AI without losing focus, clarity, or human connection. Smarter Leadership with Artificial Intelligence shows how future‑ready leaders can transform their organisations by leveraging AI to handle routine tasks, freeing teams to focus on higher‑value work. Susanne Ekström introduces a practical, proven approach to building a “shared brain” - a central intelligence that unifies teams, accelerates decision‑making, and turns data into actionable insight. She provides strategies for bridging organisational gaps, establishing a culture of psychological safety, and empowering teams to execute with confidence. With actionable tools, frameworks, and the 99‑Day Roadmap, Smarter Leadership with Artificial Intelligence teaches leaders how to reclaim time, end management fatigue, flag trends early, and accelerate innovation. For executives, managers, and leaders navigating AI‑driven transformation, this book offers a clear path to building high‑trust, high-performing, future-ready organisations.
© Five Books 2026
