People Before Prompts: Leading Through AI

AI isn’t just transforming technology, it’s transforming leadership. So, where are you on the adoption curve, and how do you lead when your team is spread across it?

In this episode of Momentum, Bonny van Rest and Nora Griffiths unpack the real leadership challenge behind AI adoption. Drawing on new research, corporate examples, and everyday moments of tension, from AI-shaming to bottom-up innovation. They explore what happens when the world’s fastest-moving technology meets the realities of people, culture, and change.

AI is no longer a technical project; it’s a human-centered journey. Bonny and Nora reveal that the leaders succeeding in this space aren’t the ones racing to build an AI strategy for its own sake, but those meeting their teams where they are at. They spotlight best practices from leaders who are leveraging early adopters, creating safe sandboxes to experiment, and aligning every pilot with strategy, culture, and performance.

Grounded in Sidekick’s belief that momentum is built in the middle of the mess, this conversation invites listeners to shift from reacting to leading, to balance curiosity with caution, and empathy with forward motion.

Key Takeaways:
➡️ Map your team on the adoption curve. Identify innovators and early adopters, give them space to experiment safely, and use their learning to guide the rest of the team.

➡️ Start with strategy, not technology. AI creates real impact only when it accelerates what already differentiates your business; your value proposition, your culture, and your people.

➡️ Lead as a curator, not an expert. You don’t need to know everything or every tool; you need to frame the questions, set the guardrails, and strengthen the human skills AI can’t replace.

Listener Challenge:
This week, take five minutes to map your team on the adoption curve. Spot one early adopter and invite them to test AI on a small process or task, then share what they learn with the group. Simple, safe, and human in the loop.


Our Co-Hosts
Bonny van Rest
Strategic Thinker. Bold Challenger. Grounded Visionary.

Bonny is a strategist, facilitator, and co-founder of Sidekick Consulting who believes momentum is built in the middle of the mess. With a background as a CMO and over a decade of experience across startup and corporate environments, she’s known for her sharp thinking, no-nonsense mindset, and ability to turn big ideas into grounded action. Bonny brings a calm presence, clear direction, and just the right amount of edge to move things forward—with intention.

Nora Griffiths
People-Centered Leader. Strategic Integrator. Dynamic Optimist.

Nora is a purpose-driven leader, facilitator, and co-founder of Sidekick Consulting who believes that bold and meaningful impact is accomplished when done together. With deep roots in business development and operations, she’s known for her people-first lens and her talent for uncovering insights and ideas that translate swiftly into action, driving both people and performance. Nora brings a rare blend of energy, empathy, and clarity to build momentum that truly matters.

Production by PRCPRN Studio (https://prcptn.com/).
Directed by Giuliana DiBonaventura

Connect with Bonny:   / bonnyvr  
Connect with Nora:   / nora-griffiths-16676577  
Connect with Giuliana:   / giuliana-dibonaventura-148a69132