EP210 - The AI Dilemma: Choosing Between Productivity and Purpose with Faisal Hoque
In this episode, Tyler Dickerhoof interviews Faisal Hoque—entrepreneur, author, and technologist—on the critical challenges and responsibilities leaders face in the age of artificial intelligence. Hoque outlines the risks of outsourcing human thinking to AI, including the erosion of critical thinking, the loss of authentic human interaction, and the societal consequences of mass automation.
Faisal emphasizes that while AI can improve efficiency, it should be used to enhance human capacity—not replace it. Drawing from his latest book, Transcend: Unlocking the Power of Humanity in the Age of AI, Hoque presents a clear argument that organizations must remain grounded in purpose to avoid becoming generic and disconnected from their customers and teams.
The conversation explores the psychological, economic, and geopolitical implications of rapid AI adoption. Hoque explains the need for leaders to think beyond technology by focusing on empathy, creativity, and self-awareness—traits that AI cannot replicate. He introduces the OPEN framework, a decision-making tool for aligning technology with organizational purpose, and warns that without intentional leadership, society risks becoming more isolated, less productive, and more dependent on systems that erode human autonomy. Both underscores the importance of maintaining human-centered leadership as AI continues to reshape the workplace and redefine productivity.
Meet Faisal Hoque
Faisal Hoque, author of TRANSCEND: Unlocking Humanity In The Age Of AI, is the founder of SHADOKA and NextChapter and serves as a transformation and innovation partner for CACI, an $8 billion company focused on U.S. national security. He is a bestselling author with ten award-winning books. For thirty years, he has been developing commercial business and technology systems, and enabling leadership teams at MasterCard, American Express, GE, Home Depot, French Social Security Services, US Department of Defense (DoD), US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), PepsiCo, IBM, Chase, and others with sustainable growth.
Today, Hoque is a highly sought-after innovation and transformation (digital/AI, business, organization) partner for both public and private sector organizations, and recognized as one of the world’s leading management thinkers and technologists. He is a contributor at the MIT's IDEAS Social Innovation program, Thinkers50, and the Swiss business school IMD.
IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
00:00 Introduction
01:25 Do you often use AI?
03:07 It comes down to identifying what's real and not
05:00 The dangers of depending too much on AI
09:20 The effects of ChatGPT on how we think
12:12 How authentic can AI get?
18:27 Can you fully replace manpower with AI?
23:35 What's causing the loneliness epidemic?
26:31 It all starts with the younger generation
31:20 The fine balance between technology and manpower
34:36 Using technology to create more human connection
39:58 Enhancing the need for empathy
42:55 We need to be more human
45:01 Conscious use and sharing of information
48:18 Would you willingly hand over your freedom of choice?
50:08 The evolution of human workforce
Resources, books, and links mentioned in this episode:
Follow Faisal:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/faisalhoque/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeczE474RaubqetQFon0Rfg
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About the Tyler Dickerhoof Show Podcast
The Impact Driven Leader Podcast, hosted by Tyler Dickerhoof, is for Xillennial leaders who have felt alone and ill-equipped to lead in today's world. Through inspiring interviews with authors from around the world, Tyler uncovers how unique leadership strengths can empower others to achieve so much more, with real impact.
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