Why "Zigging" is the best AI Leadership Strategy

We are living in a moment where social media and news cycles reward engagement over truth. The result? A deafening roar of AI hype that is causing some business leaders to make permanent decisions based on temporary (and often unproven) narratives.

The latest data from Fortune brings us back to earth. Despite the billions invested, nearly 90% of firms report that AI has had no impact on employment or productivity over the last three years. We are reliving "Solow’s Paradox"—where disruption is everywhere except in the productivity statistics.

The Hype-Driven Risk

Every day, I counsel people who are genuinely afraid of the future. But the root cause of their fear isn't the technology.

It's the poor human decisions made in the name of that technology.

If you hire, fire, or restructure based on the "influencer" version of AI, you aren't leading—you’re reacting.

• The Zag: Cutting entry-level talent because "AI can do it now."
• The Zig: Understanding that displacing entry-level workers destroys your future leadership pipeline.

The IBM Example: A Masterclass in Zigging

While the "hype-sters" claim entry-level roles are dead, IBM is doing the exact opposite. They are tripling their number of young hires. Their Chief HR Officer, Nickle LaMoreaux, rightly points out that automating tasks doesn't mean you can eliminate the people who will eventually become your middle managers and executives.

A Call to Leaders

AI will undoubtedly disrupt our world, and we can—and must—prepare for those technical shifts. But we cannot easily recover from the disruption caused by a lack of vision.

My advice to business leaders today? Prioritize Truth over Engagement: Don't let a viral thread dictate your 5-year talent strategy.

1. Invest in People + AI: Use the technology to enhance labor, not just to replace it.
2. Protect Your Pipeline: Follow the lead of companies like IBM and double down on the next generation.

Your shareholders will appreciate the stability, your society will thank you for the responsibility, and your people will thank you for the clarity.