The Conversation with Dr. Elizabeth M. Adams
Mini-Series: AI at Work
In this episode host Angela Schultz welcomes Dr. Elizabeth M. Adams to discuss how responsible AI, education, and human connection shape the future of work. Dr. Adams, Chief Engagement Officer of the Minnesota Responsible AI Institute, shares insights on making AI accessible to all—from seniors writing family stories to students exploring AI ethics.
Key Takeaways:
- Upskilling starts with curiosity and care—not just code.
- Responsible AI means understanding impact before innovation.
- Leadership in AI requires listening to employees and empowering them to contribute.
- The future of AI should center on joy, equity, and human thriving.
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Upskilling in the Age of AI — Human-Centered Leadership with Dr. Elizabeth M. Adams
As artificial intelligence reshapes every industry, a new kind of leadership is emerging—one grounded in empathy, education, and care. In this episode of *The Conversation with Model Mind AI*, host Angela Schultz sits down with Dr. Elizabeth M. Adams, Chief Engagement Officer of the Minnesota Responsible AI Institute, to explore what it truly means to upskill in the age of AI.
The Human Side of AI
Dr. Adams believes that every innovation must begin with understanding its impact on people. Her children’s books, including *Little AI and PD*, reflect that philosophy—teaching families what safe, thoughtful technology looks like. For her, responsible AI isn’t just a framework. It’s a care practice—ensuring technology enhances, not replaces, the human experience.
The Rose, Thorn, and Bud of AI
Angela introduces a creative framework for reflection: the rose (what’s working), the thorn (the risks), and the bud (the opportunities ahead). Dr. Adams shares that AI’s greatest promise lies in democratizing access to creativity and opportunity—helping seniors write poems, veterans tell their stories, and students design new futures. Her concern, the thorn, remains bias and harm from unchecked systems. Her hope, the bud, is a future where AI enables care, joy, and shared prosperity.
Leading Through Change
Through her doctoral research on leadership in responsible AI, Dr. Adams found that the organizations thriving most are those that pair governance with empathy. She encourages leaders to move beyond policies alone—to build cultures where employees feel empowered to explore AI safely, question assumptions, and share insights from every corner of the business.
The Call to Care
In the closing moments, Dr. Adams leaves listeners with a powerful question: ‘Who do we want to be outside of AI—and how might AI help us amplify that?’ Her message is clear: technology should magnify our humanity, not diminish it. By centering care and joy, organizations can lead with purpose in a time of rapid change.
Final Thoughts
Angela’s conversation with Dr. Adams reminds us that AI readiness isn’t just about skills—it’s about spirit. When teams are curious, inclusive, and guided by responsible leadership, AI becomes not a threat but a tool for human progress.