In this episode, Andy talks with Faisal Hoque, author of Transcend: Unlocking Humanity in the Age of AI. Faisal brings a unique blend of deep philosophical insight, entrepreneurial experience, and technological expertise to the conversation. They explore how leaders can navigate the fast-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence while staying grounded in what makes us human.

The discussion explores how to think about AI not just as a tool or collaborator, but as a mirror that reflects our biases and decisions. Faisal introduces the OPEN and CARE frameworks as practical ways to innovate while managing risk, making this conversation highly actionable for project managers and leaders. From detaching from digital noise to preparing the next generation for an AI-shaped world, Faisal offers a thoughtful roadmap for embracing technology without losing our agency.

If you're looking for insights on how to thrive in the age of AI with both optimism and responsibility, this episode is for you!

• “You can be optimistic, but you can also mitigate risk at the same time. One doesn't really work without the other.”
• “Catastrophizing is not doomism, but it's really a risk management practice.”
• "AI is not just a tool or collaborator, it's a mirror."
• “Don't outsource your agency. It's easy to let AI nudge your decisions without even realizing it.”
• “Just like you don't put a 10-year-old in a car to drive... technology can do a lot of good, but it can also be disastrous.”

• 00:00 Introduction
• 01:33 Start of Interview
• 02:00 What From Your Background Shaped Your Thinking?
• 03:54 How Philosophy and Systems Thinking Intersect
• 06:00 Introducing the OPEN and CARE Frameworks
• 06:55 What Is the Human Role in an AI World?
• 09:43 How AI Can Subtly Influence Our Choices
• 11:40 Sci-Fi's Influence on AI Perception
• 15:07 What Is an AI Persona and How Do You Use Them?
• 18:13 Why AI Is Also a Mirror of Us
• 22:33 Introducing the OPEN Framework for Individuals
• 25:33 How Emotional Intelligence Applies to AI Partnership
• 27:02 The Role of Catastrophizing in Risk Management
• 28:58 The Value of Detaching and Devoting
• 32:03 How We Can Prepare Our Kids for an AI World
• 35:31 End of Interview
• 36:00 Andy Comments After the Interview
• 40:33 Outtakes

You can learn more about Faisal and his work at FaisalHoque.com.

For more learning on this topic, check out:

• Episode 460 with Dr. Joe Sutherland about AI, Data, and Decision Making
• Episode 454 with Dr. Christie Smith about how AI is changing leadership
• Episode 437 with Nada Sanders on her book Humachine (Human + Machine)

Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

Talent Triangle: Business Acumen

Topics: AI, Leadership, Risk Management, Innovation, Digital Transformation, Emotional Intelligence, Strategic Thinking, Project Management, Decision Making, Organizational Change, Technology Ethics, Future of Work

The following music was used for this episode:

Music: Echo by Alexander Nakarada
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Music: Chillhouse by Frank Schroeter
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

In this episode, Andy welcomes Dr. Margie Warrell, bestselling author and global leadership expert, to talk about her latest book, The Courage Gap: 5 Steps to Braver Action. Drawing from her deeply personal experiences and decades of coaching and research, Margie shares how courage isn't about eliminating fear—it's about regulating it and acting anyway.

Margie and Andy explore the hidden ways fear shapes our decisions at work and at home, how overachievers can unknowingly be held back by fear, and why rescripting the stories we tell ourselves is essential to growth. You'll learn about the “courage muscle,” the power of embodiment, and practical steps to face difficult conversations and bold decisions. Whether you're leading a team, managing a project, or navigating life transitions, Margie offers encouragement and tools to help you close your own courage gap.

If you're looking for insights on facing fears, speaking up, and leading with greater confidence, this episode is for you!

• “Courage is not the absence of fear—it’s learning how to regulate it and act anyway.”
• “The smarter we think we are, the more cunningly our fear hides in the background.”
• “We reject ourselves before anyone else has the chance—because we don't ask.”
• “What we focus on expands. Fear thrives when we focus on what we don’t want.”
• “Stand guard at the doorway of your language—your stories shape your reality.”
• “We need to parent—and lead—from purpose, not from fear.”
• “Every conversation is improv—and that’s what makes it feel risky.”

• 00:00 Introduction
• 01:55 Start of Interview
• 02:06 How Did Your Upbringing Inspire Your Courage Work?
• 05:12 Did You Write This Book Because It Was Easy for You?
• 07:24 Should We Try to Get Rid of Fear?
• 09:15 How Do Smart People Hide Their Fear?
• 13:13 What Was That Story About the First Lady?
• 16:00 What Does Courage Look Like in Daily Life?
• 17:58 How Do You Focus on What You Want Instead of What You Fear?
• 21:40 How Can a Manager Use This to Give Feedback?
• 23:50 How Do You Apply These Ideas as a Parent?
• 25:49 How Do You Stop Fear-Casting and Catastrophizing?
• 28:20 What’s a Personal Story You Had to Rescript?
• 32:40 What’s the Role of Language in Shaping Our Stories?
• 35:00 How Do You Prepare to Speak with Confidence?
• 39:16 What Reps Did You Put In to Build Courage?
• 42:20 What Role Has Failure Played in Building Courage?
• 44:34 How Do You Help Kids Build Courage?
• 46:34 End of Interview
• 47:09 Andy Comments After the Interview
• 52:53 Outtakes

You can learn more about Margie and her work at MargieWarrell.com.

For more learning on this topic, check out:

• Episode 440 with Kelli Thompson about closing the confidence gap.
• Episode 173 with Sarah Robb O’Hagan about why playing it safe is holding you back.
• Episode 142 with Amy Cuddy about her book Presence—confidently rise to your most daunting tasks.

Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

Talent Triangle: Power Skills

Topics: Courage, Fear, Confidence, Difficult Conversations, Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, Communication, Personal Growth, Parenting, Vulnerability, Risk Management, Decision Making, Project Management

The following music was used for this episode:

Music: Imagefilm 034 by Sascha Ende
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Music: Synthiemania by Frank Schroeter
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license