About this episode

Steve speaks with James Wilkson about the importance of flexibility and emotional intelligence in leadership, especially in the context of AI and online presence.

Today, Steve speaks with James Wilkson, managing partner at AEC Global Search Consultants, an executive search and advisory firm. James and Steve discuss why today’s leaders must be flexible and emotionally intelligent, who belongs in today’s boardrooms, and how leaders can protect their personal brands online. Steve also asks James to look into the crystal ball. Key Takeaways: The most important trait for leaders today is flexibility. Today’s leaders must understand the technology they’re implementing in their organizations. Almost everything you do is visible online today, so be careful and mind your behavior. Tune in to hear more about: Managing different generations in the workplace ( 4:18 ) How boards can upskill ( 12:31 ) What will surprise leaders a year from now ( 18:29 ) Standout Quotes: “I think AI, without a doubt is going to continue to accelerate and alter how we think, but just like anything else, it's just going to be an extremely robust tool down the line.” - James Wilkson “And leaders today, the leaders that are well-trained at being able to relate across generations and across technology are the ones that are going to continue being the leaders, and they're…

People in this episode

Host: Steve

Guest: James Wilkson

Topics covered

• leadership
• AI
• flexibility
• emotional intelligence
• personal branding
• generational management
• boardroom dynamics

Keywords

• leadership
• AI
• flexibility
• emotional intelligence
• personal brand
• boardroom
• generations

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: AEC Global Search Consultants

More episodes of ISF Podcast

• 348: Steve Durbin – When Governments Shift: Reimagining UK Cyber Strategy and Business Resilience · July 21, 2026 · 30 min
• 347: Geoff White – Ransomware Is a Business and It's Competing Against You · July 7, 2026 · 29 min
• 347: Alex Bovee – Identity in the Age of Agentic AI · June 30, 2026 · 23 min
• 345: Stephanie Forbes - The $4.2 Trillion Problem: Why Boards Can't Afford to Ignore Supply Chain Fraud · June 16, 2026 · 28 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the ISF Podcast podcast page.