AI Needs Intention, Not Fear | will.i.am on Leadership, Creativity & the Future of Artificial Intelligence

AI Needs Intention, Not Fear | will.i.am on Leadership, Creativity & the Future of Artificial Intelligence

From Tomorrow, Today by Shekhar Natarajan

February 10, 2026 · 40 min

About this episode

Shekhar Natarajan and will.i.am discuss the importance of intention in AI, creativity, and ethical leadership in technology.

In this exclusive, on-the-floor conversation filmed for a CNBC future-focused series, Shekhar Natarajan walks alongside will.i.am for an unscripted, walkthrough-style exchange on AI leadership, creativity, ethics, and responsibility in the age of artificial intelligence. This is not a traditional interview. It’s a real-time reflection. From his early life with limited resources to becoming a global music icon, tech innovator, and respected voice among the world’s leading AI thinkers, will.i.am shares how purpose is shaped by observation, intention, and the people you choose to build with. Often spoken of alongside top CEOs in artificial intelligence, will.i.am offers a distinctly human perspective on AI transformation. He challenges the fear surrounding AI, stating clearly that technology itself is not the enemy. The real risk, he explains, lies in greed, poor intent, and unethical business models. Throughout the conversation, will.i.am reflects on why creativity must remain a human force that AI amplifies not replaces and why optimism is essential if artificial intelligence is to become a tool for empowerment, education, and social upliftment. This episode explores: • What…

People in this episode

Host: Shekhar Natarajan

Guest: will.i.am

Topics covered

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: CNBC

More episodes of Tomorrow, Today

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Tomorrow, Today podcast page.