Post by Michelle Poole, PCC, Executive Coach

Nicole Lewis-Keeber MSW LCSW, ACC, CDTLF’s post today really got me thinking about conversations I’ve been having lately with clients around shame in the workplace and how many people are quietly being triggered by the fear of irrelevance right now, especially with all of the AI conversation happening around us. She referenced the Brené Brown and Adam Grant podcast conversation (I’ll drop it in the comments) where Brené shared that across 20 years of research, the number one shame trigger at work has not changed: the fear of irrelevance. In this rapid time of change with AI, that felt like a truth many of us have been feeling but haven’t fully named yet. I immediately thought of a client I wanted to send it to... only to realize he had already sent it to me last week. Clearly this conversation is resonating. As a coach and Dare to Lead™ facilitator, I see this underneath the surface more and more lately in my clients and honestly, if I’m being vulnerable, in myself too. Questions like: Am I still needed? Does the work I do still matter? Can I adapt fast enough? What I keep coming back to though is this: our common humanity and connection to each other are more essential today than ever. I feel like this moment is also inviting all of us into deeper inner leadership. To stay grounded in who we are, what we value, and how we want to show up even as the world around us changes rapidly. The ability to truly see each other, support each other, create trust, navigate uncertainty together, and lead with courage and heart... those are things AI cannot replace. If this resonates, I encourage you to read this really thoughtful reflection from Nicole and a listen to the podcast conversation.