What does leadership look like when the future won’t sit still?

In this episode of One Sharp Sword, Dr. Wayne Pernell sits down with Dessalen Wood, Global Chief People Officer at Syntax, to explore how leaders can navigate AI, uncertainty, and rapid change—without getting lost in fear or hype.

Dessalen cuts through the noise with a powerful reframe: AI isn’t about tools—it’s about outcomes. And the leaders who win are the ones who stay grounded in what’s true today while building toward what’s next.

You’ll learn why resistance to AI isn’t really about technology, how to create change that feels winnable, and why the most important leadership skills haven’t changed at all.

If you’ve been wondering how to lead in the age of AI—this conversation brings clarity.

In This Episode:

• Why leaders must ask: “What does this mean for me right now?”
• The truth about AI replacing jobs vs. transforming tasks
• What’s really driving resistance to AI adoption
• Why leaders don’t need to be AI experts
• How to measure success with AI (beyond activity metrics)
• The enduring leadership edge: relationships, influence, and political intelligence
• How to focus your team on meaningful outcomes—not just automation

Don’t focus on the tool. Focus on the result—and let automation help you get there.

Dessalen Wood is the Global Chief People Officer at Syntax with 25+ years of experience in HR, leadership development, and organizational culture. She is known for helping organizations adopt AI with clarity, realism, and a people-first approach.

Find Dessalen Wood on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dessalen-wood-b1192513

🎥 Watch the full episode now on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/olDi7bK7AIM

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