65. The Art of Leadership in the AI Age with Wendy Gonzalez

Mission First People Always's podcast

In a world where AI is rapidly reshaping the business landscape, what does it take to lead highly intelligent teams on the cutting edge of technology? Join Dr. Mike Patterson and Wendy Gonzalez, CEO of Sama, as they dive into the complexities of leadership in the tech space, offering valuable insights and actionable advice for leaders at all levels.

In this episode, Dr. Mike Patterson welcomes Wendy Gonzalez, the dynamic CEO of Sama, a company known for providing accurate AI data to 25% of Fortune 50 companies. Wendy's journey from auditor to tech CEO is nothing short of inspiring, and her commitment to ethical AI development sets her apart as a leader in the industry. Wendy shares her experiences and strategies for leading teams of brilliant minds in Silicon Valley, focusing on how to foster creativity, encourage innovation, and ensure that AI is developed responsibly and without bias.

Wendy discusses her unique leadership practice of "firing" herself annually to evaluate if she is still the right leader for her company's evolving needs. This introspective approach keeps her focused on future challenges and the skills required to meet them. She also emphasizes the importance of bringing your authentic self to work, creating an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing their honest opinions, even when they differ from the boss.

Wendy and Dr. Mike explore the ethical considerations surrounding AI, particularly the dangers of bias in machine learning algorithms. Wendy explains how Sama addresses these issues by focusing on responsible AI development, which includes rigorous data governance, continuous model performance evaluation, and ensuring that AI systems are explainable and trustworthy.

The conversation also touches on the importance of building trust within teams, facilitating healthy conflict, and recognizing and addressing blind spots as a leader. Wendy shares practical tips for leaders at all levels on how to adapt to the future needs of their organizations and harness the full potential of their teams.

Key Takeaways:

• Future-Focused Leadership: Regularly assess whether you are the leader your company will need in the future.
• Authenticity in Leadership: Your team needs the real you, not an idealized version, to foster trust and engagement.
• Ethical AI Development: Responsible AI is built on solid data governance, continuous evaluation, and transparency.
• Fostering Innovation: Encourage diverse opinions and healthy conflict to drive innovation and better decision-making.
• Addressing Blind Spots: Use tools like 360-degree feedback to identify and address your leadership blind spots.

Wendy Gonzalez provides a masterclass in modern leadership, blending her passion for technology with a commitment to ethical practices and team empowerment. Her insights are invaluable for anyone looking to lead effectively in today's rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Hit play to hear the full episode and learn how you can apply these leadership lessons to your own journey, whether you're leading a cutting-edge tech team or managing a small business this episode is for you!

Links for This Episode:

• https://www.sama.com
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-gonzalez-a319788
• https://www.instagram.com/sama_ai_
• https://www.facebook.com/samaartificialintelligence
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/sama-ai
• https://www.youtube.com/c/SamaAI

Connect with Dr. Mike:

• Website: https://www.drmikepatterson.com
• Book: https://www.missionfirstpeoplealwaysbook.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichaellpatterson
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealdrmikepatterson/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/drmikepatterson
• Buy The Book!: Mission First People Always

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 0:00 - Introduction: Importance of AI in business and introduction of guest, Wendy Gonzalez.
• 1:16 - Welcome: Dr. Mike introduces Wendy Gonzalez, CEO of Sama.
• 2:50 - Wendy’s Background: Overview of Wendy’s career journey from auditor to tech CEO.
• 5:57 - Mission-Driven Career: Transition to a mission-focused role after a personal life event.
• 7:16 - AI Concerns: Wendy discusses the societal impact and concerns surrounding AI.
• 9:03 - Responsible AI: How Sama addresses bias and ensures trustworthy AI.
• 12:23 - Leadership in Tech: The challenges of leading smart people in cutting-edge technology.
• 13:00 - Firing Yourself: Wendy’s practice of annually “firing” herself to reassess her leadership role.
• 15:00 - Adapting Leadership: How leaders can stay relevant by anticipating future business needs.
• 18:03 - Engaging Smart Teams: The importance of involving teams in decision-making.
• 21:00 - Authenticity in Leadership: The role of authenticity and transparency in leadership.
• 22:03 - Encouraging Debate: Creating a culture of trust and healthy opposition in teams.
• 24:00 - Recognizing Blind Spots: How leaders can identify and address their own blind spots.
• 27:11 - Final Advice: Wendy’s advice on continuous learning and seeking feedback in leadership.