World Innovators Blog

What Leaders Are Learning About AI Leadership This Month

Written by Haley Pesce | May 21, 2026 10:26:34 AM

Grounding AI May 2026 Podcast Roundup Blog

AI conversations inside B2B organizations are shifting quickly.

Over the last month on Grounding AI, Donna Peterson explored several leadership questions companies are actively trying to solve right now: from AI accountability and CRM adoption to team alignment and implementation strategy.

These episodes are designed for executives and lean teams trying to use AI more strategically without losing trust, clarity, or momentum.

Below is a quick look at four recent episodes and why leaders are paying attention to these conversations.

 

1. Are Your Teams Using AI in a Way That Actually Produces Results?

Many companies are now tracking whether employees are using AI tools.

But are those tools actually helping the business grow?

In this episode, Donna explores the growing gap between AI activity and real business results. The conversation challenges leaders to rethink how success should be measured as AI adoption expands.

If your organization is focused heavily on AI usage metrics right now, this episode raises several questions worth discussing internally.

One Question Worth Asking -- Is your team measuring AI activity or meaningful outcomes?

Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/0rzDB_7TOqc?si=GBwQA-yUUmSYOkwe

 

2. How Can Leaders Encourage Better CRM Follow-Through Without Resistance?

CRM systems remain one of the most valuable and frustrating tools inside many organizations.

In this episode, Donna discusses a challenge many executives quietly deal with: even when companies invest heavily in CRM platforms, not every employee wants to use them consistently.

Sales professionals may feel protective of relationships. Others may feel overwhelmed by the system itself.

The discussion focuses less on software features and more on human behavior, workflow fatigue, and how leaders can improve consistency without overwhelming their teams.

One Question Worth Asking -- Are your systems supporting relationships or creating more resistance?

Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/gzI-VK4fM88?si=s4ECBAC2DgHmeSdq

 

3. What Are Companies Actually Experiencing With AI Right Now?

After presenting at the Women in Finishing Forum, Donna had the opportunity to moderate roundtable discussions with professionals across multiple industries about their AI experiences.

Donna shares what industry professionals are actually saying about AI behind the scenes.

Some teams are fully experimenting. Others are hesitant. Many are still trying to determine where AI fits into their daily operations.

This episode gives listeners a grounded look at where organizations truly are in their AI journey right now beyond the headlines and hype.

One Question Worth Asking -- Does your team feel comfortable talking openly about what is and is not working with AI?

Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/EsHtwO0trpg?si=LhWd0QMh2Lus80lQ

 

4. Are Your Teams Grounding AI in Real Business Conversations?

Many AI discussions focus heavily on tools, automation, and speed.

But what happens when leaders stop talking about technology alone and start listening to how people are actually experiencing AI inside their organizations?

In this episode, Donna shares insights from conversations with professionals navigating AI adoption in real time. Some teams are moving quickly. Others are still uncertain where AI fits into their workflow.

The discussion explores why honest conversations, shared learning, and realistic expectations may matter more than simply rolling out more AI tools.

For leaders trying to create stronger alignment around AI without overwhelming their teams, this episode offers a grounded perspective on what adoption really looks like today.

One Question Worth Asking -- Is your organization creating space for practical AI conversations or only pushing implementation?

Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/StqhxeXMxtA?si=geNmNCBSDe3moyCx

 

Final Thoughts

One theme connects all four of these Grounding AI episodes: Successful AI implementation is not just about technology.

It is about leadership, communication, workflow clarity, and helping teams navigate change in a practical way.

If you are trying to help your organization use AI more strategically while still maintaining trust and strong business relationships, these recent Grounding AI episodes offer practical insights grounded in real-world conversations.

For more leadership insights on AI, executive communication, and relationship-driven business growth, explore the latest episodes of Grounding AI from World Innovators.