Leading with Heart in an AI World: A Conversation with Fortune 500 Tech Executive and Executive Coach, Shaunna Black

This latest episode of Tech Legacies podcast is especially close to my heart.

I sat down with my dear friend, Shaunna Black, a former Fortune 500 executive, turnaround leader, author, and executive coach, to talk about something rarely discussed in technology leadership: leading with heart.

Shaunna spent decades running global operations and semiconductor manufacturing facilities before dedicating her work to helping leaders build trust-centered, human-first cultures.

This conversation is powerful, personal… and at times, emotional.

Why this conversation matters right now

In a time of AI hype, layoffs, and uncertainty, Shaunna sees something deeper happening: We are breaking trust.

And trust is the foundation of performance, innovation, and culture.

As she puts it:

“We create results through people. That’s the definition of leadership.”

Here are some other standout moments from our conversation:

Leadership is relational, not mechanical

“At the heart of leading people is connection and relationship.”

Think about the best boss, teacher, or coach you’ve ever had. They saw you. They cared. They helped you become your best self.

Love is not soft… it elevates performance

Teams built on care and trust don’t perform for compensation. They perform for each other.

“I think people on teams that are filled with love want to do their very best for each other.”

Middle managers shape culture every day

Leadership isn’t limited to titles.

“You are their leader and how you show up informs their day.”

Trust begins when leaders show their humanity.

“Put your armor down. Put your title down. Just be a human being.”

When leaders lead as humans first, others feel safe to do the same.

If you’ve ever wondered…

✔ Can you lead with empathy and still be strong?

✔ How do you build trust in uncertain times?

✔ What makes teams truly high-performing?

✔ Is heart-centered leadership realistic in tech?

This episode is for you. Watch here!

Or… listen on your favorite podcast platform:

​Spotify​

​Apple Podcasts​

And if you want to go deeper into Shaunna’s great ideas, check out her new book: Leading with Heart: A Guide to Mindset, Relationships, and Culture.

Stop Being the Best Kept Secret and Start Being Seen

I was recently on a podcast with Amanda Kaufman (a friend I met through a business mastermind) and we had one of those conversations that felt like talking over coffee. Here's some highlights that can help with your thought leadership and brand building:
​

• Ever feel like the smartest person in the room…but no one knows it? This episode unpacks why so many tech leaders are “the best kept secret” and what to do about it.
• How do you showcase work you can’t publicly show?​
  Learn practical ways to share value without revealing proprietary details by using frameworks, processes, and outcomes.
• The 4 purposes of content every professional should know.​
  Educate. Inform. Inspire. Entertain. Sounds simple but most people miss this.
• Why podcasting is a long game (and why that’s a good thing).​
  If you’re expecting instant leads, you’re playing the wrong game. This reframes content as a compounding asset.
• One conversation can turn into 20–30 pieces of content.​
  See how busy consultants and execs can create leverage without spending endless time on marketing.
• Why people connect with your values before your expertise.​
  Principles, priorities, and values are often the real reason people choose to work with you.
• The secret to making technical experts shine on camera.​
  It’s not scripts, it’s asking the right questions and using storytelling techniques (yes, even in tech).

Quick Tip to Overcome Podcast or Presentation Nerves

Do you get nervous before podcasts or presentations? Are you trying to memorize all the points you want to share?

Unfortunately, I've tried to do that before and it only makes me more nervous.

Here's the tip to overcome those nerves. Write out all your answers in bullet point form with pen and paper. Write - not type, and it will embed it in your brain more. Then set the paper aside. Trust that you'll remember the important points and you're experienced enough to bring up what's truly important.

We think we need to "perform" on a podcast, but what we're really doing is sharing. Think of that audience member you want to help with your answer. Your giving nature will shine through.

Thank you to our Tech Legacies sponsor, CG Infinity!

Huge thank you to ​CG Infinity​ for sponsoring our podcast so we are able to feature these tech leaders with their perspectives and insights. Follow their company page to learn about their tech consulting services and #peoplefirst culture.

Looking for a heart-centered executive coach in the tech industry?

You're already knowledgeable and experienced in your career. The next level is about leadership, developing teams and overcoming self-limiting beliefs. Shaunna Black is now a sponsor of our podcast and she can help you on that growth trajectory. I highly recommend her services. Connect with her to learn more.

Struggling to find the right candidates and resources?

Check out our newest sponsor, Odyssey Information Services, a technology consulting, staffing, professional and managed services firm with a dedicated team, many of them deeply established employees that believe in building long-term relationships with clients and candidates. Click on this link for the latest job postings.

Shout out to our partner, Tech CXO Launchpad!

Shout out to our partners at ​Tech CxO LaunchPad​. Connect with ​Karen Bruno​ to learn more about the Program, the benefits, the outcomes, and how this Program provides a blueprint for new C-Level Execs or the path to the C-Suite for rising stars.

Now I want to hear from you, Reader

Is the tech world ready to lead with heart? What will it take?