What if “solving problems” is keeping us stuck? our guest challenges how we lead in the age of AI—and invites us to shift from growth to purpose, from efficiency to effectiveness, and from chasing happiness to choosing contentment. A powerful call to show up for life—for the collective good.

 

Overview Episode 128

In this conversation, I sat down with Akhtar Badshah—former Head of Global Philanthropies at Microsoft and author of Purpose Mindset and Living with Purpose—to explore what it really means to lead on purpose when AI can outperform humans at execution.

“AI can optimise efficiency. But it can’t define effectiveness.”

This episode is a call to reclaim the uniquely human responsibilities of leadership: judgment, contribution, and care. Because the future belongs not to those who simply adapt to technology—but to those who know who and what they are accountable to.

 

Highlights

  • AI doesn’t decide what matters—humans do

AI can scale outcomes, but only humans define values. Without purpose, optimisation risks accelerating the wrong things—faster.

  • The real risk of AI is meaning loss, not just job loss

Outsourcing judgment and responsibility may increase productivity, but it also breeds disengagement and emotional disconnect.

  • Efficiency ≠ Effectiveness

Doing things right is not the same as doing the right things. Purpose bridges that gap.

  • From Growth Mindset to Purpose Mindset

Growth mindset focuses on individual improvement. Purpose mindset adds community and contribution—turning growth into impact.

  • Appreciative Inquiry as a Leadership Practice

Instead of fixing problems, leaders can build the future by amplifying what already gives life—through discovery, imagination, and action.

  • Purpose isn’t a role—it’s how you show up

Jobs can change. Titles can disappear. But purpose must be portable across work, relationships, and service.

  • Small practices restore agency

A simple weekly question—“When did I use my strengths?”—can reconnect you with meaning and contribution.

  • Purpose-led organisations don’t extract—they show up

They reinvest time, talent, and voice. They see people as citizens, not just resources. And they act on their broader responsibility to society.

  • Leadership in the AI age is a moral role

Purpose is not “soft.” It’s about who benefits from progress—and who is protected from its harms.

 

Watch episode 128 now.

 

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Purpose Sprint of the Week

Take a moment to reflect on this episode and apply it to your life:

Step 1: What gives you life?
Recall one recent moment where you felt fully alive. What were you doing? Who benefited?

Step 2: Name your human strength.
Complete the sentence: “When I’m at my best, people come to me for…”
(Answer honestly—not what you wish, but what actually happens.)

Step 3: From Me → to We
Ask: If I showed up from my best self more often, who else would benefit?

Step 4: One Small Act
Choose one deliberate action this week:

  • Use your strength with intention
  • Slow down one decision
  • Reinvest care, time, or attention into someone else

If you’re feeling uncertain in the AI era, let this episode remind you:
Your value isn’t in how fast you move. It’s in how deeply you lead.

 

 Related Resources

🎁Are you curious to discover how closely you’re living your purpose?

Take the free Ikigai Quiz and get a personalised roadmap to deepen flow, energy, and impact.  

Connect with the guest, Akhtar Badshah

Connect with Francine Beleyi, the host of the show

 

 

 

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