Travis Hahler: Wired for Change, Part 1 | Leading Humans Through AI Transformation Travis Hahler is the Senior Director of Global Strategy and Transformation at Salesforce and the founder of Neurological Nomad. His book Rethink Resistance, publishing June 23rd, explores how leaders can embrace human biology to drive meaningful change. Fun Fact: Travis loves a good pasta. Red sauce, vodka sauce, white sauce, all the sauces. You simply cannot go wrong. What You Will Learn Why telling employees to "go play" with AI activates fear rather than innovation How the brain defaults to the worst-case narrative when faced with ambiguity Why early adopters are only about two and a half percent of any workforce How to give your team clarity around what innovation means in their role Why group exploration is safer and more effective than solo adoption How ninety percent of AI users are only chatting with it, not leveraging its potential Why building competence over time beats trying to master everything at once How resisting AI to protect your job is the fastest path to losing it Why leadership is evolving from systems thinking to challenge and reinvention Key Insights Clarity is the foundation of transformation; define innovation before you ask for it Resistance is neurological, not personal; the brain defaults to protection under ambiguity Group adoption accelerates individual progress and lowers perceived risk Competence builds confidence, and confidence enables lasting change Staying still in the age of AI is a career risk, not a safe choice Leaders who thrive will model curiosity, adaptability, and purpose-driven growth Memorable Quotes "Everyone is talking about AI, but no one is talking about how they are going to do it." "People's brains automatically go to the negative." "You do not have to solve everything. Start with the basics." "Trying to hold on to your job is not going to help you save it." "AI is the buffet. You could get whatever you want, however you want it." Who Should Listen Leaders, executives, and professionals navigating AI adoption without a clear roadmap. If you are struggling with workforce resistance, unclear innovation mandates, or leading people through uncertainty, this conversation offers practical strategy and a neuroscience-informed view on why change feels hard. Your Next Step Start with one question: what is one task in your daily work that AI could make easier? Do not try to reinvent everything. Build from there. Leadership in the age of AI means showing up with curiosity, not perfection. Connect with Travis Hahler Website: travishahler.com Book: Rethink Resistance, June 23rd on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and major booksellers LinkedIn: Travis Hahler Connect with Julie Riga Website: julieriga.com/lead Coaching: Leadership coaching and the ingredients for success in life and career Tools and Resources: https://stacklist.app/julieriga Subscribe to Stay On Course wherever you listen to podcasts Share this with leaders navigating transformation in the age of AI #stayoncourse #leadership #transformation #mindset #purposedriven Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.