Thailand’s Gen X Leaders: AI Drives Future Success
In the ever-shifting landscape of modern business, Generation X executives have navigated numerous upheavals, from digital revolutions to economic fluctuations and rapid globalization. The relentless advance of artificial intelligence (AI), however, presents a unique challenge, forcing leaders to grapple with maintaining relevance in this rapidly evolving technological era. While anxieties about obsolescence are understandable, Gen X leaders possess a crucial asset: a wealth of experience, strategic acumen, and leadership maturity—qualities more valuable than ever in the age of AI, provided they adapt to this new paradigm.
Arinya Talerngsri, Senior Vice President, Local Partner, and Managing Director at BTS Thailand (formerly SEAC), part of the BTS Group, a leading global strategy implementation firm, argues that Gen X leaders are uniquely positioned to leverage their experience while embracing AI. In a recent article, she outlines five key strategies for staying ahead of the leadership curve in the AI era.
First, Talerngsri emphasizes a shift from authoritative to agile leadership. In a rapidly transforming technological landscape, possessing all the answers is less critical than posing the right questions. The ability to foster a culture of learning, adaptability, and collaboration is paramount. This translates to adopting a coaching approach, encouraging curiosity and experimentation, and embedding adaptability as a core team value.
Second, leveraging AI as a tool, rather than viewing it as a replacement, is crucial. AI has the potential to significantly enhance decision-making and efficiency. Leaders who embrace AI-powered insights for strategic planning, automate routine tasks, and utilize AI for brainstorming will lead with greater confidence. Starting small by integrating AI into daily workflows can powerfully demonstrate its value to teams.
Third, Talerngsri highlights the importance of reverse mentoring. Recognizing the digital fluency of younger generations like Millennials and Gen Z, who possess invaluable insights into AI, digital trends, and evolving work dynamics, is essential. Establishing reverse mentoring programs, pairing experienced leaders with younger employees, offers a mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and perspectives.
Fourth, leading with purpose remains paramount. While AI is transforming industries, human leadership continues to drive purpose, build trust, and shape organizational culture. Employees and customers alike seek leaders who inspire, not simply those who can keep pace with technological advancements. Utilizing AI to free up time allows leaders to focus on crucial human-centric aspects like team building, coaching, and driving meaningful business impact.
Finally, a commitment to continuous learning is non-negotiable. AI is not the last disruption the business world will face. Staying relevant requires ongoing learning, adaptation, and growth. Investing in continuous learning, staying abreast of AI and leadership trends, engaging in executive forums, and surrounding oneself with individuals who challenge conventional thinking are crucial for maintaining relevance.
Talerngsri concludes with an optimistic outlook, asserting that Gen X leaders are not dinosaurs facing extinction, but rather a vital bridge between accumulated wisdom and groundbreaking innovation. By embracing agility, integrating AI strategically, and fostering collaboration, Gen X leaders can thrive in this new era. They are uniquely positioned to guide their organizations and teams towards a future where human ingenuity and artificial intelligence work in harmony. The future, according to Talerngsri, belongs to the adaptive leaders, and Gen X, with its unique blend of experience and adaptability, is well-equipped to lead the way.
ai, leadership, news, thailand
