Future-Proofing or Fall Behind: AI Leadership Lessons with Microsoft's Armanda Mealha
As a leadership coach and host of Talent Talk, I’m constantly learning from the people I sit down with—and this episode was no exception. In Episode 72, I spoke with Armanda Mealha, Executive Director at Microsoft Portugal, about what it means to lead in the age of AI. This conversation wasn’t just about technology—it was about mindset, experimentation, and what leaders must do to stay relevant and responsible.
🎧 If you haven’t already,tune in to the full episode on Spotify.
Why AI Demands a Different Kind of Leadership
One thing I’ve learned in my coaching work is that tech disruptions don’t call for perfect answers—they call for better questions. Armanda said it well:
"You don’t need to be a coder, but you need to be curious enough to ask what’s possible."
This really stuck with me. AI isn’t just a tool—it’s an invitation to lead differently. I see too many leaders try to control every new innovation. Instead, what if we leaned into curiosity and collaboration? That’s what the best leaders are doing right now.
The Mindset That Makes a Leader AI-Ready
From my conversation with Armanda and my own client work, here are the traits I believe we need to lean into:
1. Curiosity Over Certainty
Curious leaders open doors to innovation. They’re okay not knowing, and that humility becomes a strength.
2. Trust in Your Team
AI implementation works best when we give our teams the freedom to explore. One of the biggest shifts I see in strong leaders is the ability to create space for others to experiment.
3. Clarity of Purpose
Just because AI can do something doesn’t mean it should. I always challenge leaders to ask: "What problem are we solving, and why does it matter?"
Where to Start with AI
You don’t need to start big. In fact, I often coach clients to start small and meaningful.
Use AI for simple tasks like meeting notes or draft writing.
Explore how tools like ChatGPT or Copilot can reduce friction.
Don’t aim to replace people—augment them. AI should support creativity and critical thinking, not squash it.
Armanda shared how one of her teams freed up 30% of their time by using Copilot strategically. The win wasn’t just productivity—it was focus.
Culture First, Tools Second
Tech will always evolve. What matters more is the culture we create around it. If your team feels afraid to try, they won’t. If they feel empowered, they’ll surprise you.
Here’s how I help clients build AI-ready cultures:
Encourage low-risk experimentation
Hold "AI Fridays" where people can test tools with no pressure
Celebrate learning, not just output
Armanda reminded me that at Microsoft, senior leaders share their own AI learning journeys openly. That vulnerability is what builds permission and momentum.
What About Fear?
Let’s be honest: not everyone is excited about AI. And that’s okay. Part of leadership is holding space for those fears without minimizing them.
Here’s what I recommend:
Be transparent about what AI is for
Show how it reduces—not adds to—workload
Invite your team into the conversation early
When people feel involved, they stop resisting. Armanda and I both agreed on this: trust starts with communication.
What Stood Out Most
Toward the end of our conversation, I asked Armanda what qualities matter most in AI-era leadership. Here’s what she shared—and I couldn’t agree more:
Empathy – Understand the human impact of change.
Transparency – Lead with honesty, even when you don’t have all the answers.
Empowerment – Equip others to take ownership and try.
"Leadership today isn’t about having the answers. It’s about asking better questions."
That’s my favourite takeaway from this episode.
If You’re Wondering Where to Begin
Start small. Try one tool. Block 30 minutes this week to explore it. Then share what you learned with your team. Leadership in the AI era doesn’t require perfection—it just asks that you show up.
Want More?
This post is just a glimpse into my conversation with Armanda Mealha on Talent Talk.
🎧 You can listen to the full episode here.
📣 If you’re a leader looking to build capability and confidence in this AI-driven world, I’d love to support you. VisitThe Career Establishment to learn more about my leadership coaching, workshops, and tools for forward-thinking teams.
Series Navigation
Continue to Part 2: Building AI-Ready Skills for the Future of Work
Part 3: Leading Responsible AI Adoption
Part 4: Mastering Adaptive Leadership in an AI Era
Part 5: Cultivating Inclusive Leadership and Personal Growth