AI-Proof Leadership: Jim Carlough on the Six Pillars That Machines Can’t Replicate

In a business landscape where artificial intelligence is rapidly rewriting the definitions of talent and efficiency, many executives are left asking: What makes us irreplaceable? While AI can process data at superhuman speeds and mimic conversation, Jim Carlough, executive leadership coach and author of The Six Pillars of Effective Leadership, argues that the future of leadership isn’t about competing with machines—it’s about doubling down on humanity.

We sat down with Jim to discuss his "Six Pillars" framework and why qualities like integrity, compassion, and even humor are the ultimate competitive advantage in an uncertain future.

Q: You’ve noted that AI is changing what "talent" means, yet you argue that current leadership development programs are missing the mark. What are they getting wrong?

Jim Carlough: Most leadership programs are training programs on specific habits or do these five things. These programs all miss the point. We need to focus on Leadership Identity or Character. That’s why today’s programs fail, once class is over there is no roadmap for them to continue on and when the first crisis shows up, the leader immediately reverts to old habits.

We create leadership identities, that are both AI proof and focus on the things that matter, example, the importance of Leadership Stability, showing up the same way every day, and even act/perform the same way in a crisis.

Q: You identify "Integrity" as the first pillar of your framework. Why is this specific quality something AI cannot replicate?

Jim Carlough: Not only is this the first pillar, it is also non-negotiable. A leader who lacks integrity and transparency will never build trust with their employees. Further, if they try to show empathy or compassion it will be dismissed as unreal. Once a leader loses the trust of a team member, gaining it back is virtually impossible.

This is also a fundamental reason voluntary attrition rates are above 10%, and many above 15%. According to the Society of Human Resource Managers (SHRM) estimates the cost to replace an employee to be between 100%-300% of the departing employees salary, benefits, lost productivity, recruiting, and more.

Q: In a world overflowing with data, you list "Focus" as a critical human pillar. How does human focus differ from AI's processing power?

Jim Carlough: AI is a partner to Focus. Focus is knowing exactly what the pathway is that we are on and not wavering, where AI comes in is to ensure that as we continue down the pathway of our work that the numbers remind us of where we are on that pathway. AI can’t show focus, but AI can interpret the KPI data and see trends long before a human will.

Q: "Compassion" is another pillar you highlight. Can’t AI be programmed to recognize when an employee is struggling?

Jim Carlough: AI cannot determine that Bill came in today, not smiling and with something heavy on his mind. AI can look at Bill’s activity level and relate that he’s missing the mark. It’s the leader’s role to notice these behavioral changes early so they can intercede and help.

Here’s a perfect example. A few years ago, I had a single Mom on my team and it was near the end of July when I realized she’s not taken any time off to be with her son. I approached her on a Wednesday and questioned why not (AI can’t do this) and then told her to close up her laptop and to not open it till Monday and to not report it as PTO. The employee was extremely appreciative of the offer and did take me up on it and when she came back she couldn’t stop thanking me. AI cannot do any of this.

Q: You often speak about "Stability" using the example of the dot-com bubble. Why is this quality essential for modern leaders?

Jim Carlough: A leader needs to show that they operate on the same emotional level regardless of the situation. This includes if there’s a dot-com bubble burst, medical crisis or fire. That stability will get the entire team to feel psychological safety in both the leader and organization. Failing to show that stability will result in rushing doubt from within the team.

Q: Many people confuse sympathy with empathy. How do you define "Empathy" in the context of AI-proof leadership?

Jim Carlough: When I define them I define them as Sympathy is the ability to show concern for their situation, but generally their emotional involvement is likely less evident. While with Empathy the leader can define deeply with the situation and can even work to help resolve or reduce the concern.

Q: The final pillar, "Humor," might surprise some people. Why is this considered a leadership asset rather than just a personality trait?

Jim Carlough: Humor is used as a strategic tool. It is not meant to mean, standing at the water cooler telling jokes at 10 AM. Examples of places where I often will use humor include to kick off a meeting to gather people’s attention, or refocus people when discussions goes astray, or to defuse conflict.

As organizations navigate the AI revolution, Carlough’s message is clear: the most effective leaders won’t be the ones who try to out-compute the algorithms, but those who excel in the uniquely human spaces of connection, ethics, and understanding. The "Six Pillars" framework serves as a roadmap for this new era, proving that while technology changes, the foundations of great leadership remain timeless.