Torch CEO Heather Conklin - Why Human Leadership Matters More in the AI Era

Heather Conklin, CEO of Torch, joins Clint Betts for a conversation on leadership, coaching, AI, personal growth, and what it takes to lead effectively during times of rapid change.

Torch helps organizations develop leaders through a combination of human coaching, AI-powered coaching, and leadership development programs designed to align leadership behavior with business outcomes. As AI transforms nearly every industry, Heather believes leadership is becoming more important—not less.

In this episode, Heather explains why leadership isn't a title, why organizations are facing a leadership deficit, and why the most valuable skills in the AI era may be the deeply human ones.

The conversation also explores self-awareness, coaching, organizational culture, leadership development, and the balance between performance and empathy.

00:00:00 - Introduction and Overview of Torch

00:01:02 - Integrating AI into Leadership Coaching

00:02:31 - Defining Leadership

00:04:28 - Common Traits of Effective Leaders

00:06:17 - The Role of AI in Modern Leadership

00:07:07 - The Necessity of Leadership in the AI Era

00:10:04 - Challenges in Developing Great Leaders

00:12:12 - Personal Leadership and Self-Management