A new global study by the Top Employers Institute reveals that artificial intelligence is reshaping leadership and the workplace, giving rise to a new breed of leaders who use AI to amplify human potential rather than replace it. The report, titled AI-Powered Leadership: The Blueprint for Uniting Human Insight with Intelligent Technology, analyzed data from over 2,300 certified Top Employers across 125 countries and 26 industries. It highlights a critical divide: while AI adoption is accelerating—78% of firms now use AI in at least one business function—few organizations have successfully scaled AI to deliver human-centered value. Profitable companies are 7% more likely than less successful peers to use AI to enhance the employee experience, indicating a strong link between responsible AI use and business performance. These forward-thinking organizations view AI not as a threat to jobs, but as a tool to elevate human capabilities, improve decision-making, and foster more engaging work environments. Despite this potential, many companies struggle to translate AI’s promise into real-world impact. Research from the Boston Consulting Group shows that 74% of employers find it difficult to scale AI across their organizations. The core challenge lies not in technology, but in leadership readiness. As Adrian Seligman, Executive Board Member at Top Employers Institute, noted, “AI is redrawing the architecture of organizations faster than most leaders can adapt.” The leaders who will thrive are those who design systems where AI enhances judgment, empathy, and purpose—guided by ethical principles. The report identifies five essential pillars of AI-powered leadership: digital confidence, ethical stewardship, human-centered design, systems awareness, and applied empathy. These traits enable leaders to integrate AI in ways that reinforce human values, support employee development, and drive sustainable growth. Key findings from the study include strong correlations between AI adoption and positive business outcomes. Organizations using AI to improve employee experience report higher engagement, better internal promotion rates, and improved profitability. Case studies from leading employers demonstrate how AI is being used to personalize learning, streamline HR processes, and support mental well-being—all while maintaining transparency and trust. HR leaders are positioned as key change agents in this transformation. The report urges them to guide senior executives and boards in reimagining leadership for the AI era. “Those that fail to redesign leadership for the AI era risk building faster systems on outdated foundations, hampering revenue growth potential,” Seligman warned. The report provides practical guidance for businesses to turn AI into a catalyst for better leadership, including strategies for upskilling teams, embedding ethics into AI deployment, and aligning technology with organizational values. It also calls for a shift from viewing AI as a cost-cutting tool to seeing it as a strategic enabler of human potential. With over 2,400 organizations certified in 125 countries and more than 13 million employees impacted, the Top Employers Institute continues to champion people-first practices in a digital age. The study underscores a clear message: the future of work is not about humans versus machines, but about humans and machines working together—guided by wisdom, ethics, and a shared purpose. The time to build this future is now.