In this episode of Grappling Growth, we sit down with Jack Skeels—CEO, former RAND researcher, and trusted advisor and coach to executives—to unpack one of the biggest questions facing leaders today: Is AI really coming for our jobs?

Jack brings a rare blend of deep research, real-world leadership experience, and practical wisdom as he shares how project-based organizations can redesign the way work actually works in the age of AI. Instead of fear-driven narratives, this conversation explores what’s really changing, which roles are most at risk, and how leaders can future-proof their teams by rethinking systems, workflows, and human value.

If you’re a business leader, executive, or professional navigating uncertainty, this episode will challenge your assumptions, sharpen your thinking, and help you see AI not just as a threat—but as a catalyst for smarter, more meaningful work.

EP Guest: Jack Skeel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackaskeels/

In this episode of the podcast, I sit down with Jack Shade — CEO, former RAND Corporation researcher, and trusted advisor and coach to executives — to unpack what leadership really looks like when the stakes are high and the decisions truly matter.

Jack brings a rare perspective shaped by years of rigorous research, strategic advisory work, and real-world executive coaching. From advising senior leaders to helping organisations navigate complexity, uncertainty, and pressure, Jack shares what separates effective leadership from performative leadership.

We explore:

• How research-driven thinking shapes better leaders

• The realities of decision-making under uncertainty

• Why clarity, judgment, and self-awareness matter more than charisma

• Common leadership blind spots executives don’t realise they have

• What it truly means to lead people — not just manage outcomes

This conversation goes beyond buzzwords and frameworks. It’s a grounded, thoughtful look at leadership through the lens of experience, discipline, and deep reflection.

If you’re a founder, executive, or emerging leader looking to sharpen how you think, decide, and lead — this episode will challenge and elevate your perspective.

Tune in and enjoy.

EP Guest: Jack Shade
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackaskeels/
Loud Collective Website: https://www.loudco.com/
Infinite CXO Website: https://infinitecxo.com/
Email: jshade@loudco.com

Are small businesses actually leveraging AI effectively—or are they already falling behind?

With years of experience leading large-scale transformation across enterprises, Lauren brings a rare and grounded perspective on how leadership, culture, and strategy must evolve in an AI-driven world. This conversation goes beyond the hype to explore what real AI adoption looks like for small and mid-sized businesses—and why technology alone is never the answer.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why many businesses are “using AI” but not truly getting value from it

• The leadership mindset required to adopt AI without creating chaos

• How small businesses can compete with larger enterprises using smarter AI strategies

• Common mistakes leaders make when introducing AI into teams and workflows

• Practical ways to get ahead of the AI curve—without losing the human edge

This is a masterclass in leading change, embracing innovation, and building future-ready businesses—especially for leaders who want to move fast without breaking what already works.

Whether you’re a founder, executive, or operator navigating AI for the first time, this episode will challenge how you think about technology, leadership, and growth.

Tune in and learn how to lead on the edge—before the edge moves.

EP Guest: Lauren Ryder
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-ryder1/
Website: http://leading-edge.global