AI & Leadership Series

Leveraging AI to Elevate Your Efficiency and Team Performance

Welcome to The Storyteller’s AI & Leadership Series—where we explore how Artificial Intelligence is shaping leadership, decision-making, and productivity. This week, we’re kicking off the conversation with how AI can make you a more effective leader by increasing efficiency, automating repetitive tasks, and enhancing team performance.

AI is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s here, and leaders who embrace it will gain a competitive edge in 2025 and beyond.

How AI is Revolutionizing Productivity

Leaders today juggle strategic vision, people management, and operational execution—all while staying ahead in a rapidly evolving workplace. AI can act as an efficiency multiplier, helping you save time, make better decisions, and improve collaboration with your teams.

Here’s how AI can immediately impact your productivity:

✅ Task Automation: AI-powered tools can handle scheduling, emails, meeting summaries, and workflow automation—freeing you to focus on high-value leadership tasks.

✅ Enhanced Decision-Making: AI-driven analytics can provide insights, detect trends, and highlight risks—empowering you to make data-driven, confident decisions.

✅ Smarter Communication: AI assistants can transcribe meetings, summarize key takeaways, and draft responses, improving team coordination.

✅ Personalized Learning & Development: AI can curate learning materials, recommend professional development courses, and even coach leaders through real-time feedback based on behavioral patterns.

✅ AI in Team Collaboration: Tools like ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and Notion AI can streamline projects, improve documentation, and enhance cross-functional teamwork.

Personal Story: How AI Transformed My Productivity

I’ll admit—I was skeptical at first about how much AI could really improve my workflow. But as my responsibilities grew—from leading in the corporate space, mentoring in the community, managing speaking engagements, hosting podcast appearances, and running The Storyteller newsletter—I quickly realized I needed a system to keep everything running smoothly.

Instead of working harder, I decided to work smarter. I spent time researching and experimenting with AI tools to identify what truly complemented my needs.

• For work: I use AI-driven scheduling tools to manage my meetings, automate follow-ups, and ensure I’m always prepared. No more back-and-forth emails trying to set up a call.

• For my speaking engagements & community work: I leverage AI for speech preparation and research, allowing me to craft compelling content efficiently. Tools like ChatGPT and Claude AI help me refine key talking points while still ensuring authenticity.

• For podcast appearances & content creation: AI-powered transcription tools like Otter.ai help me document key conversations, allowing me to repurpose insights across multiple platforms.

• For strategic decision-making: AI analytics provide me with industry insights and leadership trends, helping me stay ahead without drowning in endless reports.

The result? More time for impactful leadership, deeper focus on high-value tasks, and the ability to show up at my best in every area of my life.

What I learned? AI doesn’t replace leadership—it enhances it. When used correctly, AI allows you to work smarter, not harder.

How You Can Get Started with AI for Productivity

If you’re new to AI, start with small integrations that create an immediate impact. Here’s how:

1️⃣ Use AI for Meeting Notes & Summaries: Tools like Otter.ai, Fireflies.ai, and Microsoft Copilot generate real-time transcripts and action items.

2️⃣ Leverage AI for Task Management: Apps like Notion AI, ClickUp, and Asana AI help automate workflows and improve collaboration.

3️⃣ Improve Writing & Communication: Use AI-driven tools like Grammarly, ChatGPT, and Jasper to streamline writing tasks, from emails to presentations.

4️⃣ AI for Time Management: Scheduling assistants like Reclaim.ai and Motion optimize your calendar and prioritize your focus time.

5️⃣ Experiment & Adapt: Start with one AI tool that addresses a key pain point in your workflow—then scale as you see the benefits.

AI Experts to Follow

🔍 Dr. Timnit Gebru – A leading AI ethics researcher and advocate for fair and ethical AI development. Follow her work on AI bias and responsible tech innovation. (@timnitGebru)

🔍 Mutale Nkonde – Founder of AI for the People, working at the intersection of AI, policy, and racial justice. She focuses on AI’s impact on Black communities. (@mutalenkonde)

🔍 Dr. Joy Buolamwini – Founder of the Algorithmic Justice League, researching bias in AI and advocating for more inclusive technologies. (@jovialjoy)

🔍 John Pasmore – CEO of AI startup Latimer.ai, which is bringing AI-driven solutions to diverse industries, including media and business strategy. (@johnpasmore)

🔍 Rediet Abebe – Co-founder of Black in AI, focusing on the intersection of AI and social good. Her work ensures AI solutions are equitable and inclusive. (@redabebe)

Survey Questions: Your AI Journey

At the end of this newsletter, I’d love your feedback:

Your input will shape upcoming discussions in The Storyteller!

Recommended Reading

📖 The AI Advantage: How to Put the Artificial Intelligence Revolution to Work by Thomas H. Davenport
📖 Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown (Not AI-specific, but a great resource for focusing on high-value leadership work.)

Join the Conversation

What AI tools are you using to boost your productivity? Have you found an AI-powered tool that has transformed how you lead your team? Reply to this email or drop a comment—I’d love to hear from you!

Connect with Me

Want to learn more about leveraging AI for leadership success? Let’s connect! Schedule a 15-minute intro call via www.demalo-ent.com.

AI is not here to replace leaders—it’s here to empower us to work smarter, focus on what matters, and lead with greater impact. Let’s embrace it together.

See you next week for our next topic: Mastering AI Integrations in Your Workplace, Home, and Community. 🚀

Founder of The Storyteller Newsletter
DeWayne Allen 
www.demalo-ent.com
I guide leaders and STEM professionals to succeed and innovate.