This candid reflection from a participant in our recent webinar with Niran Mothada cuts right to the heart of a challenge many public sector leaders face. How do we lead strategically in a world where artificial intelligence is advancing faster than our confidence in using it?
We recently hosted Leading Strategically in an AI World: A Primer for Non-Digital Leaders, a session designed to support and empower those who don’t necessarily see themselves as digital experts, but who are nonetheless responsible for navigating their organisations through rapid digital change.
Why Leadership in an AI World Matters
AI is no longer just a topic for data scientists or digital teams. It’s already influencing strategic decisions, reshaping how public services are delivered, and challenging conventional leadership models. As Niran so powerfully reminded us, strategic leadership in an AI environment is not about the tech, it’s about values, ethics, and putting people at the centre of transformation.
AI is automating processes, enhancing decision-making, and surfacing new kinds of risks. This means leaders must evolve not by becoming technical experts, but by becoming curious, agile, and collaborative.
One participant summed it up perfectly:
“It’s like spreadsheets all over again. AI needs to become a basic skill across the organisation.”
“If you don’t understand the decision you’re being asked to make—are you really leading?”
– Niran Mothada
The New Realities: Curiosity Over Control
Niran spoke with striking honesty about her own digital journey from relying heavily on Chief Digital Officers to questioning whether she truly understood the technology decisions she was being asked to approve as a board member.
Her story resonated deeply. In the chat, participants shared similar feelings, some used AI daily, others rarely or not at all, but nearly everyone admitted there was a gap between what was happening and what was understood. Many voiced a need for structure, strategy and space to ask ‘basic’ questions without fear.
One colleague shared, “I use ChatGPT and Copilot almost every hour, but I still don’t feel fully confident about how we’re using AI as an organisation.” Another admitted: “I don’t use it at all, but I know it’s going to be crucial for the future.”
The key message? Curiosity is no longer optional—it’s an essential leadership quality.
Agile Leadership: Adapting with Purpose
Leading in a tech-enabled world requires agility, not just in processes, but in mindset. Niran highlighted the importance of:
- Communicating clearly, especially when things feel uncertain
- Leading change with empathy, recognising our own fears before asking others to change
- Encouraging continuous learning, in ourselves and our teams
- Building trust, especially when technology feels invisible or misunderstood
One question raised during the session captured the mood:
“Is AI significant enough that we should be upskilling everyone in our organisation, like we did with word processing in the ‘90s?” The answer, overwhelmingly, was yes.
Building an AI Strategy: Vision First, Tools Second
Rather than jumping into platforms and tools, Niran encouraged us to start with purpose. A sound AI strategy should be built on:
- Clearly defined goals, aligned with organisational outcomes
- Ethical governance, embedded from the outset
- A strong data strategy, ensuring quality and integrity
- The right tools, chosen for usefulness, not novelty
- A person-centred approach, focused on value creation
This framework helps avoid the pitfalls of chasing hype or investing in tools without clarity. As one participant put it: “The tech will keep evolving—but our vision must stay rooted in purpose.”
Common Concerns (And How We Tackle Them)
Participants raised thoughtful concerns throughout the session:
“AI might replace people—not partner with them.”
“We’re not even sure what counts as AI.”
“It feels like we’re adopting things before we’ve fully understood them.”
These are not trivial worries. But Niran showed how these can be addressed through open dialogue, transparent strategies, and a strong ethical foundation. Inclusivity is key, not just in system design, but in how we bring people along on the journey.
Ethics, Inclusion, and Collaboration
Leaders have a duty to use AI responsibly. When one participant asked, “How do I ensure ethical and inclusive AI use while managing risk?”, Niran stressed the importance of engaging widely, listening closely, and working collaboratively.
Real-world examples, like the Children’s Parliament in Scotland consulting young people on AI and children’s rights, reminded us that ethical tech leadership starts by listening to those most impacted.
Another participant insightfully noted:
“AI is learning ethics from the humans who use it.”
Top Takeaways from Niran’s Session
Here are some of the standout messages that emerged from the discussion:
- Start small, but start now – waiting for perfect clarity is unrealistic
- Ask more questions – leadership doesn’t require all the answers
- Bring people in early – don’t design in isolation
- Communicate clearly and often – especially about risks and boundaries
- Keep ethics front and centre – embed it in your governance
- Think of AI as an enabler – not a replacement
What’s Next? Your Leadership Journey
Niran closed with a question that’s stayed with many of us: “What will your learning journey be?”
We don’t need every leader to become an AI specialist. But we do need leaders who are bold enough to step into the unknown, challenge assumptions, and continuously learn. Whether you’re just beginning to explore AI, or already navigating complex strategy decisions, we at Civil Service College are here to support you.
“You don’t need to have all the answers—but you do need to ask better questions.”
– Niran Mothada
We're With You on This Journey
To everyone who joined us, thank you. To Niran—your honesty and insight were both timely and deeply appreciated. As AI continues to reshape the public sector, we remain committed to helping leaders develop the confidence, clarity and compassion needed to lead well in this new era.
