Why Business Leaders Need to Keep Focus on Human Cognition as They Embrace AI

Welcome to this Cloud Wars Agent and Copilot Update. In these discussions, I’ll be analyzing opportunities, impact, and outcomes possible with AI. In today’s episode, I address the issue of AI and its impact on the human brain.

Highlights

00:58 — It’s important to understand AI’s impact on humans as AI is rolled out in organizations. At the AI Agent & Copilot Summit in March, I had a conversation with a Director of Innovation and Technology who uses AI to streamline the scoping and approval process for new tech projects. Then the AI generates the code, significantly reducing the time required from three months to 48 to 72 hours. While AI is making organizations more competitive, it is also changing the way humans think and process information.

3:10 — A book called “The Shallows” explores how social media has made our brains more superficial, focusing on brief updates rather than detailed information. AI is introducing a new cognitive shift, different from social media, which distracted us, as AI has the potential to think for us. There’s opportunity and risk associated with AI, as organizations rush to adopt the technology, leading to changes in human cognition.

4:20 — Consider cognitive offloading, where humans rely too heavily on external systems for memory, summarization, analysis, and idea generation. Compare that to using GPS for directions, which has led to a decrease in the need to remember city layouts, similar to how an Uber driver uses an app to navigate a new city. Relying too much on external systems can lead to a decline in mental skills and the weakening of neural pathways.

5:55 — I wonder whether leadership teams have considered the role of human cognition in the future of their organizations, as they look to compete, be efficient, and create new revenue streams through AI.

More of my AI insights:

• Why Business Leaders Need to Embed AI In Daily Work Processes
• Leaders Require Cognitive Capacity to Unlock Transformative Power of AI
• Combat Fear of AI With Open-Mindedness and Curiosity
• AI Generates Valuable Insights, But Consultants Provide Vital Context and Human Touch

For a 36-Hour Immersion into the FY27 Priorities that define Partner Success in the AI Era, join us at the AI Business Solutions Partner Executive Summit, running July 22-23, 2026, in Bellevue, Washington. Register today.