Judgment and curiosity: How to lead through the noise of AI

Leaders are navigating a new kind of decision-making environment: What to say? When to say it? Is it better to say nothing at all? 

For Dr. Moira Gilchrist, PMI’s Chief Global Communications Officer, this is a human exercise—and one that requires human judgment in particular.  

As narratives emerge and evolve—especially those that spread misinformation—timing becomes critical. Acting quickly can address inaccuracies before they take hold. But just as important is the pause beforehand: A moment of reflection to assess whether engagement will help or hinder understanding. The balance between speed and restraint is a decision that must be made by humans. 

In many ways, this tension captures a broader reality of the AI era. While technology offers unprecedented scale and capability, it also brings polarizing opinions and uncertainty.  

For leaders, this is where responsibility deepens. Beyond reacting to external narratives, there is a need to create internal clarity.  

By encouraging curiosity and bringing a sense of calm, we create space for experimentation, an essential tool as organizations adapt to new ways of working.

At its core, this moment is as much about human cognition as it is about technology. Progress does not come from standing still, but neither does it come from rushing without direction.

AI may accelerate thinking, but it does not replace the fundamentally human instincts that guide it: Judgment, empathy, and perspective.

As Moira highlights, the path forward lies in embracing both. Creating the space to learn, staying patient as understanding evolves, and offering a clear sense of direction are three key elements that can help organizations move through uncertainty and toward meaningful progress. 

Watch the full discussion below to explore Moira's perspective in more detail.