Dawn Foods’ CEO, Serhat Unsal, recently had the opportunity to speak to a group of University of Michigan students at the school’s Tauber Leadership Speaker Series (TLSS). The student-organized initiative invites high-level executives to share insights with students about their careers, the qualities leaders need in today's global economy and the tangible steps to achieve excellence in their own career path.
On this particular day, Serhat had students’ captured attention as he discussed the increasingly competitive job market. In addition to competing against other graduates, Serhat noted today’s students also face increasing competition from machines.
“So, how do you stand out in the crowd? How do you differentiate?” Serhat posed to the group. “What is it you can do but computers and robots can never do, even with the best AI algorithm?”
According to Serhat, the answer is simple: leadership.
Serhat noted that leadership requires the sophistication of a human being. And while computers can do management – such as accomplishing specific tasks – they can’t lead.
For Serhat, there are three key pillars that provide a solid foundation for leadership in the age of technology and AI:
Serhat closed with a simple reminder on how to lead effectively: “Leadership in the age of AI is all about doing what computers cannot do: Leading through the power of these emotions.”
He added, “How you manage a particular project or how you achieve numbers may be forgotten. But how you lead will always be remembered. Let computers, and robots help us and do most of that management, while you focus on leading.”