Making Elephants Run: Reinventing Every Business at the Speed of AI
The real risk of AI is not the technology itself, but what happens when leaders hold on to identities built for a slower world.
This episode of Business Emergency Room explores why reinvention has replaced transformation as the defining leadership challenge. Maartje van Krieken and Nikki Barua examine how accelerating change has reshaped work, decision-making, and competitive advantage, leaving many organizations stuck in inertia as AI removes the luxury of long adaptation windows.
At the center of the conversation is leadership identity. Reinvention requires leaders to release outdated definitions of value tied to effort, time, and expertise. The episode explains why human–AI collaboration only works when leaders start with people, rethink roles and workflows, and redirect human energy toward judgment, creativity, and perspective while machines handle what they do best. The result is a clear, grounded view of what leadership demands when change never slows down.
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Why Transformation No Longer Works in a World of Constant Change
03:59 Reinvention at Scale Inside Large Enterprises
06:16 Reinvention vs Transformation and Leadership Identity
10:18 How AI Is Eroding Competitive Advantage Faster Than Ever
14:46 Where Real Advantage Comes From When Speed Is No Longer Enough
16:24 Why AI Pilots Fail Without Human–AI Collaboration
18:01 Shifting From Effort-Based Value to Impact-Based Leadership
22:58 Learning and Unlearning as the Core Skill for Adaptability
26:48 Why Perspective Matters More Than Expertise in the AI Age
30:04 Reinvention as a Human Opportunity, Not a Technological Threat
Connect with Nikki Barua:
Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn
Nikki Barua is a serial entrepreneur, keynote speaker, bestselling author, and globally
recognized expert on transformation. She is the CEO & Co-Founder of FlipWork, the human
+ agentic system for workforce reinvention.
For over 25 years, Nikki has helped global brands reinvent their culture, capabilities, and
competitive edge. Her work spans strategy, digital transformation, and organizational
change, rooted in a belief that people, not just technology are the key to future success.
Nikki has built and scaled high-growth businesses as a tech entrepreneur, earning accolades
for her visionary leadership and impact. Her personal journey of rising from humble beginnings has made her a sought-after voice on resilience and reinvention. She has won many accolades and leadership awards and her story has been featured in CNBC, Bloomberg, Fortune, and Forbes.
Connect with Maartje van Krieken:
Connect with Maartje on LinkedIn
Visit The Chaos Games Consulting website
Visit The Business Emergency Room website
Subscribe to The Business Emergency Room on YouTube
Subscribe to Maartje’s Substack
Host Maartje van Krieken is a crisis strategist and decision-making expert who thrives in high-stakes business environments. Combining disaster management training, hands-on experience in global industries, and leadership skills honed as a seasoned sailor, she helps businesses navigate chaos with precision. Whether tackling transformation, scaling challenges, or leadership bottlenecks, Maartje delivers actionable insights to turn turbulence into traction.
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm
