From managing people to managing AI: The leadership skills everyone needs now | Julie Zhuo (Facebook VP, Sundial CEO, The Making of a Manager author)
From managing people to managing AI: The leadership skills everyone needs now | Julie Zhuo (Facebook VP, Sundial CEO, The Making of a Manager author)
From managing people to managing AI: The leadership skills everyone needs now | Julie Zhuo (Facebook VP, Sundial CEO, The Making of a Manager author)
In this insightful conversation, Julie Zhuo returns to reflect on the transformative impact of AI on leadership and management. As roles evolve and technology reshapes workflows, she offers a forward-thinking perspective on how both individuals and organizations can adapt—not by resisting change, but by embracing it with intention and empathy.
Julie Zhuo discusses how AI is redefining management, making core leadership skills essential for everyone as people increasingly guide AI agents rather than just teams. Clear goal-setting, effective feedback, and adaptive communication are more critical than ever. She highlights how AI accelerates learning, especially in engineering, and enables flatter organizational structures by empowering individuals with intelligent tools. Despite rapid innovation, many AI companies lack mature data infrastructure, relying instead on instinct—though data remains vital for diagnosing problems once growth stabilizes. The fusion of data and design allows better decision-making, while timeless managerial principles like self-awareness, strength-weakness balance, and win-win thinking remain foundational. Julie emphasizes creating feedback-rich cultures, navigating disagreements with curiosity, and leading with conviction. In parenting and personal life, she sees AI as a creative enabler, not a crutch, advocating for emotional intelligence and presence over technical prowess in preparing future generations.
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The book helped normalize feelings for managers who thought they were alone in their struggles
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Management fundamentals like outcome, purpose, and process apply equally to agentic systems.
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Being unclear about success leads to sub-optimal work with AI agents
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Engineers can handle full product cycles with AI support and specialist review
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ChatGPT helps engineers understand the 'why' and 'when' behind algorithms
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The head of ChatGPT identified common use cases by analyzing TikTok comments and viral content.
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Great designers can't A/B test their way to a great product.
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Managers should be like a willow tree—sturdy yet flexible in navigating change.
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Change is not something to fear but to embrace as an exciting opportunity
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Weaknesses are often the downside of strengths; growth lies in understanding this duality
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51:46
Unhappiness often comes from misalignment between personal goals and required actions.
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1:02:57
Getting people to opt in for feedback solves 60% of the problem.
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Firing someone can be a win-win if it supports the employee's long-term success
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1:09:32
Lack of belief in strategy can lead to project failure
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1:12:12
Break down a directive into assumptions and test them with small experiments.
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1:18:22
AI makes it easy to create a personalized gift that feels handcrafted and unique
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It's a skill to see the richness in situations.
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True freedom is choosing challenging things over easy shortcuts.
