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Leading in the AI era: The human way forward

How leaders can harness AI to accelerate growth while deepening trust, empathy, and human connection

5 min read

Updated on March 18, 2026

Published on March 18, 2026

In this blog

01 AI as a force multiplier for human connection - Jumplink to AI as a force multiplier for human connection
02 How AI is empowering the next generation of solopreneurs - Jumplink to How AI is empowering the next generation of solopreneurs
03 Designing the future of work — with humans at the center - Jumplink to Designing the future of work — with humans at the center

Zoom

Last week at SXSW, Zoom CMO Kimberly Storin and Head of Content and Customer Advocacy, Marla Davies, took the stage to explore a question many leaders are asking right now: how do we move faster with AI without losing what makes work human?

In a fireside chat with This Is It Network CEO Cheldin Rumer, the conversation focused on a future where technology doesn’t replace our humanity — it amplifies it. The discussion explored how leaders can use intelligent tools to drive growth while strengthening the foundations of human connection, empathy, and trust.

This people-first philosophy is the foundation of our Zoom Ahead strategy.

As Storin put it: “Real momentum begins with understanding the people you serve.”

During the development of the Zoom Ahead campaign, Storin spoke with more than 50 customers. One message kept surfacing: people trust Zoom because it simply works.

Customers want to be heard. They expect authenticity from the companies they work with. And they want technology that removes friction from their day-to-day work lives.

Success is measured not only by outcomes, but by the trust we earn and how people feel when they interact with our technology. That trust — built through listening to customers and teams — is the starting point for meaningful progress.

In a world increasingly saturated with AI, the real risk isn’t using AI — it’s using it in ways that replace essential human qualities. Our perspective is different. AI should act as a force multiplier for empathy, creativity, and presence.

When designed intentionally, AI removes friction and restores flow to the workday. It takes care of the busywork — administrative tasks, meeting follow-ups, and fragmented workflows — so people can focus on what matters most:

strategy, decision-making, and real connection.

In action, technology should fade into the background so people can focus on purposeful work. Trust and transparency aren’t optional features in the AI era — they are prerequisites for adoption.

As Storin explained:
“AI is only valuable if it helps move work forward. While there’s no shortage of tools that capture information, there’s a gap in tools that actually turn that information into action. That’s why we’re building a system of action that turns live conversations into completed work, connecting every step from preparation to action to outcome.”

The AI era is also reshaping entrepreneurship — particularly for solopreneurs and small business builders. For the first time, founders can scale capability and creativity without scaling headcount or operational complexity.

Instead of doing everything themselves, solopreneurs are using AI as a digital team member — helping with preparation, planning, research, follow-ups, and execution. The result is a powerful shift: less time spent on administrative work and more time invested in growth, creativity, and strategy.

That shift inspired our new Zoom Solopreneur 50 (ZSP50) initiative.

The ZSP50 is a first-of-its-kind recognition program celebrating America’s most inspiring solo business leaders — people who are building and growing companies on their own, powered by technology. What inspired the program is a broader shift we’re seeing in the world of work and leadership.

Historically, impact was often tied to the size of an organization — how many employees you had and how large your infrastructure was. But today, technology and AI are changing that equation. One person, empowered with intuitive tools and the right platform, can build something incredibly meaningful and scalable.

We have committed $150,000 in funding to support the top five honorees and help accelerate their ventures.

As Davies explained:
“We are spotlighting solopreneurs who are using technology like Zoom to scale their ideas and businesses. We are sharing their stories to show how these platforms can help entrepreneurs grow their impact.”

These builders represent a new kind of entrepreneurship. They aren’t chasing AI hype — they’re using AI strategically. Recent research reflects that 93% of solopreneurs report a positive revenue impact from AI, and 91% say they see return on investment within the first year.

At Zoom, we believe progress that leaves people behind isn’t progress at all.

The future of leadership isn’t about choosing between technology and humanity. It’s about designing technology that elevates people at every stage of growth.

Our Zoom Ahead strategy reflects that commitment — moving forward with clarity, intention, and a deep focus on the people behind the work.

And initiatives like Zoom Solopreneur 50 show what becomes possible when individuals are empowered with the right tools.

When technology gets out of the way, people can do their best work.

That’s where real progress happens.