In this episode of Leading Minds Revealed, host Michael Apollo sits down with Aamer Hasham, Vice President of Client Partner at Bits In Glass, to explore what it really means to lead digital transformation without losing the human element.

As organizations race to adopt AI, automation, and new technologies, Aamer challenges a common assumption: that transformation is purely digital. Instead, he reframes transformation as a deeply human process — one that requires clarity of purpose, empathy, conscious leadership, and the courage to slow down in order to move forward.

Together, they explore leadership blind spots in AI adoption, the importance of understanding why before how, and how mindfulness, reflection, and human connection can actually accelerate performance in complex, fast-moving environments.

This episode is a thoughtful conversation for leaders navigating uncertainty, scale, and change — and for anyone asking how to balance efficiency, innovation, and humanity in the age of AI.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Welcome to Leading Minds Revealed

00:32 – What this podcast is about

00:45 – Today’s focus: digital transformation & humanity

01:15 – Introducing Aamer Hasham, VP at Bits In Glass

01:58 – Business fads vs human-centered leadership

02:54 – The tension between efficiency and humanity

03:27 – Why “digital transformation” misses the human

03:51 – Understanding the why before acting

04:47 – Leadership responsibility & creating safe spaces

05:55 – Clear thinking in complex initiatives

06:18 – How AI can create space for deeper thinking

07:01 – Organic leadership vs rigid methodologies

08:06 – Mechanics vs meaning in transformation

09:21 – Asking “why” repeatedly

10:24 – Qualitative vs quantitative value

11:42 – Alignment before acceleration

12:45 – Leadership blind spots in digital change

13:34 – “Failing forward” and cognitive overload

14:27 – Slowing down thinking vs slowing operations

15:33 – Time as a leadership variable

16:45 – Fixed mindsets & unconscious habits

17:19 – Mindfulness and awareness in leadership

18:13 – Meditation, biking & conscious detachment

20:22 – Slower speed as growth

21:47 – Deep thought as productivity

22:43 – Creating human connection in fast teams

23:34 – Getting to know your people

24:25 – Modeling wellbeing as a leader

25:49 – Airline transformation case study

27:14 – Communication breakdowns vs technical issues

28:28 – Reducing chaos through clarity

29:54 – Burnout, flexibility & team awareness

31:14 – Relationships as the core of leadership

32:20 – Productivity vs happiness research

33:28 – Finding balance between efficiency & empathy

34:09 – Lessons from entrepreneurship & legacy

35:30 – Innovation driven by listening

37:14 – Empathy, honesty & difficult conversations

38:58 – Humanity as a leadership advantage

41:03 – AI freeing time for human connection

43:13 – Data, insight & reducing stress

45:01 – Automation enabling better collaboration

46:22 – Using AI for responsiveness, not reactivity

47:31 – Measuring trust and team sentiment

48:52 – Reflection, impermanence & leadership growth

49:57 – Loss, learning & mindset

51:23 – Presence, purpose & relationships

54:10 – Where to find Aamer

56:31 – Closing & subscribe

Get in touch with Aamer:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aamer-hasham-66ab543/

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