# AI Has Made Intelligence Available for Leaders on Demand—But Not Judgment | Nick Machol - E83

An episode of [Leadership Unlocked: How Wise Leaders Win in an Era of AI](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/1812782595), 21 Oct 2026, 1 h 04 min.

Audio: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/media.transistor.fm/ae212e64/1654726d.mp3

Dusty sits down with Nick Macholl, co-founder of Unburdn, for a practical conversation about what artificial intelligence actually means for leaders and why adopting the technology effectively has far less to do with chasing the latest tools than with exercising judgment, discernment, and wisdom. Drawing from his experience helping more than 100 organizations implement AI, Nick challenges the assumption that employees will simply automate their own work or that inexpensive custom software will magically solve business problems, instead urging leaders to start with patience, purpose, clear expectations, and experimentation. Together, he and Dusty explore AI as “intelligence on demand,” the growing problem of AI-generated “work slop,” and why leaders should never allow the technology to replace their thinking or save their own time at the expense of everyone else's. They also unpack how leaders can reduce fear by listening to employees, demonstrating practical applications, creating clear AI policies, and leading by example. Ultimately, the conversation makes the case that AI does not diminish the importance of leadership—it amplifies it, giving leaders an unprecedented opportunity to combine human context, experience, and judgment with powerful new intelligence to create better businesses and better outcomes. Key Timestamps: (00:00) – Humans Still Run the Business (06:35) – Nick’s Background (13:07) – Misconceptions About AI (19:19) – What Is AI? (21:56) – Leadership and AI (29:53) – Don’t Let AI Think for You (37:26) – Connection Management (50:17) – Light Bulb Moment (54:49) – Rapid-Fire Questions Key Topics Discussed: Leadership Unlocked, Leadership Insights, Dusty Holcomb, Servant Leadership Principles, Self-Leadership Strategies, Growth Mindset in Leadership, Integrity and Leadership, Leadership Development Resources, Effective Leadership Habits, Empowering Leadership Techniques, Senior Executive Insights, Leadership Quotes and Reflections, Leadership Podcast, Executive Coaching, CEO Podcast, Business Leadership, Leadership Growth, Leadership Journey, Stories From Leaders, Leadership Tools, High-Performing Teams, Leadership Mindset, Decision Making, Personal Growth, Leadership Coaching, Organizational Leadership Mentions: Website: https://www.unburdn.ai/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nmachol/ Mentions: Traction by Gino Wickman Discipline Is Destiny by Ryan Holiday The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday Thinking in Bets by Annie Duke Quit by Annie Duke Radical Candor by Kim Candor The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek Modern Problems. Ancient Wisdom: Ancient Intelligence explores the timeless principles that can help leaders better understand themselves, our world, and how we lead in the era of AI: https://ancientintelligencebook.com/ More of Leadership Unlocked: Check out our leadership development resources at https://arcqusgroup.com/ Contact me at dusty@arcqusgroup.com • (00:00) - 83 - Nick Machol • (01:28) - Humans Still Run the Business • (06:34) - Nick's Background • (13:07) - Miconceptions about AI • (19:18) - What is AI? • (21:54) - Leadership & AI • (29:51) - Don't Let AI Think for You • (50:18) - Light Bulb Moment • (54:45) - Rapid Fire Questions

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