Top motivational speaker and bestselling author Rocky Romanella is challenging leaders to focus on what he calls the 'heart and soul' of leadership in an era increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence. In a recent newsletter, Romanella argues that while AI can produce, it cannot lead, and the future belongs to leaders who lead with humanity. His keynote, 'The Heart and Soul of AI,' is designed to remind leaders that people, not algorithms, are the true engine of progress.
'AI is everywhere in our headlines, our boardrooms, our classrooms, and our conversations,' Romanella writes. 'It is reshaping industries, accelerating decisions, and redefining how work gets done. But for all its power, AI still lacks the two things that have always moved people, teams, and organizations forward: A heart. And a soul.'
Romanella, who spent nearly 40 years at UPS and later served as CEO of The UPS Store, brings a unique perspective shaped by decades of experience. He started his career with clipboards and carbon paper, lived through barcodes, automation, and digital transformation, and now sees AI as the latest shift. 'Technology may change the work, but leadership must still lift the people,' he says.
The keynote introduces the concept of 'AIAI'—Am I All In?—as an internal operating system for leaders. It challenges leaders to recommit to their people, purpose, and values, especially as AI handles more tactical tasks and humans must elevate the strategic. Romanella presents three questions every leader must master: What is the issue or opportunity? How do I get my team aligned and committed? How do I turn intent into business results?
Romanella emphasizes that AI cannot do what great leaders do. It cannot inspire a team, build trust, create belonging, or see potential in others. Drawing on a personal story about his wife's approach to parenting—'Everyone gets what they need when they need it'—he illustrates the importance of understanding individuals and meeting them where they are.
The full text of Romanella's newsletter is available at his website, 3sixtymanagementservices.com in the newsletters section. He also offers a range of resources for leaders, including his Forbes contributions at Forbes Business Council and his podcast, 'The Leadership Library Podcast,' now in its 9th season, available at tightenthelugnuts.com and on Apple Podcasts.
Romanella's book, 'Tighten The Lug Nuts: The Principles Of Balanced Leadership,' recently achieved number 1 bestseller status in Business Management and Business Leadership. The book explores how true leaders can guide organizations and people to new levels of success, using concepts like Balanced Leadership that can be applied by anyone in a leadership role.
For leaders navigating the AI era, Romanella's message is clear: AI can accelerate work, but only leaders can advance their people. 'Only leaders can lift others forward so no one is left behind,' he writes. 'That is the work of leaders. That is the work of people.'
