Leadership Intelligence Powered by AI | Ben Perreau #leadership #AI Dan Rust

In this compelling episode of Leadership Disrupted, we sit down with Ben Perreau, founder of Parafoil, to explore the evolving landscape of leadership development in an age of AI and shifting workplace dynamics. As organizations face increasing pressure to extract value while navigating a "crisis of leadership," Ben shares how a combination of cognitive science and purpose-built technology can help managers move beyond simple "check-ins" to foster deep, authentic connections with their teams.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perreau/Parafoil

website: https://parafoil.co/

Drawing from his unique background as a music journalist and his work with early Apple veterans, Ben discusses the challenges of the "lost cohort" of frontline leaders who are often promoted without sufficient support or training. We dive into the practical ways leaders can leverage "leadership intelligence" to gain real-time insights into their own performance, moving away from extractive, productivity-focused models toward more intentional and human-centered leadership.

Throughout the conversation, we explore how to maintain a "seriousness of purpose" without taking oneself too seriously—a balance that allows for joy, levity, and a culture of continuous learning in a rapidly changing world.

Key Topics Covered:

The "Lost Cohort" of Leaders: Addressing the massive gap between when managers are appointed and when they receive their first real leadership training.

The Productivity Trap: Why focusing exclusively on "extractive" productivity can lead to employee cynicism and a organizational death spiral.

Leadership Intelligence: How purpose-built AI—grounded in psycholinguistics and cognitive science—can provide objective feedback on real leadership behaviors.

The Power of Intentionality: Moving beyond generic chatbot hacks to use technology as a "scalpel" for precise leadership growth.

Navigating the "Employer's Market": Understanding the hidden inner life of a workforce that may be masking dissatisfaction to maintain job security.

Mentorship Over Heroes: Why early-career managers should look "one click above" for practical mentorship rather than idolizing billionaire CEO archetypes.

This episode is essential for executives, HR professionals, and frontline managers who want to build a more resilient, innovative, and high-performing culture through data-driven insight and authentic human connection.

Hope this episode added a little sparkle to your day! If it did, don’t keep it to yourself—share it with someone who could use a smile, and let me know your favorite part in the comments!

Don't forget to subscribe: / @danrust

Watch our other videos:

How Brave Leaders Speak Up When It’s Risky | Kimberly Davis: https://youtu.be/OBGAdY7meVU?si=3thvqBPT5sEPkIFx

Your Leadership Origin Story | David Hutchens: https://youtu.be/bwdtDAeYcJo?si=ulZstaIGYt5dImz2

Human-Centered Leadership | Karen Zeigler: https://youtu.be/RJ65usSrd2E?si=YCIpsXHm5yIi6-rL

Leadership Beyond the Ice | Leela Bassi: https://youtu.be/KFm1coeGsJs?si=zLwVeKZeEsXtowiqConnect with us: ▶️ YouTube 🔴: / @danrust

Hashtags:#LeadershipDevelopment #LeadershipIntelligence #BenPerreau #Parafoil #ModernLeadership #WorkplaceCulture #AILeadership #FrontlineLeadership #HumanCenteredLeadership #LeadershipSkills #ProfessionalDevelopment #FutureOfWork #MindfulLeadership #LeadershipDisrupted #DanRustRelevant

Keywords:Ben Perreau leadership intelligence, Parafoil leadership development, frontline manager support, accidental managers, psycholinguistics in leadership, moving from extractive to contributive leadership, AI leadership tools, leadership coaching for managers, overcoming leadership crises, organizational health and performance, leadership mentorship, navigating hybrid and remote work.