Enlightened Entrepreneurship in the Age of AI: Combining Automation and Humanity

Monique Michel
14 hours ago
2 min read

Enlightened Entrepreneurship in the Age of AI

Artificial intelligence, a strategic turning point

Artificial intelligence is no longer an option.

According to the McKinsey 2025 report , more than 79% of European companies are already using AI tools to improve productivity. For SME managers, this is a major development: how can they keep pace without losing the human element?

The challenge is no longer to adopt AI, but to master it with strategic awareness .

The role of the enlightened leader

Automation can be a blessing… or organized chaos. A modern leader doesn't delegate vision; they guide technology.

According to Deloitte – Future of Work 2025 , successful companies are those where AI complements humans, not the other way around .

The keys to thought leadership:

Provide a clear framework for the use of AI;
Encourage human creativity;
Maintain brand ethics and consistency;
Train yourself and your team.

The new skills of the modern leader

Leaders of the future combine emotional intelligence and digital agility .

According to LinkedIn Learning 2024 , the most sought-after soft skills are:

Emotional intelligence
Adaptability
Critical thinking
Technological understanding
Intergenerational communication

These qualities distinguish companies that undergo transformation from those that lead it.

Automate to free up human time

Automation is not dehumanization.

It's about giving teams the freedom to focus on creativity, strategy and customer relations .

According to Forbes Technology Council (2025) , SMEs that have integrated AI tools experience an average increase of 12 to 18% in productivity , without reducing staff.

A good leader doesn't seek to do everything, but to give everyone—human or AI—the best place in the process.

The Future of Leadership: Hybrid and Amplified

We are entering an era where humans and AI coexist in the same meeting room.

Tools like Microsoft Copilot , Notion AI or HubSpot AI are becoming invisible partners in everyday life.

But success depends on the leader's ability to:

maintain cultural consistency;
inspire confidence;
put people at the heart of performance.

AI amplifies what we already are. If we lead with clarity, it amplifies our impact. If we lead with confusion, it amplifies chaos.

Sources and references

McKinsey Global Institute (2025) – The Economic Potential of Generative AI in Europe
IBM Global AI Adoption Index (2024)
Deloitte Insights (2025) – Future of Work and Hybrid Intelligence
LinkedIn Learning Report (2024) – Skills for the Future of Work
Forbes Technology Council (2025) – How SMEs use AI to boost human performance

Enlightened Entrepreneurship in the Age of AI by Benevolent Marketing