Inclusive Leadership in an AI Era | Laura McClean | TEDxBlack Mountain

Will AI take our jobs or just expose our blind spots? In this timely and powerful TEDx talk, Laura McLean argues that the future of leadership is not just digital, it's deeply human. As artificial intelligence reshapes the way we work, we risk building systems that exclude by default unless we learn to ask one vital question: who is not in the room? With real stories from a blind man and a bank card to an Indigenous deaf woman rejected by an AI hiring tool, Laura reveals how exclusion gets embedded in our tools, offices, and decisions. Drawing on her own experience building inclusive teams and offices designed for neurodiverse and international staff, she shows what it really means to lead with empathy in a world of algorithms. This is not a talk about fear, it’s a rallying cry for inclusive, conscious, and courageous leadership. "Smart leaders don’t just think about who’s in the room, they think about the customers they haven’t met yet." – Laura McLean Laura McClean is a seasoned technology executive with a strong track record in leading transformation, scaling teams, and delivering commercial success across global markets. With experience spanning both strategic and operational roles, she is known for cultivating inclusive, high-performing cultures built on trust, purpose, and integrity. Her leadership approach combines commercial acumen with a people-first mindset, empowering teams to innovate and thrive. Recently, Laura has pivoted towards new ventures where her entrepreneurial outlook and commitment to sustainable leadership can create lasting value. She continues to mentor emerging leaders and actively contributes to the tech ecosystem through board and advisory roles. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx