MBA graduate brings a people-first lens to AI leadership

A friend and former colleague of Orville had completed the MBA program at the University of Fredericton and spoke very highly of it. “Because of her experience, UFred was one of the first schools I considered when I decided it was time to pursue my MBA.”

From technology lens to leadership lens

UFred’s MBA helped Orville expand the way he thinks. His background had already given him a strong foundation in technology and learning innovation, but the MBA program encouraged him to look at change through a broader organizational lens.

“The MBA changed the way I look at digital transformation,” he said. “Before the program, I mainly viewed change through the lens of a technology professional. Now, I look at it more broadly and consider the full organization, including business goals, people, operations and long-term strategy.”

Through UFred’s MBA with a specialty stream in Artificial Intelligence, Orville was able to connect his background in learning technology with a broader understanding of people-centred change.

Better work, not just faster work

Orville is excited by the possibility that AI can help people improve the quality of their work, not simply complete tasks faster. At the same time, he is cautious about assuming everyone is equally prepared to use it well.

“The biggest opportunity is using AI alongside human strengths like critical thinking, communication, adaptability and decision-making,” he said. “The challenge is not just whether the technology works, but whether people have the right skills, time, guidance and support.”

Orville recommends that learning leaders work closely with HR, IT and business leaders to make learning part of everyday work and to support the responsible use of AI.

For Orville, AI leadership is not simply about understanding the technology. It is about helping people and organizations make thoughtful decisions about how AI should be used.

“AI leadership is the ability to guide an organization in using AI in ways that are practical, responsible and aligned with its goals,” he said. “It is about making thoughtful decisions about where AI can help, where it should be used carefully, and how people should be supported through the change.”

Helping others with AI literacy

As AI reshapes both workplace and learning environments, Orville is using the skills he strengthened through his MBA to help people adopt new technologies.

Introducing new technology often means working with people who are cautious, skeptical or unsure how change will affect them. Orville focuses on making the value of AI clear while giving people room to learn.

“First, I help people see what is in it for them. If someone does not understand how new technology will help in their own work, they are much less likely to support it.”

“Second, I give them time and space to learn. When people can explore and test a new technology in a safe environment, they are more likely to feel confident and adopt it.”

Orville helps people get comfortable with AI by connecting it with practical things they do in their everyday work. “People do not need more hype,” he said. “They need clear examples, safe practice and guidance they can actually use. AI can help by giving people immediate guidance, practice, explanations and feedback while they are still learning.”

A call to invest in the people using AI

Orville said one of the biggest misconceptions about AI in the workplace is that it will replace people. He sees a more complex shift underway.

“In most cases, the bigger change is that AI changes tasks, decisions and workflows, which means jobs are more likely to evolve than disappear,” he said. “People also sometimes think the value comes from the tool alone, when the real value comes from how well an organization redesigns work, trains people, sets clear expectations and checks the quality of results.”

After all, AI leadership really comes down to people leadership. It is a perspective Orville strengthened through his MBA experience at UFred.

“AI adoption is not just an investment in technology,” he said. “It is also an investment in the people who will use it. If you want AI to succeed, invest in your people.”