Ready to Lead Your AI Transformation Without Losing What Makes You Human?
This is the proven foundation every successful implementation requires.
Available on August 29, 2025
Get the opening chapter of The Augmented Leader and see how you can lead AI transformation
Most people think AI is a technical project. The truth? It’s a human one. Business-first leaders who figure out how to guide their teams through change — without losing what makes them human — will leave everyone else behind.
Why Most Leaders Struggle With AI Adoption
According to McKinsey’s 2024 “Superagency in the Workplace” report, 92% of companies are investing in AI, but fewer than 1% have achieved full adoption.
It’s not because the tools don’t work — it’s because most leaders don’t have a roadmap for leading change in an AI-powered world.
If you’ve been overwhelmed by endless articles, vendor pitches, and “AI Prophets” promising instant transformation, you’re not alone.
AI Isn’t a Tech Project. It’s a Leadership Challenge.
Leaders who succeed start small, stay human, and build capability before deploying technology.
That’s the approach I’ve taken at Disney, CNN, and GoNoodle — and it’s the foundation of The Augmented Leader.
When you download the first chapter, you’ll see how to:
- Understand AI without needing a technical background
- Build a team ready for change
- Lead transformation with confidence
Bring "The Augmented Leader" To Your Conference, Offsite or Company
KC’s friendly, accessible and dynamic speeches delight audiences by turning them from AI-Curious to AI-Enabled.
Bring The Augmented Leader to Life in Your Organization
Your leadership team can go from reading the book to applying it in days, not months. I offer:
- Get Your Organization AI-Enabled in custom-designed workshops ranging from 1/2 day to 3 Day immersive retreats
- Signature Workshops – Virtual and IRL hands-on sessions to design real AI use cases in your company and set them up for success in real-time
- 1:1 and small cohort personal coaching engagements to guide your leaders through the real work of your company and how to leverage AI to force-multiply the ROI of your AI investments
If You Lead People and Care About Results, I Can Help You
CEOs navigating big bets on transformation
CHROs building leadership pipelines for an AI-powered future
COOs streamlining operations and decision-making
CLOs embedding AI into learning and development
Proven Results From Real Transformations
4x Digital Growth
CNN transformation for mobile and social media revolution
Hundreds of Millions
Revenue from Disney video streaming innovations
90% of US Schools
GoNoodle reach with AI-powered partnerships
Meet KC Estenson
I’ve been where you are — standing at the edge of a technological shift, knowing it will change everything, and wondering how to start without breaking what’s working.
I’ve done it at Disney, CNN, and GoNoodle. And I can help you do it too — with your leadership style intact.
The Augmented Leader: How to Leverage AI to Transform Your Leadership and Future-Proof Your Career
The Decision That Changes Everything
Chapter Highlights:
Part 1: Getting Started With AI Leadership
Chapter 1: Why Business-Focused Leaders Can’t Afford to Wait
The hidden competitive advantages AI-augmented leaders already have and why waiting puts your career at risk
Chapter 2: AI Basics for Business Leaders
Everything you need to know about AI tools and platforms without becoming a technologist
Chapter 3: Your First AI Partnership
How to set up and begin working with AI systems safely and effectively
Chapter 4: Building Confidence Through Practice
Proven exercises to develop AI skills without overwhelming complexity
Part 2: Personal Leadership Mastery
Chapter 5: AI-Enhanced Self-Awareness
Using AI to understand your leadership patterns and optimize your natural strengths
Chapter 6: Augmented Decision-Making
Making faster, better choices while engaging your entire team in AI-enhanced analysis
Chapter 7: Enhanced Emotional Intelligence
Building deeper connections and understanding team dynamics at scale
Chapter 8: Sustainable Leadership Performance
Optimizing your energy, time, and well-being for long-term effectiveness
Part 3: Business Function Excellence
Chapter 9: Strategic Planning and Vision
Using AI to develop compelling strategies and align organizational efforts
Chapter 10: Financial Analysis and Resource Allocation
Enhancing budget decisions and performance analysis with AI insights
Chapter 11: Operations and Execution
Optimizing processes and managing performance with AI support
Chapter 12: Innovation, Growth & Marketing Excellence
Accelerating new ideas and market opportunities through AI partnership
Chapter 13: Communication and Stakeholder Engagement
Building stronger relationships and driving alignment with AI-enhanced communication
Part 4: Advanced AI Leadership
Chapter 14: Building AI-Capable Teams
Training your team to use AI effectively and creating collaborative intelligence
Chapter 15: Leading Organizational AI Adoption
Championing AI integration while addressing resistance and concerns
Chapter 16: Maintaining Authenticity in an AI World
Preserving human leadership qualities while leveraging artificial intelligence
Chapter 17: The Future of AI-Augmented Leadership
Preparing for evolving AI capabilities and maintaining competitive advantage
Case Study:
Follow “Sarah,” a senior leader who begins as AI-curious and ends up leading a transformation improving decision speed by 40% and reclaiming 8 hours/week for strategy.
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