Sarat Chakravarthi is the founder and CEO of LeadYouth.
As a mom, immigrant and tech professional, I’ve learned that every stage of life involves critical decisions. With smart assistants like Siri managing daily tasks and businesses increasingly relying on AI, it can feel like technology is taking the reins.
But after pursuing a master’s degree, working in tech and building a mentoring career from scratch while raising four kids, I’ve learned that the best decisions happen when we blend tech’s powerful features with the subtle intelligence, empathy and wisdom only people possess.
These five questions can serve as your practical filter, helping you determine when to lean on technology like AI and when to trust your own values and intuition.
1. Does this situation require genuine human empathy, authenticity or trust over speed?
When evaluating a situation, consider whether it requires genuine empathy and trust. In Thinking, Fast and Slow, Nobel Prize-winning psychologist Daniel Kahneman describes System 1 as fast, intuitive and emotional thinking that often shapes trust and reassurance, while System 2 refers to slower, deliberate and logical reasoning.
I remember when my daughter was struggling to adjust to her new school. Despite the numerous mental health apps, nothing replaced the value of simply being there for her, listening and showing understanding. We built deeper trust through presence and empathy, helping her through the transition.
Even in the professional sphere, deciding whether a situation requires genuine human empathy, authenticity or trust over speed calls for introspection. Leaders who show empathy and vulnerability, such as through personalized feedback and gratitude, enhance team performance by building authentic, trust-based connections rather than relying on rapid, automated processes.
What to do: If trust or lasting relationships matter, prioritize direct human interaction.
2. Am I leveraging AI as a tool for growth and enhanced thinking, or am I relying on it as an easy way to bypass valuable learning and effort?
Kahneman’s work in Thinking, Fast and Slow highlights cognitive laziness, our tendency to seek quick answers and shortcuts that can come at the expense of deeper insight. Similarly, Rolf Dobelli, in The Art of Thinking Clearly, warns against relying on easy solutions that undermine meaningful learning.
As an IT professional juggling work, late-night coursework and raising my children, I often felt overwhelmed. Had AI been as prevalent then, I can see how it might have provided much-needed shortcuts—helping me sort through information or troubleshoot problems faster. However, relying on it for fast answers might have caused me to skip the deep, personal learning that comes from wrestling with error messages yourself, or learning to advocate for your ideas in meetings. That effort built my resilience, confidence and critical skills
What to do: Whenever you’re tempted to let AI handle it all, pause and try it yourself first. Let technology back you up, not replace your learning.
3. Does this decision need creativity or cross-cultural insight beyond data?
AI excels at pattern recognition but struggles with truly novel ideas or cultural nuance. Human creativity thrives in ambiguity and adaptive thinking.
When deciding how to engage diverse teams, creativity and cross-cultural insight outweigh data-driven approaches like standard protocols. At a logistics company, I worked with European and Asian teams who valued formal attire and titles like Mr. or Madam, unlike our casual West Coast style. Missteps could seem disrespectful. For executive workshops, I researched their cultures, dressed formally and creatively tailored PowerPoint slides with culturally relevant examples, fostering inclusion and respect. This shows that the decisions we make require empathy and innovation beyond what data or AI can provide.
What to do: When making decisions that require creativity or cultural insight, leverage your unique experiences and intuition, as real growth often comes from blending personal understanding with AI insights, rather than relying solely on data.
4. Could AI increase bias or let me avoid responsibility?
We’ve all heard stories of hiring managers with biases, and AI can unintentionally amplify these patterns if left unchecked. AI-driven hiring tools carry significant risks of discrimination without human oversight, as biased algorithms can exclude well-qualified candidates and perpetuate inequalities.
Imagine selecting a team player or partner whose true strengths, values and style reveal themselves only through personal interaction and shared experience.
What to do: Always check AI outputs for bias and take responsibility for final decisions. Use AI to assist with sorting, but rely on human judgment to ensure fairness and fit.
5. Does this challenge call for slow, thoughtful reflection and diverse perspectives rather than quick AI answers?
Shunryu Suzuki, in the book Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind, reminds us that true understanding grows from slowing down and observing with fresh eyes.
As a mentor, I’ve found that breakthroughs rarely come from instant answers; real trust and clarity are developed through slow, honest conversations and shared reflection. While thoughtfully used apps can support this process by taking notes, organizing ideas or capturing potential solutions, the most valuable insights still emerge through dialogue, careful observation and taking the time needed for genuine understanding.
What to do: If the stakes or emotions are high, resist speed. Step back, seek input and take the time needed for clarity.
Embrace AI, But Let Your Humanity Guide The Way
In this journey of life and decision making, remember that while algorithms can provide insights, your unique perspective and values chart the true course.
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