AI and Boards: Choosing Re-Humanization Over Erosion
Originally published on Digoshen Blog, September 2, 2025
The rise of artificial intelligence across business functions presents boards with a pivotal choice: will they steer technology toward human-centric value creation, or allow it to erode dignity, autonomy, and trust? The article argues that AI is not neutral — the decisions boards make today will determine whether organizations become stronger communities of meaning or hollowed machines of monitoring.
Key reflections from the full article include:
• Technology’s human story — The article opens with the example of Toyota’s “andon cord,” a rule that empowered workers to stop the production line when a problem appeared. It became a symbol of respect and accountability — showing that productivity can grow when human dignity is protected.
• The architecture of choice — Algorithms are described as hidden governors of organizational life, quietly shaping how decisions are made and whose voices are heard. Boards must recognize that AI is not just a tool but an invisible infrastructure that demands governance.
• From pilots to purpose and core value — Many companies remain stuck in experimentation mode. Research from MIT CISR shows that only those aligning AI with strategy, culture, and governance — while investing in workforce transformation — achieve lasting business value.
• Re-humanizing the digital division of labor — Inspired by Phanish Puranam’s work, the article calls for “re-humanization” — designing systems where technology enhances what makes us human: judgment, empathy, creativity, and collaboration.
• The board’s call to courage — Boards must go beyond approving AI budgets and compliance checklists. They should ask:
– How is AI reshaping our business model and value creation logic?
– Does our use of AI elevate the quality and purpose of work?
– Are we investing in reskilling and ethical governance at the same pace as in data and infrastructure?
The invitation is clear:
Boards have a choice — to use AI for augmentation rather than erosion, for stewardship rather than drift. Leading responsibly in the age of AI means defending human value as the ultimate competitive advantage.
Read the full article on Digoshen Blog: AI and Boards: Choosing Re-Humanization Over Erosion
About Liselotte Engstam, Digoshen & Novisali
Liselotte Engstam is an explorer of perspectives, an adventurer of ideas, a pathfinder of meaning, and a guide of timeless transitions. She bridges the worlds of board leadership and art, helping organizations and individuals navigate disruption while nurturing creativity and reflection.
As founder of Digoshen, she works with boards and leaders to expand future insights and reduce digital and sustainability blindspots. Through research, networks, and executive programs, Digoshen supports responsible value creation in the digital and sustainable age, contributing thought leadership via books, articles, events, Digoshen Exploring Leaders podcast, and blogs.
She also serves as Chair of the Boards Impact Forum in collaboration with the World Economic Forum and the Climate Governance. The Forum convenes board members, thought leaders, and experts in dialogues, webinars, and collaborative events, accelerating action on climate, AI, and sustainability.
Through her artistic practice as Novisali, Liselotte explores creativity and meaning. Her watercolors, digitally reimagined, invite reflection and renewal, offering perspectives that connect head, heart, and hand, and complementing her work with leaders and boards.
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→ Find more about Liselotte at www.liselotteengstam.com and her Google Scholar page
→ Explore Liselotte’s art and reflections at www.novisali.com and follow on Instagram @novisali_arts