This week Laura and Kevin sit down with Suriel Arellano, author, speaker, inventor, and executive mentor, to explore the intersection of leadership, AI, and organizational transformation. Suriel shares his journey from Mexico City to Los Angeles and his passion for empowering humanity through AI. We discuss how Plato’s allegory of the cave perfectly illustrates the way organizations must embrace technological change. Suriel debunks myths about AI resistance, discusses the real fears behind automation, and explore how leaders—technical or not—can drive AI innovation. Suriel explains why AI isn’t just a technical tool but a leadership concept, offering insights from his work at IBM, HP, and beyond.

We also touch on the environmental impact of AI, the need for sustainable innovation, and how AI can be leveraged to address real-world crises—including wildfires and floods. Plus, Laura shares some wild stories from Mexico City, from eating steak tartare with grasshoppers to a questionable yogurt experience at the airport—all leading back to a discussion on misconceptions about AI adoption. And of course, the big question: Is ChatGPT making us dumber? 

Suriel Arellano is an author, speaker, inventor, and executive mentor with over two decades of experience inspiring audiences with his deep insights into digital
transformation and the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence in empowering
humanity. As an executive coach and organizational development consultant, Suriel combines his in-depth knowledge of leadership principles with AI expertise to help organizations navigate the complexities of digital transformation and achieve business success. 

Suriel’s journey has been shaped by his leadership roles at companies like IBM and HP, where he developed strong industry relationships and honed his expertise in leadership, organizational change, and culture transformation. 

Suriel holds a Bachelor of Science in Leadership and Management from New York University, advanced certifications from MIT in Artificial Intelligence Leadership, and Har Business School in Business Management. As a DISC Independent Consultant and Organizational Development Coach, Suriel applies his expertise in behavioral analysis to guide organizations through cultural challenges and leadership development, ensuring that teams are cohesive and aligned with the company’s goals.