As artificial intelligence, AI, is utilised more and more, it’s fast reshaping workplace dynamics too, leaving no industry or sector untouched. Tech pioneer Dhiraj Mukherjee, on behalf of JLA Speakers, bring us a warning about traditional leadership models adopted by professional associations. These are simply not adequate anymore in reacting and anticipating change fast enough…
Professional associations across the UK urgently need to equip their members with new leadership capabilities as artificial intelligence transforms how organisations operate, according to Dhiraj Mukherjee, co-founder of music recognition platform Shazam.
Recognised by the Financial Times as one of Europe’s Top 50 technology entrepreneurs, Mukherjee emphasises that AI’s impact extends far beyond technology departments. “The pace of change is unlike anything we’ve seen before,” he states. “It’s not just companies that need to adapt. It’s leadership itself.”
The old leadership rules need rewriting
Speaking from his extensive experience building breakthrough technologies and advising organisations through periods of rapid change, Mukherjee’s analysis reveals a fundamental shift challenging traditional leadership approaches that professional associations have long championed. The era of rigid five-year strategies and hierarchical command structures is giving way to adaptive, responsive leadership models.
“If you’re still leading with certainty, you’re already behind,” warns Mukherjee, whose investment portfolio includes cutting-edge AI companies. He cites examples of founders building AI-powered decision tools and platforms enabling anyone to create with large language models, all demonstrating that “adaptability beats perfection.”
This transformation demands that associations rethink their professional development programmes and member support strategies.
Five critical areas where associations must act
- Developing question-led leadership Rather than seeking immediate answers, tomorrow’s leaders must excel at asking transformative questions. Mukherjee highlights the example of entrepreneur Noamaan, who built an electric truck now used by Amazon UK not by having automotive expertise, but by asking “What would it take?” when others said innovation was “too hard.”
- Creating clarity through chaos Drawing from Shazam’s 18-year journey through multiple technological shifts, Mukherjee emphasises that whilst chaos is inevitable, clear purpose and mission provide the foundation for resilience. Associations must help members articulate and maintain organisational purpose even as operational methods evolve.
- Fostering collaborative environments Modern leadership requires moving from “directing traffic” to “designing the road.” Mukherjee points to companies like Liveblocks, where leadership operates through “quiet orchestration” rather than command-and-control, creating conditions for teams to discover optimal solutions.
- Embracing strategic uncertainty The most successful AI-era leaders acknowledge what they don’t know whilst building systems capable of rapid learning and adaptation. This represents a significant departure from traditional leadership training that emphasised comprehensive planning and risk mitigation.
- Preserving the human edge Despite AI’s capabilities in writing, coding, and automation, Mukherjee stresses that artificial intelligence “can’t create belief” or “build culture.” The uniquely human aspects of leadership โ inspiring teams and creating meaning โ become more valuable, not less, in an AI-augmented world.
What are the implications for professional bodies
The research suggests professional associations must urgently update their continuing professional development frameworks, mentorship programmes, and industry standards to reflect these new leadership realities.
“Your people don’t just need you to make decisions,” Mukherjee explains. “They need you to give meaning. Because the art of adapting isn’t about knowing what’s next. It’s about building something that gets stronger when you don’t.”
Associations that fail to prepare their members for this transition risk becoming irrelevant as AI reshapes industry dynamics and member expectations evolve rapidly. Read the full thought leadership article written for JLA Speakers here.
About JLA Speakers
Founded in London, JLA Speakers represents leading keynote speakers, thought leaders and industry experts across diverse sectors. The bureau specialises in matching innovative speaker formats with client objectives to ensure measurable impact from corporate events.
About Dhiraj Mukherjee
Dhiraj Mukherjee co-founded Shazam, the revolutionary music recognition platform, and has earned recognition from the Financial Times as one of Europe’s Top 50 technology entrepreneurs. Today, he provides strategic guidance to organisations across various scales, helping them navigate unpredictability, cultivate agile teams, and foster innovation amid constant change. His investment portfolio includes companies at the forefront of AI innovation.
