Three Predictions for Leaders in 2026

2026 will dramatically redefine leadership

The future of leadership is being rewritten—by AI, yes, but more importantly, by how leaders choose to respond. As we approach 2026, the most successful leaders won’t be the ones who simply adopt new technology, but those who adapt their behavior and communication to lead with authenticity. In this article, leadership communication expert Allison Shapira shares three predictions for how executive presence, trust, learning, and communication will evolve in the age of AI. If you’re preparing your team for what’s next, these insights are your competitive edge.

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“Make predictions that come true.” 

That was the advice I heard recently when a speaker discussed how to become a strategic advisor.

I laughed when I heard it, because of course you want to make predictions that come true. Easier said than done.

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Most predictions fail because they focus on technology instead of human behavior.

These three focus on how leaders will need to show up differently as AI reshapes work in 2026.

I’m currently weaving these themes into my keynotes Lead With Your Voice, and AI for the Authentic Leader.

1—Leaders who don’t over-rely on AI will stand out.

Authenticity has always been a competitive advantage, but in 2026, it will be for a new reason. A recent study from the International Journal of Business Communication showed that when managers over-relied on AI to communicate a message, employees saw them as less confident and less sincere. That’s a problem, because trust is the currency of leadership.

This is exactly why I created the AI Authenticity Loop, to give leaders a practical way to use AI without outsourcing their authenticity.

The risk: Losing trust when communication sounds generic or machine-made.
The opportunity: Use AI to bring out your authentic voice, not replace your voice.

2—Your presence will signal importance.

In a recent podcast interview with Avetis Antaplyan on The Tech Leader’s Playbook I responded to his question about leaders potentially sending their AI avatars to meetings. Some leaders believe it will give the team access to the leader’s insights. In practice, it will communicate something very different: “You’re not important enough for my actual presence.”

As communication becomes easier and more automated, genuine attention will become more valuable.

The risk: When you send your AI notetaker to a meeting instead of actually attending, your top performers will leave for competitors whose leaders show up in person (or virtually).

The opportunity: Showing up and listening to your employees; these are the leaders who will more effectively guide their organizations through this time of change and uncertainty.

3—You will start to ask AI before you ask another human.

In the process of writing my book AI for the Authentic Leader, I turned to AI for feedback on transitions and core concepts. I also sent the book to humans whom I trust, but I had a startling realization: asking a human before asking an AI for certain types of help would have been a waste of a human’s time. 

It’s like asking your senior executive to proof-read the grammar of a presentation instead of asking for their feedback on the content.

The risk: Relying too much on AI’s feedback without using your own critical thinking.

The opportunity: Find those mundane tasks or questions which are no longer a good use of a human’s time. 

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The Leadership Decisions That Will Shape 2026

The decisions we make about AI in the next two years—how we redesign roles, how we show up and communicate during uncertainty, and how we cushion the casualties of AI layoffs—will influence the trajectory of economic (and human) development and will determine whether you succeed or fail as a leader. 

We cannot leave those decisions to AI experts alone.

Every leader has a role to play. 

And our ability to stay grounded in authenticity, clarity, and energy (my ACE Model of Leadership Communication) will determine whether AI becomes a tool for connection—or a barrier between us.

I’m booking three more keynotes for Q1 2026 on Lead With Your Voice and AI for the Authentic Leader and have two more 1:1 executive coaching engagements available. If you’re planning a leadership offsite or need to navigate high-stakes moments with more clarity and confidence, fill out a contact form and I’ll send you more information. 

I look forward to speaking with you soon.

Allison

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