THE
AUGMENTED
IMPERATIVE

Unleashing Human Potential in the AI Era

AI isn’t replacing us—it’s amplifying us. Heather explains how tools have always reshaped human cognition, and how leaders can preserve agency while using AI to extend capability.

Book Heather

Think you can't remember phone numbers like you used to?

YOU'RE NOT ALONE.

As we hand off more tasks to technology, some of our more-human capabilities will naturally fade—yet while automation may lead to atrophy in some areas, augmentation opens doors to entirely new human capabilities. The key isn’t only using AI to replace what we currently do by automating it, but transforming work as we know it.

In this eye-opening presentation, Heather cuts through the AI hype to demonstrate why thriving alongside AI isn't about having the right answers—it's about asking better questions, framing new challenges, and enhancing what makes us uniquely human.

FIRE

TOOLS THAT CHANGE US

Fire was a major innovation that ultimately allowed us to change the world, but first it changed us by rewiring our brains through better nutrition, sleep, and socialization.

In today’s world, we fixate on what AI will replace or displace while missing how it will rewire the way we think for the better—if we pay attention.

First, Heather explains, it will change our cognition—and then it will allow us to completely reimagine our world.

OCTOPUS

POWER OF AUGMENTATION

The veined octopus is fragile and exposed. But instead of evolving to develop a permanent defense like a thicker skin or shell, it uses tools—carrying coconut shells to protect itself and hunt.

Heather tells the octopus story to remind audiences that the goal with AI is to remain nimble and adaptive to maintain our learning agility.

The question is how do we use AI tools with productive friction to expand our capabilities as we adapt?

ADMIRAL RICKOVER

"HUMAN IN THE LOOP"

Admiral Rickover led the development of nuclear submarines, but resisted full automation.

He insisted that human complacency is our greatest vulnerability and that we always need a human in the loop.

Heather tells the Rickover story to remind audiences what leadership looks like in an automated age.

It required a willingness to 1. Make critical decisions, 2. Own the consequences, and 3. Learn from them.

OUTCOMES

The audience will leave able to:

Partner with AI to enhance—not erase—human value
Use productive friction to know what to automate vs. augment
Lead teams through technological transformation

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This session challenged me in the best possible way.

It didn’t tell me what to think, it gave me a new lens on how to look at situations, AI, and screen time. I left with a more balanced perspective and a renewed sense of purpose."

—MARK LYONS

Instructional Designer