An Author Series for Leadership in Practice
Leadership doesn’t begin with answers—it begins with questions. And few things provoke better questions than a well-written book.
ReadToLead is a monthly author series exploring the books that shape our leadership—one conversation at a time. Each installment highlights:
- A compelling book that challenges how we lead, think, or grow
- A candid interview with the author, revealing the deeper intent behind their work
- Discussion prompts for you to explore within your circles of influence
As Franz Kafka wrote,
“A book must be the axe for the frozen sea within us.”
This series is for leaders who read not just for knowledge, but for transformation—and who understand that after reading must come reflection, and after reflection must come dialogue.
Let’s read to lead. Let’s lead through conversation.
The Preservation of Agency Resides in Collective Participation
Jennifer Sertl in Conversation with Greg Beato
In an era increasingly defined by artificial intelligence, questions about human agency—our ability to make choices and shape our own lives—are more pressing than ever. With the release of SUPERAGENCY: What Could Possibly Go Right in Our AI Future co-authored by Reid Hoffman and Greg Beato, the conversation around AI has taken a significant turn, focusing not on fear but on the opportunities AI provides to amplify human potential. Unlike dystopian narratives that paint AI as a force of mass displacement, Superagency envisions a world where AI serves as a collaborator, enhancing both personal agency and collective agency in profound ways.
I recently had the privilege of speaking with Greg Beato, one of the book’s co-authors, about the core themes in Superagency, particularly the relationship between AI and human decision-making. Our conversation explored how AI can serve as a tool to expand knowledge, improve efficiency, and foster deeper collaboration rather than replace human ingenuity.
The Evolution of Agency in the Age of AI
Beato acknowledges that one of the most immediate concerns about AI is its potential to erode individual autonomy. However, he argues that, when applied correctly, AI has the power to enhance personal agency rather than diminish it. Superagency presents a framework in which AI functions as an “informational GPS”, guiding individuals through complex decisions while still allowing for human discretion and discernment.
“What these systems really are,” Beato explains, “are incredible translation machines. They don’t just translate languages; they translate perspectives, synthesize knowledge, and remix the world in ways that were impossible before.”
This perspective shifts the conversation away from the idea of AI as a controlling force and instead positions it as a cognitive augmentation tool—a mechanism that helps people process vast amounts of information, refine their ideas, and make more informed choices. In other words, AI becomes an extension of human will rather than a replacement for it.
Personal Agency: AI as an Amplifier, Not a Replacement
One of the book’s most compelling arguments is that AI democratizes access to knowledge and decision-making tools, allowing individuals who previously lacked resources to compete on a more level playing field. This is particularly relevant in fields like education, healthcare, and business, where AI can serve as a mentor, tutor, or strategic advisor.
“We’re constantly being asked to upskill in 21st-century knowledge work,” Beato notes. “AI offers an unprecedented way to engage with new information dynamically. It’s not about replacing human cognition—it’s about tuning it, refining it, and making sure we’re operating at our highest level.”
The key, Beato emphasizes, is interaction over automation. While AI can certainly produce outputs with a single command, he argues its most compelling power lies in conversation—helping individuals refine their thinking, challenge assumptions, and see new perspectives. This approach aligns with the idea that true agency is not about working in isolation, but rather about leveraging tools that enhance our natural abilities.
Collective Agency: The Power of AI in Shared Intelligence
Beyond the individual, SUPERAGENCY explores the concept of collective agency, the idea that AI can strengthen societal decision-making, organizational intelligence, and collaborative efforts. Beato points to historical technological revolutions—the printing press, the steam engine, the internet—as examples of how tools that initially disrupted society ultimately led to new forms of progress and cooperation.
“One of the most exciting aspects of AI is its ability to make knowledge more fluid and accessible,” Beato says. “In the past, knowledge was often siloed—available only to those with specialized access. AI changes that, allowing for more inclusive participation in decision-making and problem-solving.”
This perspective suggests that AI’s true power lies not just in individual enhancement but in collective elevation. Whether it’s in scientific research, governance, or corporate strategy, AI can serve as an intermediary that connects disparate ideas, optimizes solutions, and expands the realm of what’s possible.
Leadership in an AI-Powered World
One of the key challenges in this AI-driven era is ensuring that individuals and organizations are equipped to use AI responsibly and effectively. Leaders, in particular, have a responsibility to create structures that maximize AI’s benefits while guarding against over-reliance and bias.
Beato points out the virtues that arise out of active engagement. It’s not a plug-and-play solution—it demands critical thinking, strategic oversight, and ethical consideration. Organizations that fail to cultivate AI literacy risk falling into automation traps where decision-making becomes de-personalized and inefficient rather than more intelligent.
Superagency as a Call to Action
At its core, SUPERAGENCY is not just a book—it’s a philosophy of empowerment. It calls on individuals, businesses, and policymakers to lean into AI rather than retreat from it, shaping its evolution with intentionality and vision.
While much of today’s discourse around AI centers on risk, Superagency offers a roadmap for how to wield AI wisely—not as a threat to human agency, but as an amplifier of it. If the 21st century is to be defined by AI, it is up to us to define how we engage with it.
“We have to stop thinking about AI as something that’s happening to us and start seeing it as something we’re actively shaping,” Beato concludes. “We are not passive players in this—we are co-authors of the AI era.”
Conclusion: A Future We Shape Together
The conversation with Greg Beato left me with a profound sense of possibility. In SUPERAGENCY, he and Hoffman make a compelling case that our relationship with AI is still in its infancy, and how we engage with it now will define the trajectory of our collective future. The key takeaway? Agency is not something to be preserved—it is something to be expanded.
By embracing AI as a tool for augmentation, collaboration, and exploration, we step into the future not as spectators, but as architects of a world where technology enhances, rather than diminishes, what it means to be human.
ReadToLead Author Series Discussion Prompts |Superagency by Reid Hoffman & Greg Beato
How can AI serve as a “cognitive GPS” in your life?
Where has AI already helped you navigate complexity, and where could it be better integrated to support your decisions?
What does “superagency” mean in your leadership practice?
How is your potential amplified—or limited—by the tools and systems around you?
What does responsible AI deployment look like in your world?
How can you balance innovation and precaution as you adopt emerging technologies?
Where can AI be used to create more equity?
In what areas (education, health, access) could smart design help close gaps instead of widening them?
Who should shape the future of AI—and how?
What role should you, your organization, or your community play in setting norms and values for AI?
📣 I’d love to hear your point of view!
Reach out: jennifer@agility3r.com | Twitter: @jennifersertl
