Harnessing Human Potential in the Age of AI – Elan Gelfand interviews Dr. Ana Melikian
Fri Dec 12 2025
AI is going to change everything. And the best way to make sure that potential is leveraged for a better future for us all—including the planet—is by first tapping into our human potential.
- Dr. Ana Melikian
In this episode, Ana Melikian brings us a compelling conversation that explores the evolving landscape of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how it intersects with our unique human potential. Originally recorded for the Abundant Thinking podcast, Elan Gelfand interviews Ana Melikian about navigating the age of AI—not by competing with technology, but by leveraging our distinctly human qualities.
Throughout the discussion, Ana Melikian highlights that technological revolutions have always shaped human history, and AI is no different. She traces our journey from the Stone Age to today’s digital age, revealing how we've consistently redefined what it means to be human alongside technological advancements. The conversation underscores the importance of staying intentional, self-aware, and collaborative as we face rapid change.
Using vivid analogies—like riding the “100-Foot AI wave”—Ana Melikian suggests we approach AI as a team sport, championing the idea of collaboration between humans and technology, rather than working in isolation or fear. She also addresses the challenges of reskilling, adapting to workforce changes, and embracing new opportunities that arise as some jobs disappear and new ones emerge.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about how to future-proof themselves and their organizations, lead intentionally, and harness AI to build a better world.
Let’s dive in!
***This episode is rebroadcast here at the MINDSET ZONE® with explicit consent from Elan Gelfand, the host of the “Abundant Thinking” podcast.
This week on the MINDSET ZONE podcast:
00:00 The potential (and disruption) of AI
02:33 Humans and technology: Partners, not opposites
04:45 Cultural identity, revolutions, and redefining humanity
08:12 Navigating change: Adapting culture and mindset
12:20 AI in the workplace: Threat or opportunity?
13:19 The “hundred-foot AI wave”: Collaboration and teamwork
18:29 Adapting, reskilling, and reinventing the game
21:34 Intentional leadership in the AI era
23:13 How to be a team player with AI
Meet Your Host:
Ana Melikian, Ph.D., advises leaders on how to amplify impact while avoiding burnout. She is passionate about teaching others how to unlock their human potential using simple and powerful approaches such as her P.I.E. method.
𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐭?
Set a time to speak with Ana HERE and learn about your (or your team's) burnout risk and how to enhance well-being, effectiveness, and teamwork!
Expand What’s Possible!
More
AI is going to change everything. And the best way to make sure that potential is leveraged for a better future for us all—including the planet—is by first tapping into our human potential. - Dr. Ana Melikian In this episode, Ana Melikian brings us a compelling conversation that explores the evolving landscape of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how it intersects with our unique human potential. Originally recorded for the Abundant Thinking podcast, Elan Gelfand interviews Ana Melikian about navigating the age of AI—not by competing with technology, but by leveraging our distinctly human qualities. Throughout the discussion, Ana Melikian highlights that technological revolutions have always shaped human history, and AI is no different. She traces our journey from the Stone Age to today’s digital age, revealing how we've consistently redefined what it means to be human alongside technological advancements. The conversation underscores the importance of staying intentional, self-aware, and collaborative as we face rapid change. Using vivid analogies—like riding the “100-Foot AI wave”—Ana Melikian suggests we approach AI as a team sport, championing the idea of collaboration between humans and technology, rather than working in isolation or fear. She also addresses the challenges of reskilling, adapting to workforce changes, and embracing new opportunities that arise as some jobs disappear and new ones emerge. This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about how to future-proof themselves and their organizations, lead intentionally, and harness AI to build a better world. Let’s dive in! ***This episode is rebroadcast here at the MINDSET ZONE® with explicit consent from Elan Gelfand, the host of the “Abundant Thinking” podcast. This week on the MINDSET ZONE podcast: 00:00 The potential (and disruption) of AI 02:33 Humans and technology: Partners, not opposites 04:45 Cultural identity, revolutions, and redefining humanity 08:12 Navigating change: Adapting culture and mindset 12:20 AI in the workplace: Threat or opportunity? 13:19 The “hundred-foot AI wave”: Collaboration and teamwork 18:29 Adapting, reskilling, and reinventing the game 21:34 Intentional leadership in the AI era 23:13 How to be a team player with AI Meet Your Host: Ana Melikian, Ph.D., advises leaders on how to amplify impact while avoiding burnout. She is passionate about teaching others how to unlock their human potential using simple and powerful approaches such as her P.I.E. method. 𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐭? Set a time to speak with Ana HERE and learn about your (or your team's) burnout risk and how to enhance well-being, effectiveness, and teamwork! Expand What’s Possible!