About Us
Abbott Insights: Leading Human-Centered AI Transformation
At Abbott Insights, my mission is clear: to empower small and medium sized business leaders to harness Artificial Intelligence effectively and responsibly. I founded Abbott Insights because I saw a critical gap in the conversation around AI, one that needed to align to how leadership happens in real life.
My Journey to Human-Centered AI Leadership
Hi, I’m Brendan and my perspective on AI has always started and ended with leadership. With over 15 years of senior leadership experience, including significant government and operational roles (managing budgets exceeding $200 million and teams of over 2300 FTEs), I’ve navigated complex organizational challenges firsthand. My Master of Arts degree in Leadership Studies and ICF certification as a coach further deepen my understanding of effective leadership dynamics.
For years, I’ve closely followed AI’s rapid evolution, moving from initial curiosity to quiet amazement at its capabilities. Yet, I consistently felt something was missing in the prevailing narrative from big consulting firms. What became apparent was a lack of clear vision about AI’s future impact on leadership in the real world. We weren’t discussing what happens when AI-enabled machines comprise more than half your team, or when processes run end-to-end without human touch. This shift challenges deeply ingrained workplace habits: the belief that busyness equals value, that power comes from being the smartest, or that leadership is solely about approvals and firefighting.
My Philosophy: Leaders Lead, Technology Enables
I firmly believe that leaders must lead and technology enables. This conviction drives Abbott Insights’ human-centered approach. Instead of surrendering to external “AI experts” who may not grasp your organization’s unique vision and ethos, I equip senior leaders with the functional AI literacy needed to remain empowered.
The future of work demands fundamental shifts in leadership practices. My approach helps leaders:.
- Maintain a laser-like focus on core organizational purpose, expressed in plain language, not just KPIs
- Adopt a “focus-and-finish” approach, avoiding the “shiny object syndrome” that often derails AI initiatives.
- Prioritize essential, future-oriented human skills like imagination, collaboration, and systems thinking over traditional analysis or business writing.
- Build cohesive teams that can innovate new solutions and champion the entire organization, not just departmental silos.
I’ve directly applied this philosophy in diverse digital projects, including developing Digital Twins and a Virtual Hospital Ward, as well as optimizing centralized hiring processes. These experiences underscore that successful AI deployment is as much a leadership and change management challenge as it is a technical one.
Why Partner with Abbott Insights?
Integrated Expertise
Blending AI knowledge with extensive leadership, operational, and change management experience. I help you understand how work is changing, what AI can do, what humans must still do, and how to design a future where both thrive.
Mid-Market Focus
Unlike large firms focused on Fortune 500s, I specialize in the unique constraints and opportunities of mid-sized businesses, offering personalized, cost-effective guidance.
Independent & Trustworthy
As a vendor-agnostic advisor, my sole agenda is your success. I help you cut through the hype and invest wisely, asking the right questions that truly benefit your organization.
Forward-Thinking, Grounded in Reality
I’m here to explore the future of AI not with hype, but with humility. My goal is to help leaders reclaim their vital role in shaping this future.
The conversations we need to be having aren’t just about data and processes. They are about pondering what is truly required of us as leaders to navigate significant upheaval, to release old behaviors, and to allow something new to emerge.
Unlock your AI leadership potential.
Lead the future.
It’s time to transform your approach to AI.