392 Section CEO Greg Shove on Leading Through AI: Rethinking Business Models, Talent, and Strategy

In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli is joined by Greg Shove, CEO of Section and a serial entrepreneur with a deep track record of leading transformative growth. Shove’s leadership journey includes multiple successful pivots, and in this conversation, he brings a uniquely grounded perspective on how AI is fundamentally changing the role of leaders and the structure of modern organizations. From board-level decision-making to frontline productivity, he doesn’t just speculate—he shares what he’s doing inside his own company to lead through the change. Greg originally joined Section to turn it from a media startup into a next-gen education company. But when he first used ChatGPT, he knew instantly that business education itself needed to evolve. That insight led to a bold pivot: transforming Section from an online business school into an AI-powered academy focused on accelerating performance and capability at scale. It’s a rare look at what it really takes to lead a high-velocity pivot—one grounded not in hype, but in strategy, execution, and conviction. Throughout the conversation, Greg challenges conventional thinking on AI adoption, leadership credibility, and the future of knowledge work. He breaks down why many leaders are stuck in experimentation mode—and what it takes to move into actual transformation. CEOs and boards will find his views on performance, upskilling, and AI decision support to be especially compelling and uncomfortably timely. If you"re tired of surface-level conversations about AI and want to understand what the shift actually looks like inside a company, this episode delivers. Whether you"re leading a small team or a global enterprise, Greg"s insights on using AI as a leadership advantage—not just a tech upgrade—will spark new thinking and bold action. Actionable Takeaways: You"ll learn why Greg believes the greatest leadership returns come not from better execution—but from catching the right wave at the right time. Hear how AI is already matching 90% of the value delivered by human board members—and what that means for your next board meeting. Discover why most corporate training is already obsolete, and how AI can turn learning into personalized, outcome-driven coaching. Hear how Shopify’s CEO linked headcount approvals to AI productivity—and how that kind of thinking will soon become the norm. You"ll gain perspective on how to model AI adoption as a leader, and why failing to do so erodes credibility at every level of the organization. Learn Greg’s approach to building AI habits inside leadership teams—and why small, visible systems often matter more than a “transformation plan.” Find out what question every CEO should be asking before making a major decision—and why it might be time to invite AI into the room. Hear why Greg believes business model innovation—not technology—will be the real competitive battleground in the age of AI. Understand the deeper threat AI poses to entry-level jobs and talent pipelines—and why CEOs need to rethink how organizations grow their future leaders. You’ll hear the provocative question Greg uses to challenge his own team—and how it might reshape your own strategy discussions. Connect with Greg Shove: Greg Shove Website  Connect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website