In this episode of Executive Edge, Simon Rycraft sits down with James Root, Senior Partner at Bain & Company and author of The Archetype Effect, for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of leadership, talent, and human motivation in an AI-accelerated world.

Drawing on decades of global consulting experience, James breaks down the legacy assumptions leaders must shed, why organizations routinely misjudge the impact of new technologies on jobs, and what it really takes to motivate today’s diverse workforce. He highlights the rising anxiety inside companies, the rapid pace of change driven by AI, and why leaders must deepen their understanding of human behavior to unlock performance.

James also shares insights from Bain’s extensive research into worker archetypes, revealing why traditional one-size-fits-all talent systems are failing and how organizations can redesign work, flexibility, and compensation to meet people where they are. From the future of workforce and workflow integration to the evolving role of psychology in leadership, this conversation offers practical guidance for executives navigating unprecedented transformation.

A timely and thought-provoking discussion for anyone leading teams, steering organizational change, or preparing for the next era of work.