On one hand, there's a heavy focus on infrastructure—hardware, data centers, energy demands, and the logistical backbone needed to support increasingly powerful AI models. A great deal of technical expertise goes into making AI function efficiently at scale.

But there’s another, equally vital dimension—one I’ve often emphasized by urging AI companies to bring in legions of philosophers to explore the human aspect. How will we relate to AI on a daily basis? How will it influence our emotional well-being, our relationships, our work, and our sense of community?

Recently, I came across a compelling voice on this very topic in a TED talk by Noelle Russell, founder of the AI Leadership Institute. She brings deep insight into what it means to build AI that truly serves human needs.

An Unconventional Path

Russell began her career at IBM, then moved through key roles at Red Hat and VMWare before joining AWS, where she gained rare experience integrating human values into AI development.

One of her most notable contributions was on the early Alexa team. While many focused on functionality, Russell championed qualities like empathy and mindfulness in the design process. She worked across 17 different research prototypes, often bringing perspectives that challenged the status quo.

As a mother and a caregiver to an aging parent—part of what’s known as the “sandwich generation”—her lived experience gave her a distinct lens. Some teammates initially saw her as a “mood killer,” especially when she insisted that even a voice assistant in the kitchen should reflect kindness and awareness.

But her vision proved prescient. Alexa evolved far beyond recipe reminders, becoming a companion in homes for everything from mental health check-ins to helping children learn. Russell realized that her personal viewpoint wasn’t just shaping her own world—it was reshaping the product for millions.

“If we don’t bring more diverse human experiences into AI design,” she said, “these tools won’t serve everyone equally.”

Guiding Principles for Human-Centered AI

In 2016, Russell founded the AI Leadership Institute, an organization dedicated to cultivating mindful, intentional leadership in AI. It offers certifications and frameworks focused on building AI with emotional intelligence and ethical awareness.

She often speaks about the “baby tiger” metaphor—AI may seem harmless and adorable now, but as it grows, its power demands careful stewardship.

She also offers a unique take on the lamplighter analogy—distinct from Sam Altman’s version. While Altman warns that knowledge workers risk obsolescence like gas lamplighters replaced by electric light, Russell sees continuity.

To her, even if the lamplighter fades from view, the light they lit continues to shine for future generations.

This perspective emphasizes legacy, connection, and the enduring impact of thoughtful design—especially in crafting AI experiences that remain grounded in human values.

Looking Back to Move Forward

In discussing the emerging role of AI stewardship, Russell highlighted a troubling paradox in modern communication.

“The most essential skill in managing AI is clarity of thought,” she explained. “You must understand your goals and express them precisely—so a machine can act on them. Yet over the past decade, we’ve drifted further from that clarity. We rely on emojis, abbreviations, and fragmented language. Now, a new generation depends on us to define, with intention and precision, what we want to create—and why.”

Still, she ended on an uplifting note, quoting Hamilton to inspire action and responsibility:

“I know that greatness lies in you,” she said. “But remember from here on in… history has its eyes on you.”

Indeed, history watches us all. As we shape AI, we’re also shaping the future of human connection. Let’s build with awareness, empathy, and purpose.

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