Jane Fisher, Founder of Fresh Perspectives North East, believes strong leadership still depends on human thinking in an AI world.
“I’m having fascinating conversations with leaders about Artificial Intelligence,” says Jane. “Beyond faster outputs and efficiency, there’s a quiet concern: the potential loss of human thinking capacity.”
“AI is incredibly good at processing information at speed,” she adds. “But it doesn’t replace human judgement, critical thinking and creativity. Skills we still need.”
This matters because AI is not a moral agent, and accountability sits with people when decisions go wrong. Nor is it an originator, so without creativity, progress stalls.
Working with AI, not handing thinking over
Jane is clear this is not an argument against AI.
“This isn’t about resisting progress, for AI is a brilliant partner. But it should complement human thinking, not replace it,” she explains.
AI undoubtedly increases productivity, yet over-reliance risks weakening our cognitive capabilities.
“The power of AI is indisputable,” Jane notes, “but our critical analysis, judgement and creativity will quietly decline if people stop exercising those muscles.”
In Jane’s view, good decisions don’t come from speed alone. They come from assessing context, experience and consequence. That’s the human perspective.
“AI can increase output. But judgement still belongs to people”
Why the outdoors matters
For Jane, this is where the outdoors excels – offering a powerful thinking resource.
“When we step outside, our brain shifts into a reflective and creative mode, supporting insight, idea connection and problem-solving.”
“That space enables us to explore options more widely and think more analytically, to draw better conclusions,” she adds.
Designing work for the future
For Jane, the future of work is about balance.
“AI is here to stay,” she says. “But the most effective organisations don’t choose between technology and humanity. They design for both.”
That means using AI to enhance efficiency, while deliberately protecting space for human thought.
“The outdoors is the simplest way to do this,” Jane explains, “by creating the thinking space digital work removes.”
Making outdoors a habit
“Many of the world’s most progressive businesses are already getting outdoors,” she continues. “And within the next five to ten years, I believe forward-thinking organisations will spend at least 20 percent of their working week outdoors – habitually.”
“That’s why I developed The Fresh Perspective 90-Day Challenge, so leaders here in the North East can explore, with ease, how getting outside works for them.”
Find out more about Jane’s work, Fresh Perspectives NE and the 90-Day Challenge:
07837 024 374 | hello@fpne.co.uk | www.fpne.co.uk