Founder’s Mode: Rethinking Leadership in the Age of AI
For decades, leaders have been taught to delegate more, stay out of the details, and lead from a distance.
But what if today’s most successful companies are doing exactly the opposite?
As artificial intelligence transforms every industry, the rules of leadership are changing. The organizations that thrive over the next decade won’t simply adopt AI—they’ll rethink how leaders create value, stay connected to their business, and deliver exceptional customer experiences.
Join Tom Rector, Founder and CEO of Thumbprint, for an engaging fireside chat on Founder Mode—a leadership philosophy gaining attention for challenging conventional management thinking. Drawing from his experience building one of the industry’s fastest-growing companies, Tom will share practical insights on leading in an era where speed, customer experience, and AI are redefining competitive advantage.
During this conversation, you’ll explore:
- Why many traditional leadership practices unintentionally slow organizations down—and what high-performing leaders are doing instead.
- The principles behind Founder Mode and how leaders can stay closely connected without micromanaging.
- How Thumbprint’s Seven-Star Customer Experience creates customer loyalty that competitors struggle to match.
- Practical ways organizations are using AI today to eliminate routine work, improve decision-making, and free teams to focus on innovation.
- Why seemingly small operational details often become significant strategic advantages.
- The leadership habits that will define successful organizations in the AI era.
Whether you’re leading a business, managing a team, launching a startup, serving on a nonprofit board, or simply curious about the future of leadership, you’ll leave with practical ideas you can put into action immediately.
Enjoy an evening of networking, refreshments, and engaging conversation with fellow Columbians and guests.
The future of leadership is being rewritten. Come discover what comes next.