3 Surprising Truths About Leading Through Change: Strategies for Oncology Leaders to Thrive in the AI Era

When most leaders think of AI, they think of software, algorithms, and dashboards. But what many miss is that the biggest barrier to AI success isn’t the technology—it’s human behavior. I’ve seen health care departments invest in state-of-the-art predictive analytics, only for the tool to sit unused because teams weren’t ready, or leaders didn’t create the right culture. Real change happens when workflows and culture are redesigned together. 

For example, instead of just installing an AI decision-support system, an innovative leader I worked with redesigned tumor board meetings so that clinicians could experiment with AI insights without fear of making mistakes. Staff weren’t just told, “Use this tool.” They were invited to explore it, give feedback, and shape how it worked for them. Over time, what started as resistance turned into excitement, and patient care improved. In other words, AI won’t fix culture—but culture can make AI work brilliantly. 

2. Leadership Impact Comes From Saying No

Oncology leaders are juggling a hundred things at once: patient crises, staff challenges, administrative demands, and now AI initiatives. The surprising truth? Being busy does not equal being effective. Our brains are wired to focus on 1 thing at a time. When you try to do everything at once, you’re actually less effective and more exhausted.

Leaders who thrive in AI-driven change know how to cut through the noise and focus on what matters most. Here’s what that looks like in real life for you: 

• Blocking 2 hours a week for strategy rather than letting emails dictate your schedule
• Saying no to meetings that don’t move the needle, even when it feels uncomfortable
• Building micro-habits for mental clarity, like a 15-minute morning walk or a quick reflection before rounds.

The result? You lead with confidence and clarity instead of reacting to every crisis. Your team notices. Patients benefit. And yes, your own stress drops too. 

3. Resilient Teams Are Built, Not Born 

Too many leaders expect their teams to be resilient, and when they discover that they are not, they get frustrated. The truth is, resilience isn’t a personality trait—it’s a skill you develop or coach intentionally. In oncology, the pressure is relentless, and AI can only help so much. Teams still need to adapt, engage, and perform consistently, even under stress.

I recently worked with a cancer center that was introducing AI tools to triage patient data. Some nurses worried the system would replace them, while others felt overwhelmed by new protocols. Instead of pushing the tool, the leadership team created a safe space for questions, paired staff with mentors, and celebrated small wins, like when a nurse caught a subtle pattern in patient data thanks to AI insights.

Over several weeks, resistance turned into curiosity. Engagement grew. Performance stabilized. That’s what resilient teams look like; they can handle change because their leader invests in psychological safety, mentorship, and small, consistent wins.

Bringing It All Together 

Thriving as an oncology leader in the AI era isn’t about mastering algorithms or predicting every change. It’s about 3 key drivers: 

1. Fostering organizational change by aligning AI with workflow and culture 
2. Boosting leadership impact by cutting through noise, managing stress, and leading with clarity 
3. Building resilient teams that adapt, stay engaged, and perform consistently.

When you focus on these catalysts for change, AI stops feeling like a threat and becomes a tool that amplifies your impact. Patients get better care, teams feel supported, and you, as a leader, can finally lead with confidence instead of constant firefighting.

Through the existing and upcoming changes, always remember this: success in the AI era isn’t about doing more, it’s about thinking differently, leading differently, and caring about people differently. If you do that, technology becomes a partner—not a challenge—and your organization thrives, even under pressure. 

Dr. Michelle Rozen is a behavioral scientist, keynote speaker, and bestselling author whose extensive research on goal-setting and AI-driven leadership helps executives and teams achieve extraordinary results. Her research reveals how leaders can leverage AI while maintaining the human skills that drive engagement, influence, and performance in today’s rapidly changing world. More leadership tools and resources can be found at https://www.drmichellerozen.com/articles/.