As many leaders learn to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) in their respective marketplaces, I doubt that any of them are thinking about Ada Lovelace.
Most consider Lovelace the world’s first computer programmer for her work on the computer algorithm in 1843, defying the conventions of her era and transforming computer science. Lovelace envisioned that people could use computers to create music, art, and other complex tasks by manipulating symbols and concepts that are central to modern computing.
We could say the same about Tim Berners-Lee, who invented the World Wide Web in 1989. Berners-Lee created the foundation for us to connect in ways we never could have imagined. Every day, people perform 8.5 billion searches on Google; yet, how many of us think of Berners-Lee when we summon Google’s search field?
More recently, Jarred Mace founded OneCourt, a company that produces a haptic device that allows blind fans to follow sports at home or alongside enthusiasts at a sports venue. Mace is a tactile animator—someone who creates touch-based experiences, using technology to help users “feel” movement and interactions.
Mace grew up with parents who had disabilities. He also wore thick glasses that compensated for an astigmatism in his left eye. This meant that while others could see to eighty feet, he could only see to twenty. Though his vision improved with surgeries, he never lost his empathy for others with varying abilities.
“You bundle those experiences together, and I think that primed my heart for this work,” Mace said. “I think it’s given me a ton of perspective and appreciation for what it’s like to experience the world differently.”
When you consider each of these leaders from dissimilar eras, backgrounds, and experiences, it’s hard to ignore the common thread: Great leaders are looking at what others miss.
- Great leaders recognize that not everyone experiences the world in the same way, and they design solutions accordingly.
- Innovation with empathy drives a universal desire to connect, create belonging, and share with others.
- Leadership isn’t just solving problems; it’s seeing opportunities where others see limitations.
- Leaders should ask, “What helps my team feel more connected, not just more productive?”
When we as leaders look at the edges and solve problems in the margins, we tend to benefit everyone. If you’re in a position to address a problem, consider asking, “Who am I devising this solution for? What limitations have I accepted that someone else might dare to question?”
In the end, innovation isn’t just about being first—it’s about seeing differently. The most transformative leaders don’t simply adopt new tools; they reimagine what’s possible by noticing what’s often overlooked. Whether it’s Ada Lovelace forecasting digital creativity, Tim Berners-Lee building the connective tissue of the internet, or Jarred Mace designing for inclusivity, the throughline is clear: They lead with vision and empathy.
As we face today’s challenges, may we also lead by asking better questions, listening more closely, and designing with everyone in mind—not just for progress, but for connection.
