EP 1: Johanna Setzer Explains Why Smart Leaders Should Treat AI Like A Playground | What the Tech Podcast

In a Nutshell

EPISODE OVERVIEW

In this first episode of Season Two, we’re kicking things off with a conversation that perfectly captures what this is all about: curiosity, creativity, and the human side of AI.

Onyeka sits down with Johanna Setzer, Head of Operations at Ten Group, to unpack how leaders can turn AI from an intimidating tool into a creative playground. Johanna shares how she’s helping her team embrace AI with patience, experimentation, and a sense of fun, not fear.

From ditching prompt libraries to building real AI fluency, to the art of leading through change, this episode shows that thriving with AI isn’t about coding harder...it’s about thinking lighter.

So, if you’ve ever wondered what happens when creativity meets technology in the hands of a great leader, start here.

INSIDE THE CONVERSATION

👋 Kicking off What the Tech Season 2

⏩ Are we all less patient thanks to AI?

🤖 Why the first try with AI rarely wins

🏆 Building Copilot champions on the team

➰ Using automation to bring back the human connection

🦾 Why real prompting beats ready-made prompts

🗣️ How do you bring the AI conversation into your org?

🌐 AI feels a lot like the early internet days

💡 The new leadership skills every manager will need

🚦Johanna's favorite AI prompt

Johanna What the Tech Headshot

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Johanna Setzer

Head of Operations, Ten Lifestyle Management

Johanna Setzer is the Head of Operations/Service Delivery at Ten Lifestyle Management, where she leads a dynamic team focused on delivering exceptional client experiences.

With an Honours degree in Sustainable Tourism Management and a rich background in the tourism and hospitality industry, Johanna’s career has spanned continents and cultures.

Her passion for travel, structure, and working with people has shaped her approach to leadership and service excellence.

Outside of her corporate role, Johanna is a Toronto-based fashion and documentary photographer, always seeking creative collaborations and unique storytelling opportunities.

Originally from northern Germany and born in the Netherlands, she has lived in Brussels, London, Barcelona, Lyon, and Abu Dhabi — experiences that fuel her love for languages and global perspectives.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

Mic Drop Moments

When you lead a team, your excitement for AI spreads. If you’re not curious, no one else will be.

You need to have fun with it. If you don’t enjoy playing around with AI, you’ll never really understand what it can do.

We decided early that AI should help our agents, not replace them. It’s there to make them better, not disappear.

You can’t ignore AI. It’s here. So the earlier you embrace it, the faster you’ll find your rhythm with it.

SEASON 2 | EPISODE 1

Johanna Setzer Explains Why Smart Leaders Should Treat AI Like a Playground