Narrative intelligence and the human advantage

Reed Frerichs, a leadership coach at MIT Sloan and startups plus host of Inner Story, joins Daniel Whitenack and Chris Benson of Prediction Guard to discuss “narrative intelligence” as a way leaders adapt in the AI era. The episode focuses on owning your current reality, reframing identity, and using emotional intelligence to lead teams through rapid AI-driven change.

Key points

• Frerichs defines narrative intelligence as continuously evolving your story as circumstances and audiences change.
• His framework is three steps: own where you are, author the next chapter, then act on it.
• Imposter syndrome is normal for founders and leaders; the goal is to normalize it, not hide it.
• AI adoption should start with practical, personal use cases that fit daily life and build curiosity.
• Leadership now requires emotional intelligence: self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, listening, and responding instead of reacting.