When Data-Driven Leadership Meets Human Accountability

What do Reed Hastings, Mark Cuban, Harry Truman and Milli Vanilli tell us about AI and Leadership? A lot!

In 2011, Netflix CEO Reed Hastings made what seemed like a sound, data-backed business move.

Internal usage stats showed DVD rentals were declining.
Market trends signaled a streaming future. Financial models suggested that separating the two businesses—DVD and streaming—could unlock value and reduce confusion.

So, Hastings launched Qwikster.

A new brand.
A new strategy.
A logical move—on paper. (If you are wondering what Qwikster is, you probably know only the costly, embarrassing chapter of the story.)

But the decision bombed.
Customers were furious. Confused. Many canceled.

And then came the moment that defined Hastings' leadership—not the data, not the pivot, not the mistake.
It was this:

"I messed up. I owe everyone an explanation."

He didn't blame the data.
He didn't blame the team.
He didn't hide behind a PR wall or rebrand his way out.

He took full ownership.
And then he committed to earning trust back.
Slowly. Deliberately. With results.

Today, AI can analyze market trends.
Run A/B tests. Predict churn. Optimize for LTV.
But there’s one thing AI can’t do:
Stand up in front of the people it affects and say, “This one’s on me.”

AI can be rewritten.
Humans can only move forward.
That’s why leadership will never be a software plugin.
Because leadership isn’t just about being right—
It’s about being real.

Mark Cuban posted about the significance of genuine, face-to-face interactions in the light of artificial images, videos, and even data. He drew a parallel he called the “Milli Vanilli effect,” referring to the performers who had to return their Grammy when it was discovered that they weren’t actually singing.

AI creates content, makes recommendations, and drives decisions, but it can't stand behind it's guidance. It's lip-syncing leadership.

Leading cannot be faked. Enduring brands are built on leadership, strategy, culture, and discipline. In a world where AI can generate everything except real-world accountability, leaders at all levels must embrace what I call the “Harry Truman Imperative.” An imperative that demands taking responsibility for the data, their usage, and the outcomes.

What leadership challenges are you facing that no AI could solve for you?