Steve Goldbach on AI, Judgment, and the Design of Human Behavior at Aspen Business & Society Summit
During the 2026 Aspen Business & Society Summit, Steve Goldbach from Deloitte engaged in a conversation with DB|BD host Ellen McGirt about the challenge of cultivating judgment and taste in the age of AI. As a co-author of popular leadership literature, Goldbach stressed that culture emerges from behaviors and that driving change is essential. He made a case for sustainability in business, asserting that investments should either boost revenue or lower costs, referencing a framework from a 2025 Aspen session featured in Harvard Business Review. Additionally, he explored the concept of systems thinking, its historical context, and the necessity for revamping employee development through mentorship. Goldbach also acknowledged the unavoidable influence of AI on the workplace and called for a reimagining of education, including the introduction of oral exams.
Key facts
- Steve Goldbach leads Deloitte's Sustainability and Infrastructure practice.
- He is co-author, with Geoff Tuff, of three best-selling books: Detonate, Provoke, and Hone: How Purposeful Leaders Defy Drift.
- The interview took place at the 2026 Aspen Business & Society Summit with DB|BD host Ellen McGirt.
- Goldbach facilitated a wildcard session at the 2025 Aspen summit that led to an HBR article on making the business case for sustainability.
- The HBR article was published yesterday and co-authored with Kathy Pickus (ADM), Anne Tracy (Colgate), and Alicia from Aspen.
- Goldbach argues that sustainability investments must enhance revenue, reduce cost, avoid future cost, or avoid future revenue loss.
- He cites Chris Argyris's concept of productive interactions and Roger Martin as influences.
- He believes AI will meaningfully change work and that leaders must redesign how early-stage employees develop judgment.
Entities
Artists
- Steve Goldbach
- Ellen McGirt
- Geoff Tuff
- Jeff Tuff
- Elon Musk
- Valerie Rainford
- Debbie Beale
- Ryan
- Chris Argyris
- Roger Martin
- Kathy Pickus
- Anne Tracy
- Alicia
Institutions
- Deloitte
- Aspen Business & Society Summit
- Aspen Institute
- Harvard Business Review
- Wiley
- Monitor Group
- ADM
- Colgate
- Posse
- Tesla
- SpaceX
- MIT
- Design Observer
- DB|BD
Locations
- Aspen
- United States
- Chicago
- Nebraska
- Atlanta