In a Cohesion Culture™, every team member must feel a sense of belonging, value, and mutual commitment.

BUT that doesn’t mean standing still.

Adapting to emerging technologies like AI is now part of being truly “included”. Because no one gets left behind when everyone is learning forward.

Recently, the CEO of Shopify, Tobias Lütke, shared how Artificial Intelligence is changing the way they work. Lütke has set the expectation that every single person at Shopify, including leadership, must embrace AI deeply and immediately. He laid down a clear, no-nonsense challenge for every person in every position: AI is no longer optional. It's a core skill. Learn it. Use it. Share it.

As essential as knowing how to send an email is to holding a job at Shopify, you must equally be able to utilize emerging AI technologies.

It's not only a new tech adoption. It's a cultural expectation across all levels of the workforce.

Last week I shared this meme:

In a Cohesion Culture™, accountability isn't reserved for the frontline. It starts at the top. And Shopify is demonstrating this by not coddling any employees. They expect everyone to self-educate, experiment, and level up with AI... No exceptions! That's not exclusion. That's empowerment.

No hiding behind titles. No "rules for thee, but not for me" energy.

Cohesive Leaders understand that people rise when the culture lifts them. Encouraging self-directed learning — while celebrating shared wins — turns individual progress into collective momentum.

I asked our very own AI, C.A.R.L. - the Cohesive Artificial Response Leader, about this topic and here's part of his response:

"Accountability should be upheld across all leadership positions within the company. Executives are expected to model integrity and truthfulness, ensuring that their behaviors align with the company's core values and guiding principles. This approach helps foster a culture of trust and accountability throughout the organization."

Here’s what Shopify is doing and what companies serious about retention, innovation, and culture should be paying attention to:

Tobi Lütke’s AI Culture Expectations:

1. Master AI as a Core Skill: AI isn’t for engineers only. Every employee is expected to learn how to prompt, test, and implement AI in their day-to-day workflows.

2. Prototype Everything with AI: Every project, every idea... AI gets a seat at the table. From ideation to testing, AI is now part of the GSD (Get Sh*t Done) process.

3. Performance Reviews Will Include AI Usage: Yes, you read that right. How you use AI to solve problems, reduce inefficiencies, or spark creativity? It’s part of your performance now.

4. Self-Directed Learning + Shared Wins: There’s no hand-holding here. You’re expected to teach yourself AI, but also to share what you’ve learned so others can level up, too. Learning alone? Out. Learning together? In.

5. Don’t Ask for Resources Until You’ve Tried AI First: Need more help? More budget? Not until you’ve proven what you’ve tried to automate or streamline using AI. Solve first. Ask second.

6. AI Is for Everyone — No Exceptions: Marketing, HR, finance, support, leadership — no one gets a free pass. AI is for everyone. Especially leaders.

As AI reshapes the way we work, culture becomes your advantage or your excuse. And Cohesive Leaders will embrace the discomfort, take initiative on this emerging technology, and create conditions where innovation flourishes.

If your culture doesn’t push people to grow, learn, and adapt, it’s not inclusive. It’s limiting.

Cohesive Leaders don’t wait for permission or perfect timing. They model curiosity. They reward action. They build trust by walking the talk especially when it comes to innovation.

AI isn’t coming. It’s here. And it’s not just disrupting industries. It’s redefining expectations.

The question isn’t “Will your team use AI?” It’s “Will your culture allow them to thrive with it?”

If the answer is no, then you've got a culture problem not a tech one.

Choose to learn forward.