As artificial intelligence and automation reshape the workplace, a new leadership series by bestselling author and executive coach Rocky Romanella aims to remind leaders that technology, for all its power, cannot lead. The four-part series, titled "The Mentor: Believing in People Before They Believe in Themselves," launches on September 15, 2026, and draws on Romanella's decades of experience at UPS and The UPS Store Franchise Network to explore enduring leadership principles.
"In the age of AI, leaders must remember that belief, trust, and character are still the foundation of every great organization," Romanella said. "Technology may change how we work, but it will never replace the responsibility leaders have to lift others, mentor with purpose, and leave things a little better than they found them."
The series covers topics such as belief as a leadership responsibility, mentorship through Coach Wooden's principles, the UPS promotion-from-within culture, coachability as the bridge between potential and progress, gratitude as the anchor of leadership, and the "One Word" identity exercise. It also features personal stories from Romanella's journey, including lessons from his father and his time leading the MBE/The UPS Store Franchise Network.
Romanella's connection to legendary basketball coach John Wooden reinforces the mentorship themes. A published conversation with Wooden is available on his website, offering a rare firsthand look at Wooden's philosophies. Readers can access it at https://www.3sixtymanagementservices.com/category/leadership-training/.
"If you choose to lead, you must choose to be an honest and trusted leader," Romanella added. "Your vision, mission, and values only matter if people trust you enough to follow. In a world of constant change, trustworthiness is your highest honor — and your lasting legacy."
The full series will be available at https://www.3sixtymanagementservices.com/category/newsletters/.
Romanella, author of the bestseller "Tighten The Lug Nuts: The Principles Of Balanced Leadership," is a former Forbes Business Council member and host of The Leadership Library Podcast, now in its ninth season. New episodes air weekly at https://tightenthelugnuts.com/ and https://www.buzzsprout.com/1484407. His book achieved number one bestseller status in both Business Management and Business Leadership.
The series arrives as organizations grapple with how to integrate AI without losing the human touch. Romanella's message is clear: while AI can optimize tasks, it cannot inspire, mentor, or build trust. Those remain uniquely human responsibilities. By focusing on belief, mentorship, and legacy, Romanella provides a timely framework for leaders navigating the AI era.
