Catalyst Understanding the fears of AI adoption: With Christen Bell
Mar 10, 2026
Christen Bell, AI Empowerment Solutions Leader at NTT DATA who studies how intelligent systems affect people, discusses why different industries and regions trust AI differently. She explores cultural factors shaping adoption and how leaders can reduce perceived threats by being human-first. The conversation also covers change management, reskilling strategies, and practical everyday uses of generative AI.
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Babymoon Blessing Turned Parenting Reality
- Christen Bell shared her twin pregnancy babymoon where locals touched her belly as a good-luck charm.
- That cultural memory framed her parenting story and the challenging early years with twins.
AI Triggers Hidden Existential Fear
- AI adoption provokes a unique, existential-seeming fear compared with past tech shifts.
- Christen Bell found employees often hide true fears and consultants must peel back layers to learn real concerns.
Industry Trust Varies With AI History
- Trust in AI varies by industry based on exposure and past harms.
- Healthcare is more trusting due to diagnostic AI experience while HR is least trusting after bias scandals.