AI adoption in the workplace is growing rapidly, but employees remain skeptical due to concerns over trust and benevolence—both in AI and in leadership. Sentiment around AI reflects broader confidence in leadership, as employees question how these tools will be used and whether they will serve their interests. To address this, organizations must build cognitive trust by ensuring AI is reliable, accurate, and transparent through regular audits and bias-mitigation efforts. Leaders must actively engage employees, demonstrating genuine concern for their well-being and positioning AI as a tool for empowerment rather than replacement. The most effective approach is an “AI-leader combination,” where leadership fosters AI literacy, facilitates open discussions, and frames AI as a supportive tool for career growth. By aligning technological transparency with empathetic leadership, companies can cultivate both cognitive and emotional trust, ensuring successful AI adoption.