Abstract
This study aims to develop a student-led framework for using Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools effectively in Higher Education (HE) to prepare future leaders, enabling them to develop their AI literacy and leadership potential. Through an online questionnaire, data were collected from 44 postgraduate students who held leading positions in their companies and studied in Albania, the UK, and Greece which informed the creation of the framework. Drawing on the ethical and adaptive leadership theories which equip leaders with the required skills, and mindset to anticipate transformational change, and cultivate innovation amidst AI-driven disruptions, this study reports that 88% of the students requested continuous professional development programmes that could help them develop their AI-related skills and leadership capabilities as these were highly significant skills to lead companies successfully. Implications of the findings are discussed in the current article as it aspires to add to the literature and the debate on the contribution of Gen AI towards the development of adaptive, ethical, and responsible leadership.