Artificial intelligence (AI) has become increasingly present in our daily lives, from algorithms that recommend movies and music to medical diagnosis systems and autonomous cars. Its advancements have been rapid and impressive, raising questions about the future of technology and its impact on society. According to a 2024 Gartner report, it is predicted that by 2027, 70% of business interactions will involve some form of AI, but those with the most decisive impact will still depend on authentic human connections. Thus, the central question is provocative: in the future, what will truly make the difference—machines that calculate or people who feel?
With every advancement in AI, we are forced to look inward. After all, what does it truly mean to be human? The answer lies in emotions, resilience, and the ability to lead with purpose. Today, emotional intelligence is not just desirable—it is essential for navigating a world that changes at an exponential pace. A 2023 TalentSmart study reveals that 90% of high-performing professionals have high levels of emotional intelligence, while only 20% of low performers demonstrate this skill. Want a practical example? Think of the leader who prioritizes connection with their team—they listen, adjust, and act with empathy. This leader doesn’t just inspire—they build a culture that no machine can replicate.
However, the rapid advancement of AI also raises concerns. One of them is its impact on the job market, with the possibility that machines will increasingly replace workers in various professions. The World Economic Forum, in a 2023 report, predicts that 85 million jobs may be replaced by automation by 2025, but at the same time, 97 million new jobs will be created, especially in areas requiring human skills like critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence. In light of this, it’s important to note: over-reliance on AI is dangerous. For example, when leaders base their decisions solely on data, they lose something essential: vision. AI can tell the ‘how,’ but never the ‘why.’ Algorithms identify patterns but are incapable of handling ambiguity—the terrain where the greatest opportunities emerge. And here’s another warning: organizations that dehumanize their operations in the name of efficiency are digging their own graves. Customers may admire technology, but they trust people. Teams respect processes, but they follow leaders.
Now, an inevitable question: how are you preparing to lead in this ever-changing world? Staying technologically updated is no longer a choice—it’s a necessity. But beware: this is just the beginning. More than ever, it’s crucial to go beyond machines and invest in what makes us unique—our ability to understand, adapt, and inspire. This is the moment to develop something deeper: charisma in all its dimensions, the emotional intelligence that connects, the social intelligence that builds genuine relationships, the contextual intelligence that allows us to navigate complex scenarios. These are the true differentiators of a leader who wants not just to survive, but to thrive in a world driven by change. Because, in the end, technology can simulate almost everything—except what makes us human.
In the world we are building, everyone’s priority should be clear: develop emotional intelligence. And here’s the crucial point: emotional intelligence is not a gift reserved for a lucky few—it can be learned, honed, and transformed into your greatest competitive advantage. It all starts with a decision: the decision to improve. Cultivating this skill is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. It’s what separates leaders who inspire and transform from those who will be forgotten, because in a scenario where machines do more but feel less, those who master the art of emotional connection will always be indispensable.
Finally, the future does not belong exclusively to AI, nor to emotional intelligence. It belongs to those who know how to integrate these two forces. Leaders who master technology but maintain the human touch will be the true protagonists of this new era.
By Éric Machado, CEO of Revna
