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 advances have been rapid and impressive, raising questions about the future of technology and its impact on society. According to Gartner's 2024 report, by 2027, 70% of business interactions will involve some form of AI, but those with the greatest decisive impact will still depend on authentic human connections. Therefore, the central question is provocative: in the future, what will truly make a difference, calculating machines or feeling people?
With each advance in AI, we are forced to look inward. After all, what does it really 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 to navigate a world that changes at an exponential pace. A study by TalentSmart (2023) reveals that 90% of high-performance professionals have high levels of emotional intelligence, while only 20% of low-performing individuals 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 not only inspires – he builds a culture that no machine can replicate.
However, the rapid advancement of AI also raises concerns. One of them is the impact on the labor 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 could be replaced by automation by 2025, but at the same time, 97 million new jobs will be created, especially in areas that require human skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence.Therefore, it is necessary to point out: dependence on AI is dangerous. For example, when leaders base their decisions solely on data, they lose something essential: vision, because AI can tell the "how," but never the "why"; algorithms identify patterns but are incapable of dealing with ambiguity – the terrain where the greatest opportunities are born. And, still, 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 and teams respect processes, but follow leaders.
Now, an unavoidable question: how are you preparing to lead in this constantly changing world? Keeping up with technology is no longer a choice, it's a obligation. But, attention: this is just the beginning. More than ever, it is essential to go beyond machines and invest in what makes us unique – our ability to understand, adapt, and inspire. This is the time to develop something deeper: charisma in all its dimensions, emotional intelligence that connects, social intelligence that builds genuine relationships, and contextual intelligence that allows us to navigate complex scenarios. These are the true differentiators of a leader who aims not just to survive but to thrive in a world driven by change. Because, in the end, technology can indeed simulate almost everything, except what makes us human.
In the world we are building, everyone's priority should be clear: developing emotional intelligence. And here is the crucial point: emotional intelligence is not a gift reserved for a few; fortunately, it can be learned, improved, and transformed into your greatest competitive advantage. Everything begins with a decision: to improve. Cultivating this skill is not a luxury; it is a necessity. It is 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. He 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
