Is Emotional Intelligence Your Leadership Edge in an AI-Driven Workplace? With Maggie Sarfo
When machines are learning, evolving, making and enacting decisions on their own, what should you do?In this episode of The AI Adoption Podcast, I speak with Maggie Sarfo, CEO of Meres Consult, about why human emotional intelligence (EI) is the essential counterweight to machine artificial intelligence (AI) in today’s workplaces. Maggie says that leaders can navigate this shift with clarity, empathy, and adaptability.🔍 Key topics explored:• How emotional intelligence and AI can collaborate not compete• Soft skills are becoming core leadership strengths in an AI workplace• The importance of recognising and addressing fear, uncertainty and intergenerational divides that arises with AI adoption• Maggie’s Meres Adaptability Framework for managing extreme change🗣 “If we can develop machines that act on their own, we can also develop ourselves to be even more human.” Maggie SarfoThis conversation is a must-listen for leaders developing and adopting an AI strategy, team wellbeing, and long-term organisational resilience.Key messages• Emotional intelligence (EI) is crucial for effective leadership.• AI and EI can complement each other in organisational settings.• Human-AI collaboration is essential for optimal workflows.• Organisations can retain EI by embedding it in AI strategies.• Leaders must address fear and uncertainty regarding AI.• New roles, such as AI trainers and explainers, are emerging.• The Meres Adaptability Framework helps organisations navigate change.• Workshops on EI should accompany AI adoption training.• Leaders need to support their teams through AI transitions.• Emotional intelligence should be prioritised in decision-making processes.Chapters00:00 AI and Emotional Intelligence02:58 The Intersection of AI and Emotional Intelligence05:50 Human-AI Collaboration in Workflows08:56 Retaining Emotional Intelligence in AI Adoption12:09 The Role of Leaders in an AI World14:54 Addressing Fear and Uncertainty in AI18:05 Emerging Roles in the Age of AI20:54 Supporting Teams Through AI Transition24:02 The Meres Adaptability Framework27:03 Bringing It All Together: AI, Leadership, and Emotional Intelligence