AI + EQ: KEEPING HUMANITY IN THE PROCESS

Artificial intelligence is transforming how we learn, work, create, and communicate. Yet as technology becomes more capable, the qualities that make us human become even more important.

This keynote explores the relationship between artificial intelligence and emotional intelligence, challenging audiences to think beyond automation and efficiency to questions of empathy, creativity, ethics, trust, and connection.

Drawing from instructional design, leadership, education, and real-world applications of AI, participants discover practical strategies for embracing emerging technologies while preserving the human experiences that technology cannot replace.

Participants will:

• Understand the complementary roles of AI and emotional intelligence. 
• Identify opportunities to use AI as a tool for amplification rather than replacement. 
• Explore how empathy, creativity, and human judgment remain essential in an AI-driven world. 
• Recognize common risks associated with overreliance on automation. 
• Learn practical strategies for integrating AI responsibly and effectively. 
• Develop approaches for maintaining trust, connection, and humanity during technological change.

• Educational institutions 
• Higher education leaders 
• Corporate learning teams 
• Organizational leaders 
• Human resources professionals 
• Technology and innovation teams 
• Nonprofit organizations 
• Creators and entrepreneurs 
• Teams navigating AI adoption and change

• What should AI do, and what should humans continue to do? 
• How do we maintain empathy and connection in increasingly digital environments? 
• How can organizations adopt AI without losing their culture and values? 
• What skills become more valuable as AI becomes more capable? 
• How do we prepare learners and employees for a future that continues to evolve?

Participants identify tasks that benefit from automation and tasks that depend on uniquely human strengths such as empathy, creativity, ethics, and relationship building.

Small groups examine workplace or educational scenarios and determine where artificial intelligence and emotional intelligence each create value.

Participants explore which skills are becoming less important, which are becoming more important, and how individuals and organizations can prepare for the future.

Participants leave with:

• A practical framework for balancing AI and EQ. 
• Strategies for responsible and human-centered AI adoption. 
• Greater confidence navigating emerging technologies. 
• Language for discussing AI opportunities and concerns within teams and organizations. 
• A clearer understanding of the uniquely human skills that will continue to matter most. 
• Permission to embrace innovation without sacrificing humanity.