There’s a quiet irony in the rise of artificial intelligence: the more tasks machines can do, the more valuable our human skills become—especially emotional intelligence (EI).
According to Bill Winters, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank, as AI handles more routine functions, the qualities that will shape your career success aren't technical degrees, but human ones—like communication, empathy, and curiosity.
I’d go further. Add to that list: adaptability, focus, goal clarity, emotional resilience, and the ability to navigate difficult feelings without being derailed. And perhaps most crucially—interpersonal skills. The ability to build strong, trusted relationships is the foundation of social capital: your network of support when it matters most.
If you’re serious about career growth, here’s a smart strategy: invest in your social capital. Build genuine connections with leaders, colleagues, and team members who value your presence—and who will show up for you when the stakes are high.
In a world shaped by machines, it’s our emotional intelligence that keeps us irreplaceably human.