As autumn arrives and kids get back to school, I’ve been reflecting on Daniel Goleman’s recent words about the rising importance of emotional intelligence in an AI-driven world. His message is clear: while AI may take over many routine tasks, it’s empathy, adaptability, and human connection that will define success in the years ahead.
💡 Why EI Matters More Than Ever
Bill Winters, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank, recently said that empathy, communication, and curiosity will matter more than technical qualifications for career advancement. I see this in practice every day. Leaders who thrive are not the ones with the longest list of credentials but the ones who stay calm under pressure, adapt with agility, and invest in relationships that others genuinely value.
🏢 Organisations Putting EI into Action
This isn’t theory. Over the past few months, I’ve been privileged to:
- Deliver a joint leadership and EI programme with Charley Swords for BD Enniscorthy, blending leadership training with EI coaching and group workshops.
- Launch a new EI development programme with Kersia, an FDI company committed to growing its people as much as its business.
- Partner long-term with organisations across logistics, hospitality, and manufacturing, embedding EI, coaching and leadership development into their culture.
I’m especially delighted to partner with County Wexford Chamber Skillnet who help subsidise many of these programmes, making development accessible and impactful for local companies.
🔎 EI in Talent Management
EI isn’t just about leadership—it’s also becoming central to hiring and talent strategy. Recently, I worked with a HR manager using RocheMartin‘s Emotional Capital Selection Report (ECR) to evaluate two potential hires. The insights supported better talent decisions and helped align future leaders with organisational culture.
Beyond selection, I regularly use the ECR Self, 360, and Team tools to help individuals and groups build self-awareness, strengthen collaboration, and measure psychological safety. It’s always inspiring to see the shift that happens when people really connect with their emotional capital.
🤖 AI vs. EI: No Contest
Some headlines boldly declare “AI Beats Humans at Emotional Intelligence.” But let’s be clear: knowing about EI is not the same as practicing EI. AI can analyze patterns, but it can’t sit across from someone, build trust, or inspire hope. That remains uniquely human and it’s the differentiator leaders must embrace.
🌍 A Call to Leaders
In uncertain times, leaders who will stand out are those who can admit what they don’t know, stay open to possibility, and bring their teams forward with empathy and courage. As Mimi Nicklin – Empathy Advocate often reminds us, empathy isn’t a soft skill it’s a core leadership skill for the future of work.
👀 Watch This Space…
I’m excited about what’s coming next:
- Partnering on a new education programme in the sports sector – more to share very soon.
- Charley Swords and I will be offering our Leadership Pathway programme, designed to help leaders strengthen both competence and confidence.
- You’ll also see more visibility from me and my JV partners Joe Sheppard , Christina Vidovich from Women Getting Visible as I step into livestreaming to be seen, heard, and to provide greater value.
- And on September 26th, I’ll be attending the Network Ireland Businesswoman of the Year national conference and awards in Killarney, where I’m shortlisted in two categories: Emerging Businesswoman of the Year and Networker of the Year.
Now, if that isn’t recognition that Emotional Intelligence matters, I don’t know what is!
Like many of the leaders I coach, I recognise that building confidence in my own EI is part of the journey. It’s time to step up and get out there more.
✨ Want to explore how EI can unlock growth for you or your organisation? I’d love to connect. You can book a free discovery call with me here:
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