“ … whether we look at the economy, politics, technology, society, or the environment, the determining factor in success or failure is increasingly the intelligent use of information and resources. This goes beyond just AI, human intelligence, collective intelligence, and systematic intelligence all coming together in powerful ways.” – Klaus Schwab

In this era of Intelligence, AI isn’t calling the shots. It is human judgement, human decision-making, human capabilities that make or break companies, economies and societies.

Last week I had the pleasure of delivering two lectures during the week-long “Leadership, Digital Transformation, and Sustainable Development in the Energy Sector” programme for exceptional female leaders of Kazakhstan.

The first talk, titled ‘Leadership and Strategic Management in Times of Change’, focused on building adaptive strategies which help business leaders to weather unpredictable storms. The second, ‘Managing Organisational Changes, Teams, and Transformation’, prioritised cooperation, alignment and teamwork during periods of transition.

Though very different at a first glance, these lectures shared a critical and pioneering common denominator: human capabilities.

What differentiates us from each other is just as important as what differentiates us from AI. Our personal intellect plays a foundational role in the widespread systems of collective and societal intelligence that govern our daily lives.

Our human skills shape businesses, communities and people; it is time we awarded them the recognition they deserve.