The robots are coming, or rather, they’re already here and they are everywhere. Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the workplace, automating tasks we once thought irreplaceable. Data Centers, the warehoused of digital transformation alone fetched $250 billion dollar investment in 2023, and according to Sam Altman, the Open AI CEO, we need about 5 per cent of global GDP, approximately 7 trillion dollars to keep up with AI demand. If you’re feeling anxious about this rapid societal and market change, don’t worry, you’re not alone. But here’s is the good news: this is an opportunity for emotional leaders. As machine become more relevant for everyday activities, we will need more human “controllers” people that can “direct the digital traffic” building trust, partnership and solving people problems. People skills is the new name of the game and if you don’t think you are an emotional leader, start working on getting your emotional intelligence up to snuff, as this will make you a force of nature.
The Rise of the Emotional Leader
As machines become the preferred choice for all everyday task, from sales, to marketing, we get to focus on what truly makes us human and impactful: our emotional intelligence (EQ). Think of it as your internal GPS, or a combination of charisma and social awareness guiding you to build meaningful relationships, inspire teams, and make decisions that resonate on a deeper level. This isn’t just touchy-feely stuff; it’s the key to unlocking your full potential in the age of AI. I would call this emotional competence, which can be thought as the combinational of self-awareness and social awareness.
The Italian Edge: Passion Meets Practicality
As an Italian, I understand the power of emotional connection, networking and how to unlock lasting trust with people of all kind. We’re a culture that values family, community, and building the social fabric around us. But we’re also Master of design, innovation, fashion, food and finding elegant solutions. This unique blend of passion and practicality, which runs deep in my heritage, is in my opinion the secret sauce for success in the AI dominated 21st century. I grew up as an introverted kid unable to ask out the girl I liked and thought it was impossible to become a charismatic people centric professional.
Here’s what emotional intelligence and charismatic leadership can do for you:
- Master the Art of Influence: Learn to communicate persuasively, keep it simple, start with organizing weekly aperitivo and connect with people that can help you grow. Learn to maximize your handshake, as it is the first step to build quality relations connection. Once you have built a network and you cultivate these relations with purpose and passion, rest assured, people will pick up the phone when you call.
- Navigate the Emotional Space to your Advantage: Understand the complexities of human emotions, like a seasoned relations broker. Learn to read the room, become a master of listening and use silence to your advantage. Learn to go Sicilian, meaning, speak less. This enables you to de-escalate conflict, foster collaboration, and lead with empathy.
- Become a Prioritization Pro: Discover how to align your actions with your values, focus on what truly matters, and delegate or automate the rest. Avoid micromanagement at all cost, empower others and learn to enjoy watching other lead and succeed.
- Build Your ‘Human’ Brand: In a world of automation, your unique personality, the creativity of a Neapolitan problem solver, and the emotional authenticity of an Italian family gathering will set you apart.
- Embrace the Italian Style Mindset: Cultivate a culture of beauty, style and longevity ensuring that you on top of your game in terms of style, physical and mental health. When you feel good about yourself, you will attract and influence others. Celebrate your wins along the way, just as we Italians do – with gusto!
Are You Ready to Become the best Version of yourself in the AI Era?
If you’re an ambitious professional seeking to level up your career, emotional intelligence is your “horsepower”, your non-negotiable skill. The must have to survive and thrive during this digital. Go all out and embrace your emotions, leverage your unique strengths, those that make you unique and lead with both your head and your heart.