Who Am I? What Is My Value? How Can I Succeed?
You see caricatures like this all over social media, generated by advanced AI tools like ChatGPT. With just a simple request—‘Given everything you know about me (Carey), please create a caricature of me‘—you can receive a digital representation in seconds. We willingly share our data, thrilled to see a fun depiction of ourselves.
However, Generative AI (GenAI) is more than just a tool for creativity; it’s a cognitive powerhouse with an IQ estimated at 155—likely much higher than your own. You don’t need to debate this; simply take the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) and compare your results. GenAI outperforms over 99.9% of people when it comes to computational thinking, basic analysis, and logical problem-solving. It is, without a doubt, a cognitive expert.
(View Source: 2025 EI & AI – Workplace Status Report; Six Seconds).
Are There Areas Where GenAI Outperforms You?
The answer is a resounding YES.
Should you feel threatened? Again, YES.
What should you do about it? A LOT.
I listen to the insecurities expressed by friends, colleagues, and clients regarding the rise of GenAI. While it’s entertaining to see a flattering caricature, beneath the surface lies a deeper vulnerability tied to the uncertainty this technology brings. Even those who have wholeheartedly embraced this new landscape experience moments of fear.
Practical Actions for Success in the New Normal
Are there practical steps we can take today to ensure we thrive in this evolving world? Here are three neuroscience-backed actions that can open doors to new opportunities—choice points that can launch you on your new adventure.
1. From Fear to Action
To help us survive, our brains resist risk-taking by generating a test called FEAR. Fear is a message from ourselves (from you to you), signaling that something significant is happening and that we should be alert. Should you freeze? NO. Should you flee? NO. This is the 21st century, and you are not a reptile.
Fear can immobilize us, encouraging us to stick our heads in the sand and hope the challenges disappear. But they won’t. You must take a step from fear to courage. Movement is the antidote to fear, propelling us toward a new future. We must actively engage in our stories, exploring the evolving world with curiosity and experimenting with new methods of operation. What ONE thing can you do today to step towards courage? Start small, but you must start.
2. From What to Why
On one hand, we embrace GenAI, yet it challenges our sense of self and identity. This discomfort is not inherently negative; in fact, it can be a catalyst for growth. We need to shift from being defined by “what we do” to being defined by “why we do it.”
AI excels at tasks—“what we do.” Its superpowers include automation, efficiency, and data processing. Competing in this arena is futile. Instead, focus on “why you do it,” leveraging human skills like context, purpose, and meaning. While AI can remix information at incredible speed, original ideas stem from human creativity. AI may simulate empathy, but it cannot truly feel. Humans understand nuance, culture, and social norms, which are essential in context.
This shift is crucial for success in a business landscape filled with new competition. We must question the mindless repetition of daily life, seeking the “why” behind behaviors, traditions, and business norms. Interrogate workflows. Start conversations with colleagues that begin with the question: Why do we do this?
3. From Fakery to Authenticity
In 2026, trust erodes. Fake is the new normal. Voices, faces, videos and audio can all be manipulated.
While scrolling through Facebook last September, I encountered a post shared by a friend that read, “Just so tragic”. The post was from Royal Magazine, featuring the grieving wife of Charlie Kirk: “Give me back my husband; he’s only 31.” Moments later, I saw another post from Film Explorer with Charlie Kirk’s father saying the same thing. Both posts were from the same location, outside Turning Point USA.
This illustrates the erosion of trust. Exploiting the pain of a grieving family, these posts spread rapidly, and because my close friend shared it, I initially trusted the content. The shock of seeing the same sentiment repeated was jarring.
Obvious questions arise: What can we trust? Who can we trust? How do we know? This is the environment in which we operate our businesses. If we’re questioning trust, our customers will be too. What does this mean for your industry? Opportunity lies in verification and designing new trust infrastructures. In my keynote, “The Human Edge – Unlock EI in the World of AI,” I explore the power of authenticity and what it will look like in 2026.
Conclusion: Embrace Change and Lead with Authenticity
As we navigate the complexities of 2026, embracing change and fostering authenticity will be our greatest assets. By transforming fear into action, shifting our focus from “what” to “why,” and building trust through transparency, we can not only survive, but thrive in this new era. Let’s embark on this journey together, equipped with the insights and courage to redefine our futures.
Bring insights to your business with the Keynote: The Human Edge – Unlock EI In The World of AI
