The Human OS: Emotional Intelligence, Perception, and Progress in the Age of AI

Wednesday, October 29, 2025 | 3:15PM–4:00PM CT | EDUCAUSE Commons, EDUCAUSE Central Poster Area
Session Type: Poster Session
Delivery Format: Poster
As AI and digital technologies rapidly reshape our world, leadership cannot afford to lag behind—not just in technical skills, but in emotional intelligence. In this session, we’ll explore the intersection of neuroscience, leadership, and transformation, revealing why emotional intelligence is not just a "nice-to-have," but a crucial element for thriving in the AI era. We’ll dive into how breakthroughs in business mirror neural connections in the brain—slow to form, but suddenly transformative—and why our emotional capacity must evolve alongside our technical acumen to lead effectively. Through compelling storytelling and real-world examples, we’ll reflect on how AI, AR, and digital perceptions are changing leadership, collaboration, and decision-making and why ethical leadership is essential to navigate this evolving terrain. But the question remains: are we emotionally ready for this acceleration? This session will challenge attendees to rethink how emotional preparedness impacts everything from AI adoption to leadership effectiveness and empower them to lead with greater clarity and emotional agility. In a world where change is constant and instantaneous, can our emotional intelligence keep pace with technology?

Presenters

  • Ashmeeta Maharaj-Bickham

    Digital Productivity Solutions Manager, California State University, Office of the Chancellor

  • Maryam Mirza

    Assistant Vice President, Enterprise Application & Integration, Stony Brook University