Bridging the Emotional Skills Gap in AI Workplaces: A Virtual Summit

Navigating the Emotional Skills Gap in AI-Era Workplaces

We're in a world where AI is transforming the workplace by taking over routine and analytical tasks. This shift underscores the need for human-centric skills such as emotional intelligence, cross-communication, and trust-building. Recognizing this, FeelWise, Minds of Light, and Strike Marketing Institute are co-hosting the Emotional Skill Gap Summit—a four-day virtual event from September 29 to October 2, 2026, aimed at learning and development, HR, and team leaders. Sessions will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Central Time each day.

The summit addresses a critical issue highlighted by the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025: employers expect 39% of core skills to evolve by 2030. Leadership and social influence skills are projected to rise by 22 percentage points since 2023, yet most organizations lack structured ways to cultivate these skills. As Tina Schweiger, founder of FeelWise, aptly notes, 'Companies have a plan for AI adoption. Few have a plan for the skills AI doesn't replace.'

Insights and Tools for Emotional Skill Development

The summit promises a robust lineup of over 25 speakers who bring diverse expertise to the table. Participants can look forward to insights from Russell Scherwin, leadership professor and former CMO of IBM Watson Commerce, and Dr. Justin James Kennedy, a behavioral neuroscience professor and TEDx speaker. The event aims to equip attendees with research-based frameworks and practical tools for team application.

Two of the four days will focus on emotional regulation, resilience, human-centered leadership, and fostering a positive workplace culture. Notably, Minds of Light Day, led by Executive Director Alison Jones, will delve into neurodivergent perspectives. This session is particularly significant as it emphasizes the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals, who often expend energy decoding workplace communication norms not designed for their styles. Jones highlights the importance of inclusive emotional skills training that accommodates all types of minds.

Exploring the Intersection of Emotional Intelligence and AI

The summit concludes with Emotionally Intelligent AI Day on October 2, sponsored by Grand Strategy Consulting. This day is dedicated to exploring how to maintain emotional grounding while working alongside AI tools. Zena Collins, a consultant at Grand Strategy Consulting, will be speaking on this topic, bringing her expertise as an emotional intelligence practitioner and author.

Registration for the summit is set at an accessible $29, allowing individuals to attend without needing budget approval. Interested participants can register at the-emotional-skill-gap-summit.heysummit.com by September 29. Attendees will also have the option to support Minds of Light through donations or bundle their registration with the FeelWise emotional intelligence card deck. Plus, all registered attendees will receive session recordings, ensuring the insights shared can be revisited.

As we continue to navigate the AI-driven transformation of workplaces, events like the Emotional Skill Gap Summit play a crucial role in preparing teams to thrive. By focusing on emotional intelligence and inclusive communication, this summit offers a blueprint for developing skills that machines can't replicate.