The Leadership Test AI Can’t Pass
We’re living in a time where AI can write code, craft emails, and run meetings. In some cases, it can even pretend to care.
But leadership, the real kind? The kind that builds trust, inspires action, and helps people grow? That’s still something only humans can do.
And it’s never been more important than it is right now.
We Don’t Need Leaders Who Pretend to Be Machines
I’ve spent over two decades growing a business with human connection at its core. We’ve embraced tech along the way; of course, we have! It helps us scale, streamline, and serve our clients better.
But I’ve never once been inspired by a chatbot. I’ve never once felt cared about by an algorithm.
What moves people forward, what actually changes them , is leadership that sees them, cares about them, and empowers them. Leadership that asks better questions, makes room for growth, and isn’t always perfect but is always human.
AI can analyze. But leadership is about something deeper: judgment, empathy, courage, timing, and care. Great leadership is about having your team’s back, sticking around when things get hard, and showing up authentically when it matters.
Why “Soft Skills” Are the Hardest, and Most Valuable
Listening. Giving feedback. Navigating tension. Holding space. Making the call when there’s no perfect answer.
These are the muscles future-ready leaders need to build. Not in spite of AI, but because of it.
As more of our day-to-day work is automated, our value as leaders will hinge on how well we relate, rather than how quickly we respond. Let’s face it: We all respond REALLY fast as it is!
And while AI may outpace us in speed, it can’t compete with trust. People still crave that. Especially now.
When Tech Shifts, Values Steady the Ship
I don’t have all the answers, and I’m suspicious of anyone who claims to. But here’s what I know for sure: The companies that thrive in this next chapter won’t be the ones that replace humans. They’ll be the ones that elevate them.
That means using AI with intention and critical thinking and making space for real connection; in fact, prioritizing it , and checking in with your people more often than you check your metrics.
What I Want in the Room
When I think about the kind of leadership I want to follow and model , it isn’t flashy. It’s grounded. It’s real.
It’s the leader who pauses before responding. Who isn’t afraid to admit when they’ve changed their mind or made a mistake. Who knows policies are important, but people are the point.
It’s someone who doesn’t confuse volume with vision.
Future-ready leadership? It’s not about knowing every new tool. It’s about knowing yourself, and the impact you have on others.
Closing Thought
As tech continues to accelerate, let’s not lose what makes us irreplaceable.
Empathy. Integrity. Presence. Connection. These aren’t buzzwords, they’re the backbone of great leadership.
I still believe real human connection matters.
🌟 A little about me:
I’m Natalie Ruiz, CEO of AnswerConnect. My path to leadership wasn’t linear , and that’s shaped how I show up. I challenge traditional ideas about work, success, and balance, and I stay relentlessly curious about what’s next.
Over the years, I’ve been honored as Female Executive of the Year, a Woman of Influence (Portland Business Journal), and one of the 100 Women to Know in America. But what I’m most proud of is helping people grow — teams, clients, and communities.
Whether I’m mentoring emerging leaders, speaking on global stages, or rolling up my sleeves for a cause I believe in, my goal is always the same: leave things better than I found them.
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