In 2018, Elon Musk confessed he had relied too heavily on “excessive automation” in the Tesla factory and concluded, “Humans are underrated.”

I thought, “I couldn’t have said it better myself!” But wait – I did say it myself.

I wrote Humans Are Underrated: What High Achievers Know that Brilliant MachinesNever Will in 2015, addressing a growing concern: As A.I. and digital technology advance, will humans still matter in the workplace? The unease surrounding our place in this rapidly transforming world inspired much of my book’s content then, and it’s ever more relevant amid the A.I. revolution today. While many grapple for solutions, I firmly believe, based on evidence, that our answer isn’t to compete with machines, but to harness and celebrate the unique qualities that define our humanity.

The New Measure of Great Performers
I argued years ago that the source of great performance would soon pivot from “what you know” to “what you’re like”. This shift has accelerated. Today’s high- valued skills aren’t just technical expertise or experience, but increasingly our most innately human qualities. Empathy, collaboration, interpersonal dynamics – these “soft skills” are now gold. Every executive search firm I talk to echoes this sentiment when asked to describe the ideal CEO.

The Heart of Successful Teams
What really makes teams work? As corporations grapple with collaboration in the digital age, one truth has surfaced: The essence of effective teams is profoundly human. Trust, mutual respect, social sensitivity – organizations are finding that these deeply human processes are the true bedrock of the most productive, innovative teams.

The Power of Story
Amid today’s overwhelming influx of data, the art of storytelling stands taller than ever. It’s no coincidence that businesses are now hiring Chief Storytellers. While data informs, stories move, persuade, and inspire. Companies are recognizing the power of story, and its value grows with each passing day.

The Rise of Women in Leadership
Women’s innate strengths in today’s most valuable traits and skills give them a unique edge. I predicted female corporate leaders would increase in the future, and I’m happy to see the number of female CEOs in the Fortune 500 has more than doubled since my book was published. It’s not just a trend – it’s a transformation.

The Digital Double-Edged Sword
While technology has improved human well-being beyond imagination, it also threatens our humanity. Excessive exposure to digital tech, particularly among the young, is reshaping us, sometimes detrimentally. We need to confront the implications of our digital dependencies and respond wisely.

The Question of Technology Supremacy
Will technology reign supreme, sidelining humanity? I raised the eventual possibility but concluded it was highly unlikely in our lifetimes. I stand by that belief. No one can predict what technology may be able to do in some distant future, but humans are already well aware that we must start now to make sure we remain in charge. I’m confident we can do it.

Looking Ahead with Optimism
My view of the future remains optimistic. With technology growing ever more wondrous, staking our futures to our profoundest human traits might feel strange and risky. Fear not. When you change perspectives and look inward, not outward, you’ll find that everything you need next has been there all along. It has been there forever.

Our future will be extraordinarily bright. As the A.I. revolution hurtles ahead, the core message remains: Celebrate the advance of technology, manage it wisely – and don’t ever underrate humans.

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Geoff Colvin