0
0
In episode 894 of the HRchat Podcast, I had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Mary Collins, Chartered Psychologist, author, speaker, and senior leadership coach with more than two decades of experience helping leaders navigate complexity, uncertainty, and change.
Mary is Programme Director of the Professional Diploma in Leadership & Workplace Wellbeing at RCSI Centre for Positive Health Sciences and works with C-suite leaders globally through her business psychology practice. A former Head of Talent and Leadership at Deloitte, she is widely recognised for her work on emotional intelligence, resilience, intergenerational leadership, and the human skills leaders need most in the age of AI.
Our conversation explored a question many HR and business leaders are wrestling with right now: as AI takes on more technical and operational tasks, what becomes even more valuable for humans?
According to Mary, the answer is clear.
Social intelligence, emotional intelligence, empathy, adaptability, and relationship-building are no longer “soft skills” sitting at the edge of leadership development strategies. They are becoming core business capabilities.
As AI continues to reshape workflows and automate tasks, organisations still rely on people to build trust, navigate ambiguity, communicate with empathy, and create psychologically healthy workplaces. Technology may improve efficiency, but human connection remains central to engagement, collaboration, and culture.
During the episode, Mary shared a candid perspective on what AI can — and cannot — replace. One particularly interesting discussion centred on the rise of AI-powered therapy and coaching tools. While these technologies may provide accessibility and convenience, Mary argued that deep trust, empathy, and emotional safety still depend heavily on genuine human-to-human interaction.
That theme carried into a broader discussion around distraction and disconnection in modern workplaces.
As digital overload intensifies, many employees are finding it harder to stay present, listen actively, and maintain meaningful workplace relationships. Mary explained how declining attention and weaker interpersonal connection can quietly erode team culture, empathy, wellbeing, and ultimately performance.
Importantly, the conversation stayed practical.
We discussed how leaders can rebuild stronger communication habits through everyday behaviours — from being fully present during one-to-ones to creating space for more thoughtful conversations during periods of uncertainty and change.
A major focus of the episode was also the experience of Gen Z in today’s workplace.
Mary highlighted both the strengths and challenges younger workers bring into organisations. While Gen Z employees often demonstrate strong values, digital fluency, and openness around mental health conversations, many are also entering workplaces during periods of heightened uncertainty, economic pressure, and social disconnection.
We explored emerging data around stress tolerance, resilience, and wellbeing, alongside the growing challenge leaders face when managing increasingly multigenerational teams.
One of the most valuable takeaways from the conversation was Mary’s breakdown of three emotional intelligence competencies she consistently sees in leaders who thrive during uncertainty:
- Self-awareness
Cognitive empathy
Adaptability
These capabilities, she explained, help leaders remain grounded, responsive, and effective even as the external environment changes rapidly.
For HR leaders, learning professionals, and business executives, the conversation serves as an important reminder: while AI may continue transforming how work gets done, human skills will increasingly determine how organisations feel, connect, and perform.
The future of work may be powered by technology — but it will still depend on people.
