Couverture de On the Brink with Andi Simon

On the Brink with Andi Simon

On the Brink with Andi Simon

De : Andi Simon
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 On The Brink is a podcast where the goal is to help you better "see, feel and think" about your business, your job, your personal life and your purpose. There will be great interviews and conversations with people who are deeply involved in change—consultants, change agents, managers transforming their teams, entrepreneurs just starting out and CEOs running well-established companies. Direction Economie Management Management et direction
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    • Building Emotional Intelligence in an Age of AI

      Building Emotional Intelligence in an Age of AI
      Jan 30 2026
      What Sets Humans Apart? Key lessons from my conversation with Dr. Robin Hills .As artificial intelligence accelerates and reshapes how we work, learn, and communicate, one question keeps resurfacing: What remains uniquely human? That was at the heart of my recent On the Brink conversation with Dr. Robin Hills, a business psychologist and one of the world's leading voices on emotional intelligence. Our discussion offered both reassurance and challenge—especially for leaders navigating rapid change, generational shifts, and technology-driven uncertainty. Here are the key lessons that stood out. 1. Emotional intelligence is not "soft"—it is foundational Emotional intelligence (EI) is often mislabeled as a soft skill. In reality, it is a core operating system for effective leadership, collaboration, and decision-making. As Robin explained, EI is about being smart with your feelings—integrating emotion and cognition to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively. This matters because emotions are not optional. They are physiological and psychological responses to our environment. The choice is not whether emotions will influence us, but whether we will learn to work with them skillfully. 2. Self-regulation is becoming a critical leadership skill One of the most striking themes was self-regulation—our ability to pause, choose, and respond intentionally. In a world of constant notifications, endless information, and emotional triggers, self-regulation is increasingly difficult and increasingly essential. Robin highlighted how our attachment to devices can undermine emotional awareness, presence, and learning. When leaders (and teams) cannot disengage long enough to listen, reflect, or engage meaningfully, they lose both insight and connection. Mastering technology rather than being mastered by it is now part of emotional intelligence. 3. Emotional intelligence must be learned—and relearned We often assume people "pick up" emotional skills naturally. Yet many do not. Education systems may introduce emotional awareness early, but rarely sustain it through adolescence, higher education, or professional life. The pandemic amplified this gap. Younger generations lost critical years of social learning, while adults themselves were stretched emotionally. Rather than blaming or labeling behaviors, the opportunity now is to rebuild emotional skills deliberately—in schools, workplaces, and leadership development programs. 4. AI will not replace what makes us human Despite growing fears about artificial intelligence, Robin was clear: AI does not have emotions, empathy, purpose, or meaning. It cannot truly collaborate, lead, or innovate in the human sense. What AI can do is free us from routine tasks—making our emotional and relational capabilities even more valuable. Creativity, empathy, ethical judgment, perspective-taking, and meaning-making are not threatened by AI; they are highlighted by it. The more technology advances, the more human skills matter. 5. Emotional intelligence gives us choice Perhaps the most powerful insight was this: emotional intelligence gives us choice. Choice in how we respond under pressure. Choice in how we communicate across differences. Choice in how we turn uncertainty into opportunity rather than fear. We will not get it right every time. As Robin noted, if you respond well eight times out of ten, you are doing well. The work is learning from the other two—without self-criticism, and with curiosity. A final reflection As an anthropologist, I see emotional intelligence as part of how humans adapt. Our brains may resist change, but our capacity to learn, empathize, and create meaning has allowed us to thrive across millennia. In a world reshaped by AI, emotional intelligence is not a "nice to have." It is how we remain human, relevant, and resilient—at work and in life. If this conversation sparked new ways of seeing, feeling, or thinking, that is exactly the point. Watch our podcast interview here. Reach out and contact us if you want to see how a little anthropology can help your business grow. Let's Talk! From Observation to Innovation, Andi SImon, PhD CEO | Corporate Anthropologist | Author Simonassociates.net Info@simonassociates.net @simonandi LinkedIn
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      44 min
    • Todd Nilson: Building Community That Actually Works (Online, Offline, and In Between)

      Todd Nilson: Building Community That Actually Works (Online, Offline, and In Between)
      Jan 17 2026
      Humans need connection—not as a luxury, but as a foundation for thriving. Yet, in our hyper-connected world, loneliness persists. On this episode of On the Brink, I sat down with Todd Nilson, a community strategist with 25 years of experience in digital transformation and marketing for brands like Activision, Facebook, and SAP, to unpack what real community means and how to build it with intention. Who is Todd Nilson? Todd's journey began in journalism, driven by an authentic curiosity about people and their stories. That passion evolved into a commitment to "building a bigger family"—creating spaces where trust and belonging are central. He's clear: community isn't a "soft" strategy; it's essential for individual and organizational wellbeing. We explored the difference between networks and communities. Social platforms may connect thousands, but true communities are intimate, purposeful, and safe. As Todd put it, a network is like a busy freeway—you can make friends, but it's not where you belong. Real communities are built in "cozy warrens": discussion forums, private groups, and member spaces that foster trust and meaningful exchange. The technology for online communities is abundant, but Todd warns: tools alone don't build belonging. Trust is foundational. He outlined three layers of safety—trustworthy platforms, credible conveners, and benevolent members—enabling honest sharing and engagement. He shared the example of Truth Initiative, whose online community helps people quit smoking and vaping. There, anonymity and trust turn participation into a true "return on life." Watch Todd Nilson on Youtube Understanding Community in a Time of AI Organizations and associations often struggle to sustain engagement beyond annual events. Todd believes communities should keep people connected to their mission year-round, deepen commitment, and serve as pipelines for volunteers or future staff. However, he cautions against focusing solely on technology while neglecting the ongoing stewardship that makes communities thrive. People—not platforms—build lasting connections. Community success is a program, not a project. You can't just launch a platform and expect results. Todd stresses the importance of having a dedicated human facilitator—more concierge than manager—who welcomes, connects, and guides members. While AI can help with moderation, it can't replace human warmth or judgment. We also discussed the importance of strategic clarity: before asking for proof of ROI, organizations must define their community's purpose. What are the desired outcomes—reduced costs, improved retention, innovation? Community design must align with both organizational goals and member needs, even when those priorities differ. Hybrid models work best. Online and offline communities reinforce each other, extending the sense of belonging and engagement. Tools like the Sense of Community Index 2 can help organizations measure how well their community fosters connection and contribution. Culturally, we're faced with an "always open buffet" of groups, but meaningful community requires intentional participation, not just passive consumption. We must choose where to invest our attention, seeking out spaces that truly feed us personally and professionally. Big Ideas for Fast-Changing Times Todd left us with two takeaways: First, plan for purpose—define who your community is for, why it exists, and the unique value it offers. Second, embrace emergent design—start small, let the community evolve, and focus on trust and gradual growth rather than a massive launch. Ultimately, community is a driver of wellbeing—crucial not only at work but also in life's transitions, such as retirement. Whether you're building community for your organization or your next chapter, remember: networks aren't belonging, and community doesn't happen by accident. Purpose, trust, and stewardship make it real. Thanks for tuning in, and thank you to Todd Nelson for sharing such valuable insights. Want to keep the conversation going? Learn more about Todd Nelson's work in community strategy, and let us know what community means to you. From Observation to Innovation, Andi Simon, PhD CEO | Corporate Anthropologist | Award-winning Author Simonassociates.net andisimon.com Info@simonassociates.net LinkedIn
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      45 min
    • In the Age of AI, Your Name Is Your Most Valuable Asset

      In the Age of AI, Your Name Is Your Most Valuable Asset
      Jan 15 2026
      As artificial intelligence accelerates, many leaders, founders, and professionals are quietly asking the same question: Where do I still matter? If machines can write, analyze, summarize, and even "sound" human, what is left that cannot be automated? In this episode of On the Brink, I sat down with branding strategist and neuroscientist-turned-entrepreneur Carey James, co-founder of Brand Alchemy, to explore why a personal brand—not technology—is becoming the defining asset of the future. What emerged was a powerful reframing of branding—not as self-promotion, but as survival. Branding Isn't About Visibility—It's About Trust Carey's journey began in neuroscience labs and academic research, where brilliant minds often remain invisible. In these labs, the work mattered deeply, yet few people beyond their field ever heard about it. That disconnect led him to a simple realization: impact doesn't scale unless people know who you are. Branding, in Carey's view, is not about being flashy or loud. It is about becoming trustable at scale. Human beings evolved to live in tribes. We trusted the hunter, the healer, the builder—not because of logos or résumés, but because we knew who they were. That same ancient wiring still governs modern decision-making. Whether we are choosing a consultant, an executive hire, a keynote speaker, or a company to invest in, the first question is rarely "Is this organization impressive?" It is almost always: Do I trust this person? Your Name Is the Asset—Not the Logo One of Carey's most important insights is deceptively simple: your personal name is likely the most valuable asset you will ever own. Companies come and go. Products evolve. Roles change. But trust attached to your name transfers from project to project. This is why serial entrepreneurs can fail, pivot, and succeed again—while others disappear after one setback. In the age of AI, this becomes even more critical. You will not always be the smartest voice in the room. Algorithms already out-compute us. What they cannot replicate, however, is your lived experience, judgment, pattern recognition, and imperfections. Those human elements—your way of thinking, questioning, connecting ideas—are what create differentiation. The "Label on the Bottle" Problem Most people struggle to articulate their own brand because they are trapped inside it. Carey calls this the label-on-the-bottle syndrome: when you are inside the bottle, you cannot see the label. The solution is not more introspection—it is perspective. Carey encourages leaders to do what great organizations already do through 360-degree reviews: ask others how they experience you. Patterns emerge quickly. Strengths, quirks, values, and stories surface that feel obvious to everyone else—but invisible to you. This external clarity becomes the foundation of an authentic brand, not a manufactured one. Watch our podcast with Carey James here. Connect with me: Website: www.simonassociates.netEmail: info@simonassociates.netLearn more about our books here: Rethink: Smashing the Myths of Women in Business Women Mean Business: Over 500 Insights from Extraordinary Leaders to Spark Your Success On the Brink: A Fresh Lens to Take Your Business to New Heights Watch for our new book, Rethink Retirement: It's Not The End--It's the Beginning of What's Next. Due out Spring 2026. Listen + Subscribe: Available wherever you get your podcasts—Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube, and more. If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share with someone navigating their own leadership journey. Reach out and contact us if you want to see how a little anthropology can help your business grow. Let's Talk!
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      43 min
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