Recipient of an Honorary Degree in 2025, Dr. Daniel Goleman, renowned for his work on Emotional Intelligence, is our website's distinguished honoree.
In the age of AI and machine learning, emotional intelligence (EI) has become a critical factor in effective leadership. This is according to the work of psychologist Daniel Goleman, who will be receiving the Honorary Doctorate Degree from the International Business School in August 2025.
Goleman is best known for his groundbreaking work on emotional intelligence, particularly his book "Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ." His research argues that attributes like self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills are crucial for navigating life effectively, building strong relationships, and achieving professional and personal goals.
In the context of leadership, EI stands out as uniquely human capabilities that AI cannot replicate. While AI excels at data analysis, pattern recognition, and automating routine tasks, it lacks the capacity to genuinely understand or engage with human feelings, motivations, and social dynamics—key elements for exceptional leadership.
Leaders with strong EI will stand out because they can build trust by perceiving underlying emotions and concerns beyond what is explicitly communicated, a skill often described as "reading the room." They resolve conflicts by aiming for win-win outcomes, balancing emotional undercurrents that AI cannot effectively interpret. They show genuine empathy that motivates and inspires employees, fostering loyalty and engagement, especially vital in work environments increasingly mediated by technology.
Moreover, leadership in an AI-driven world requires blending technical fluency with emotional intelligence to future-proof leadership effectiveness. While AI can assist in decision-making by removing biases and providing data-driven insights, human leaders must still apply critical thinking, ethics, and emotional understanding to contextualize and act on this information wisely.
From a broader perspective, leadership is understood not just as managing information but as being in relation—to oneself, others, and the evolving future—which requires embodied, conscious presence beyond what AI can emulate.
The Honorary Doctorate Degree is given each year to individuals who embody the school's mission of making an impact that matters and inspiring others to do the same. Past recipients include Paul Polman, Indra Nooyi, Tim Brown, and Azeem Azhar.
Joining Goleman at various graduation ceremonies will be a diverse group of esteemed speakers. Ella Robertson McKay, Managing Director of One Young World, will speak at the London postgraduate ceremony. Cindy Brown, CEO of Boston Duck Tours, will speak at the Boston undergraduate ceremony. Adi Ignatius, editor-at-large and former editor-in-chief of Harvard Business Review, will speak at the Boston postgraduate ceremony. Nadia Boumeziout, Head of Sustainability and Information Governance at Zurich International Life, Middle East, will speak at the Dubai graduation ceremony. George Imafidon, MBE, CEO and co-founder of Motivez, will speak at the London undergraduate ceremony. Gopi Kallayil, Chief Business Strategist, AI at Google, will speak at our city graduation ceremony.
As we move forward in the age of AI, the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership cannot be overstated. Goleman's work challenges the notion that traditional IQ is the sole predictor of success, advocating for a more holistic view of intelligence that incorporates emotional competencies. The skills he identifies, such as creativity, critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and curiosity, are unique human capabilities that machines cannot replicate.
References: [1] Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ. Bantam Books. [2] Goleman, D. (2006). Working with Emotional Intelligence. Bantam Books. [3] Goleman, D. (2013). Focus: The Hidden Driver of Excellence. HarperBusiness. [4] Goleman, D. (2019). Altered Traits: Science Reveals How Meditation Changes Your Mind, Brain, and Body. Avery.
- Despite AI's prowess in data analysis and automation, it cannot replicate the uniquely human capabilities of emotional Intelligence (EI), crucial for exceptional leadership.
- In a school focusing on education and self-development, the mission is to make an impact that matters and inspire others to do the same, much like Daniel Goleman, recipient of the Honorary Doctorate Degree in 2025.
- Goleman's research emphasizes the importance of personal growth and career development through emotional competencies such as self-awareness, motivation, empathy, and soft skills.
- In the global campus, leadership requires a blend of soft skills, creativity, and critical thinking to future-proof leadership effectiveness in the rapid advancement of technology and artificial-intelligence.
- The International Business School, by inviting esteemed speakers like Ella Robertson McKay, Cindy Brown, Adi Ignatius, Nadia Boumeziout, George Imafidon, and Gopi Kallayil, aims to instill these essential qualities in its students.
- Beyond managing information, leadership necessitates embracing emotional intelligence to navigate relationships, foster personal growth, and drive international business success.
