As artificial intelligence, automation, and digital transformation reshape the workplace, project leaders are navigating a new reality: increasing complexity, faster decision cycles, evolving stakeholder expectations, and growing pressure to deliver results.
Yet amid rapid technological change, the most critical differentiator for project success remains deeply human.
This engaging and practical session explores the role of emotional intelligence, empathy, communication, adaptability, and human-centered leadership in modern project environments.
Participants will examine how emotional intelligence supports stronger stakeholder engagement, more effective communication, improved conflict navigation, resilient teams, and healthier leadership practices — particularly in environments influenced by AI, digital transformation, and continuous change.
Drawing from leadership experience, project realities, and practical examples, the session will explore:
- Why emotional intelligence is becoming increasingly valuable in AI-enabled workplaces
- Leading projects and teams through uncertainty, change, and complexity
- Navigating difficult stakeholders, competing priorities, and communication challenges
- Building trust, influence, and psychological safety within project teams
- Balancing technology adoption with human connection and ethical leadership
- Practical techniques leaders can apply immediately to strengthen leadership impact
Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to enhance their emotional intelligence, strengthen leadership effectiveness, and lead projects with greater confidence, influence, and human connection in an increasingly digital world.
Speaker
Karen Yeates is a leadership strategist, keynote speaker, certified coach, and business consultant with more than 15 years of experience spanning project leadership, digital transformation, talent strategy, and organizational development. She combines deep industry expertise with practical leadership insight to help leaders, teams, and organizations navigate complexity, strengthen communication, and lead with greater confidence and impact. Karen has worked with startups, growth organizations, enterprise teams, higher education, healthcare, and technology environments. Her work focuses on leadership, emotional intelligence, resilience, stakeholder engagement, and helping professionals thrive in changing workplaces. Known for her authentic, engaging, and relatable style, Karen blends professional experience with real-world leadership lessons that audiences can immediately apply.
