By Mat Jacobson, Organizer of TEDxSanta Monica and Staff at Ducere Global Business School
Just this last month, on October 30th, the TEDxSanta Monica event, which I had the pleasure of organizing, took place in the Pacific Palisades in Los Angeles. Ducere and our partner, Kennedy University, were the proud key academic sponsors for the independently organized event. We were so happy to unite the community for this critical conversation. The room was filled to capacity, the energy was electric, and the theme—"Human Connectivity in the Age of AI"—couldn't be more relevant to the future we are collectively building.
Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept; it is actively rewriting the playbook for every industry, from generative models composing music to algorithms making complex business decisions. Amidst this acceleration, a critical question emerges for all of us: As technology becomes more sophisticated, how do we ensure we don't automate away the very essence of what makes us human?
The premise of the event was powerful: to explore AI not as a threat, but as a mirror. This mirror reflects both our technological brilliance and our deepest human vulnerabilities. The speakers at TEDxSanta Monica challenged attendees to look beyond the code and consider the profound societal shifts happening now. They emphasized that this era requires deep resilience and a commitment to rebuilding systems—whether technological or social—that enhance human dignity.
The diverse group of innovators and thought leaders spent the day dissecting the opportunities AI brings—unprecedented efficiency, personalized learning, and new creative frontiers—alongside the risks: the potential for mass disconnection, algorithmic bias, and the pervasive challenge of automation fatigue. It was a space dedicated to
discussing how we can design a future where technology amplifies our humanity, rather than diminishing it.
This impactful event was made possible through the support of our esteemed sponsors: Kennedy University of Leadership, Aesop, and Ducere.
We at Ducere are particularly proud to continue our relationship with Aesop. This partnership extends beyond academia; it is built on shared values that originated with the Ducere Foundation. Our work together in creating clean solutions and promoting ethical, impactful business practices demonstrates a commitment to using innovation not just for profit, but for profound global good. This collaboration exemplifies the very connectivity—the connection between commerce, education, and humanity—that the TEDx theme celebrated.
The success of the day rested entirely on the quality and diversity of the speakers. They didn't just discuss AI; they provided real-world insights from the frontlines of technology and leadership:
For Ducere and Kennedy University, this event was a perfect synergy with our core mission. We believe that in a world increasingly dominated by automation, "human skills" are the new power skills.
As staff dedicated to future-focused learning, we see firsthand that traditional education models simply aren't enough. Our students—the future leaders—need more than just technical knowledge. They need to master:
By supporting TEDxSanta Monica, we are investing in a future where our graduates don't just use technology, they lead it—with purpose and human wisdom.
The conversations throughout the day emphasized practical strategies for navigating this era. The insights from Dr. Miller on patient-centric design, Dan Priest on ethical integration, and Rakesh Bhatia on talent development all pointed to the same conclusion: successful leadership in the age of AI requires a fundamental shift in focus.
We must actively explore the vital importance of psychological safety in remote teams, the necessity of creating ethical guardrails in generative design, and the need to actively cultivate spaces for face-to-face connection in a digitally-saturated world.
The overarching takeaway is clear: We cannot outsource our humanity. The key to thriving alongside AI is to lean into the complex, creative, and compassionate qualities that are uniquely ours.
We encourage our entire Ducere community to keep an eye out for the official TEDx Talks from this event, which will be released soon. They provide invaluable insights into the
future of leadership, ethics, and connection—all subjects we are dedicated to exploring in our curriculum every single day.
Let's continue to champion human connection, not just in spite of AI, but as the essential ingredient for its success.
Inspired by the discussions at TEDxSanta Monica? Dive deeper into the mission, programs, and partnerships that are shaping the next generation of human-centric leaders:
Ready to unlock your potential through Project-Based Learning?
Schedule a consultation with a Ducere advisor today to explore how our innovative PBL programs can transform your MBA experience and propel your career forward.