Entering the Era of Co-Thinking
“We are entering an era of co-thinking,” says Dr. Ulrik S. Brix, CEO of the Danish HR association NOCA (Network of Corporate Academies) and board member of the European Association for People Management (EAPM). “This means using artificial intelligence not just as a tool, but as a partner in problem-solving. It helps us generate ideas and challenge our assumptions. When we combine its analysis with human intuition, we can achieve true innovation.”
The Importance of Relationships in Leadership
With over 15 years of experience advising Danish and international organizations, Dr. Brix emphasizes the significance of relationships in leadership. “If I’ve learned anything over the years, it’s that relationships are the glue in any organization. Whether between leaders and employees, teams, or external partners, the ability to recognize, nurture, and sometimes let go of relationships is the secret to the entire value chain. I always say it’s the meta-competency for today’s leaders.”
He also advocates for organizations to establish proper KPIs for learning, not just results. “Learning is the best insurance for the future. And finally, if you can’t explain your purpose in a single sentence, you’ll never create true alignment. Most people are naturally ambitious. If they know where we’re going, they’ll move in that direction.”
Experimenting with AI in Leadership
Recently, Dr. Brix visited Slovenia and presented an intriguing case study where employees evaluated their leaders—some led by artificial intelligence, others by humans. The results were telling: “People genuinely appreciate quick and accurate answers to everyday questions, even if they come from AI. However, once employees know it’s AI, they feel a distance. When it comes to managing emotions, conflicts, or motivation, human leaders always prevail. The lesson is that using AI frees up time for leaders to focus on what’s most important: building trust, guiding careers, and being present in critical moments.”
The Future of HR and AI Integration
Dr. Brix foresees a clear shift where leaders will increasingly use AI assistants for routine HR tasks like scheduling, document verification, and policy explanations. “In practice, this means more time for the truly human aspects of leadership—mentorship, ethical decision-making, and culture. The real skill for leaders is knowing when to rely on AI and when to intervene as a human.”
Evolving Skill Sets
He highlights that 40% of the skills needed in the future will be developed within the next five years. Skills that are purely routine or repetitive, such as manual data entry and basic reporting, are fading. In contrast, skills based on analytical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence are thriving. “The future belongs to those who can combine technology with the human ability to connect, adapt, and make sound decisions.”
An interview by Tonja Blatnik for Dnevnik