The most important soft skill in the age of AI

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Every few years, a new buzzword emerges as the essential skill for the future: resilience, adaptability, emotional intelligence, or growth mindset.

While all are valuable, I believe one soft skill will distinguish those who succeed with AI from those who struggle.

Curiosity.

This was reinforced for me by Mark Schaefer, a leading authority in modern marketing. Mark has advised top clients and corporate accounts across the United States as a speaker, consultant, and trainer. We are privileged to welcome him as our featured speaker at SpeakersCon 2026, happening February 11, 2026, at SPACE, One Ayala, Makati.

So, when Mark talks about the human side of AI, I listen.

Mark holds a master’s degree in psychology and notes that the more he learns about AI, the more concerned he becomes – not due to “Terminator-style robots,” but because of AI’s impact on our habits, choices, and cognitive abilities.

His research reveals several concerning trends:

People are increasingly delegating important – even moral – decisions to algorithms.

Many are losing skills by relying on machines to perform tasks for them.

Some now prefer interacting with bots rather than real people.

Instead of learning, many seek only quick answers.

One expert describes this as a form of “self-imposed dementia.”

This phrase is striking – not because AI is inherently harmful, but because it tempts us to stop thinking deeply and to avoid the effort required for meaningful learning.

Mark looks at his baby grandson and wonders: “What kind of inner life will this child develop in a world where AI provides instant answers? Will it expand his potential – or limit it?”

This is not only his question – it is ours, too.

What will determine whether someone becomes more capable with AI or is diminished by it?

Mark’s answer is simple but profound: Curiosity.

For the curious, AI becomes an intellectual playground. It accelerates learning, prompting more questions, deeper insights, and greater connections.

Mark often spends time outdoors, using AI to inquire about the natural world: Why does a plant grow a certain way? Which birds are migrating? What kind of animal left tracks in the snow?

In this way, AI enhances rather than replaces his curiosity.

However, without curiosity, AI serves a different purpose:

A shortcut.

A cheat sheet.

A way to avoid effort.

You seek quick answers, accept them without reflection, and move on. There is no engagement, no growth, and the information fails to become meaningful.

Mark highlights a term for the opposite effect: phoresis. This is the process by which knowledge endures because it is earned through effort.

AI can either support phoresis or eliminate the need for it. The difference lies not in the technology, but in the user.

Mark shares a telling example from his own work.

He could have used AI to write his latest book, ‘How AI Changes Your Customers,’ as many others have. (Amazon even had to limit self-published books to three per person per day due to the surge in AI-generated content.)

However, he chose not to. Why? “If AI had written the book, it would not truly reflect his work. More importantly, he would not have gained any new knowledge.”

By doing the research, analysis, and writing himself, he not only produced a book but also developed new skills, deeper insights, and a richer understanding to share with his clients.

That’s phoresis in action. This is curiosity, combined with effort, resulting in lasting wisdom.

You do not need to be a marketer, psychologist, or AI expert to be impacted.

Whether you lead a business, team, classroom, or family, AI is already reshaping the world for those you influence.

We may not know exactly how AI will change every industry, but we do know this:

People who ask better questions will get better, richer answers from AI.

Those who use AI to deepen their understanding, rather than simply seeking shortcuts, will become more valuable.

People who stay curious will use AI as an amplifier of their humanity, not a replacement for it.

The essential soft skill for the AI era may not be new or complex.
It may be as fundamental as this: Remain curious. Ask better questions. Explore further.

Use AI as a tool, but never as a substitute for your own thinking.

If you care about the future of your business and your people, this conversation is one you will not want to miss.

AI will keep getting smarter. The real question is:

Will we?

Join Francis Kong and Mark Schaefer together with other prominent speakers at SpeakersCon 2026, a one-day experience designed for leaders, educators, executives, and professionals who want to communicate with clarity, credibility, and purpose. Happening on Feb. 11, 2026, at SPACE, One Ayala Makati. Gain practical insights on leadership, influence, and authentic communication in today’s evolving landscape. For inquiries, email us at [email protected] or send us a direct message at facebook.com/SpeakersCon. Visit www.speakerscon.ph for details.