Debbie Qaqish, Founder of The Growth Factor, argues that human performance is the next competitive advantage in the age of AI. As AI agents take over routine sales and marketing tasks, she says judgment, empathy, and authenticity decide who wins, and that leaders must build these human skills instead of adding more tools.
In this Expert Insight Interview, Qaqish and host John Golden unpack why constant, always-on work has become toxic, breaking the focus and judgment that sales and marketing teams rely on. Qaqish explains how AI absorbs the transactional layer of the job, which raises the value of the human element rather than lowering it. She draws on EQ, neuroscience, and positive psychology to show how leaders can create space to think, rebuild trust with informed buyers, and give teams the practical skills to navigate stress and thrive through nonstop change.
This episode answers:
- Why does AI make human skills more valuable, not less?
- Are sales teams really busier, or just more distracted?
- How can leaders help stressed sales and marketing teams?
- Why do buyers now demand proof and authenticity?
- What EQ and positive-psychology skills help teams thrive under pressure?
- Why is workplace mental health the most overlooked performance issue?
Ready to help your team thrive through constant change? Learn more about Debbie Qaqish’s work at www.growthfactor.us.
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