Are we still proud to be human?

By Marina Fernandez Julian.

In a world of endless upgrades, smarter phones, faster systems, AI that writes, codes, diagnoses, and predicts, have we forgotten to upgrade ourselves?

We change our devices, our homes, our cars.

But what about our mindset? Our leadership? Our consciousness?

This is the question at the heart of Leading with Soul. In an age of machines, what does it mean to lead and live as a fully present human being?

Let me share a moment that made this more than just a concept.

I was in a hospital waiting room, supporting a friend through surgery. A nurse came out and said, without eye contact or warmth: “Go inside.” No name. No explanation. Just a task completed, void of connection.

The woman she addressed was in her seventies, sitting beside her daughter. The daughter looked up, surprised, and calmly asked: “Who are you here for? What’s her name? What’s the operation?”

She wasn’t being difficult. She was asking for dignity. For clarity. For care.

That small moment revealed a larger truth: when we stop leading with our soul, disconnection becomes the norm. And when we disconnect, we lose what makes us human.

We complete the task.

But we miss the person.

Now AI is here. It will do the task faster, cheaper and more precisely than we ever could.

So what’s left for us?

Being the person.

Being the one who looks someone in the eye and says: “I see you.”

Just days after that moment, I returned to a hospital for a routine scan. I felt vulnerable. Human. A nurse came in twice, adjusted the machine, and left, no greeting, no eye contact, no comfort. Just quiet efficiency.

And I thought, this is what disconnection feels like.

This is what happens when systems reward speed over connection.

This is what happens when we forget to lead with humanity

Let me be clear.

Leading with soul is not soft.

It is strong.

It is a radical act of resistance in a numb world.

It is the daily choice to be present in a culture that prizes performance.

It is the decision to upgrade who we are, not just what we use.

And this matters now more than ever. Because the next generation is watching. And they are growing up numb, overwhelmed and afraid.

They deserve to see what real leadership looks like. Not robotic perfection, but genuine human connection. Leadership that reflects care. Sovereignty. Integrity.

While writing Leading with Soul, I interviewed people who were already leading differently. Quietly. Powerfully. With presence. CEOs, teachers, entrepreneurs, team leaders. Not flawless, but deeply present. Not just performative, but sincere. And they made people feel seen.

Across these diverse paths, a pattern began to emerge.

They lead with care.

They stay curious.

They serve with integrity.

They view leadership as a shared act, not a solo performance.

They offer something essential: a model of leadership in tune with who we are. A model that values people as much as progress. That aligns presence with purpose.

We’ve been told a lie. That care slows us down. That presence is unproductive. That detachment is the price of success.

But the truth is the opposite.

Presence drives performance.

Care creates culture.

Soul sustains success.

Unity creates progress.

When we lead with soul, we elevate more than results. We elevate people. And in doing so, we elevate communities and shape society.

It is like stepping into a penthouse suite and opening the curtains. Suddenly, the city stretches before you, and the ocean lies beyond. From up there, you see what was hidden from view on the ground floor. You are no longer stuck in the noise. You see the whole. And you want to share the view.

That is what awareness gives you. That is what soul-led leadership offers.

We are not here to compete with machines by becoming machines.

We are here to become more human and to lead from the one place AI cannot: the heart.

This is not a gentle suggestion.

It is a call to action.

To care. To connect. To take pride in the most sophisticated soft technology ever created: ourselves.

It is a call to leaders, teachers, parents, creators, and anyone with influence to stop normalizing numbness. To stop hiding behind busy schedules and emotionless systems. To take radical responsibility for the cultures we shape and the people we impact.

We cannot afford to keep acting like robots. That position is no longer sustainable.

We must model what is possible now, so we can fall in love again with our work, our roles and who we are becoming.

I am no longer willing to compromise. I am no longer willing to entertain behaviors that do not reflect what I know we deserve.

If you cannot show up with care, presence and heart, step aside.

The world is asking for more.

And some of us are ready to answer that call.

Are you?

Let us begin to upgrade ourselves the way we upgrade our tools.

Let us lead with soul.

Because after AI does everything else, being human will be the greatest leadership skill of all.

Want to go deeper?

Read the Books:

• Leading with Soul

https://marinazestforlife.com/leading-with-soul/

• Balance: Living a Life True to Yourself

https://marinazestforlife.com/balance-living-a-life-true-to-yourself/

Explore My Work:

https://marinazestforlife.com

Connect on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/marina-zest-for-life-coaching-and-nlp-training-

Marina Fernandez Julian

NLP Trainer and Coach

Releasing Growth. Inspiring Greatness.

Your Help Towards Self-Leadership, Professional Growth & Richer Life Experiences.