Can leadership keep up with emerging tech’s rapid evolution?

On 10th February at AIBC Eurasia 2026, the AIBC Stage hosted an inspiring panel titled Leading with Vision: Female Leaders in Emerging Tech and Business, exploring what it truly takes to lead in fast-moving sectors like AI, blockchain and digital innovation. The session was moderated by AMB. Laila Rahhal El Atfani, Founder & CEO of Woman Business Circle and featured a powerful lineup of speakers, Dr Maya Alhawary, Chairwoman of Board of Governors & Director of Planning at Dubai Carmel School, Vidhi Chugh, Chief AI Officer at Deep Transform Labs and Daniela Baumann, TEDx Speaker, Entrepreneur, Author and Founder of Women Leaders Events.

Together, the panel uncovered the real future of leadership, one that is not about control, but about adaptability, trust and values.

Vision as a mindset

The conversation opened with a strong reflection from Vidhi Chugh, who challenged traditional definitions of leadership. Rather than viewing leadership as a position to achieve, she framed it as a constant evolution. “We used to see leadership as a fixed place to get to, but it’s a change of mindset and we need to see how to actually make this vision a reality,” she explained.

That idea resonated throughout the discussion, as panelists repeatedly returned to the importance of flexibility in a world shaped by emerging technologies. They argued how leadership is no longer about having every answer, but about being willing to evolve alongside your team.

Vidhi reinforced this with one of the panel’s standout takeaways, “What brought us here won’t get us there.” She emphasised that leaders must accept uncertainty, especially in industries being transformed daily by AI. “We don’t have answers to all the questions,” she said, adding that leaders must be “the orchestra of the change.”

Values-driven growth

While innovation and technology were key themes, Daniela Baumann grounded the discussion in human connection, stressing that vision is meaningless without trust. “You need to have a vision, but also the people around you need to trust you,” she said. For Baumann, leadership is inherently long-term and she argued that trust is built through consistency and education. “To become successful you have to look long-term and educate your people.”

That long-term thinking was echoed by Dr Maya Alhawary, who focused on emotional intelligence as a leadership requirement, particularly in education systems now being reshaped by AI. “I’m focused on emotional intelligence and leadership,” she said, explaining that agility is essential for guiding teams through change. She described how education in the UAE is moving toward more progressive, high-tech learning environments, but warned that innovation must be paired with responsibility. Learners must be taught to use AI ethically, not just effectively.

“The fear of change is our worst enemy,” Dr Maya stated, highlighting how mindset and values will define future leaders more than technical skill. As the panel looked toward the next decade, the speakers agreed that the most important leadership milestone will be the ability to filter information and stay grounded in purpose. Vidhi captured this by highlighting “Information is abundant. How do we make sense of it?” She pointed to critical thinking as the defining leadership skill of the future.

Daniela added that the world needs leaders who are “trusted first and education second,” while Dr Maya emphasised that values and intuition will be essential as AI accelerates beyond what most people can predict. Closing the discussion with advice, the panel returned to purpose. “What we forget is purpose and passion,” Daniela said. “It’s the most important thing to start.”

Vidhi offered one final line that summarised the entire session, “Learning to learn is the utmost skill, because what is in today might be out tomorrow.”

A new model of leadership

The panel highlighted a leadership shift already taking place across emerging tech that is away from ego and certainty and toward humility, emotional intelligence and vision rooted in values. In a world where innovation moves faster than strategy, these leaders made it clear that sustainable growth begins with people.

With more panels and key discussions still ahead, stay tuned as we continue bringing you Day 2 coverage from AIBC Eurasia 2026, including networking highlights and standout moments from across the expo.