Andrew Marshall, Co-Founder, Co-Owner, Executive Coach, Model Leader, will be presenting “Leading in the Age of AI: How Artificial Intelligence Can Help or Hinder Your Emotional Intelligence” at SES 2025.
Marshall is a Harvard Business Review (HBR)-published, International Coaching Federation (ICF)-certified executive coach (PCC), and co-founder of Model Leader, a leadership development firm dedicated to developing leaders who lift society. He has worked with thousands of leaders across sectors, from aspiring supervisors to C-suite executives managing multi-billion dollar budgets. Previously, he founded and led the Public Service Leadership Institute at the Partnership for Public Service, which develops thousands of federal leaders annually to strengthen senior government leadership. In addition to his work with Model Leader, he serves on the faculty for the White House Leadership Development Program, the Partnership for Public Service’s AI Federal Leadership Program, and the LOFT Fellowship Program.
A thought leader in leadership development, Marshall has given keynotes, designed leadership models and 360 assessments, led executive retreats, and published with HBR and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) on the topic of leadership. His clients appreciate his optimism, action-oriented approach, and commitment to their success. He has coached and facilitated leaders across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, including senior leaders at federal agencies, Fortune 500 companies, and mission-driven organizations. Andrew holds a Certificate in Leadership Coaching from Georgetown University and is certified in multiple leadership assessment tools, including EQ-I 2.0/EQ360 and Strength Deployment Inventory.
Read on for our Q&A with Andrew.
What can SES 2025 attendees expect to learn at your session?
At our session, attendees will learn how to leverage AI as a powerful leadership tool while staying true to their human values. Specifically, they will:
- Discover practical ways to integrate AI for efficiency and creativity without losing the human touch.
- Explore the balance between Artificial Intelligence and Emotional Intelligence (AI + EI) to lead with both data-driven insight and empathy.
- Gain actionable strategies to use AI ethically and responsibly, ensuring technology supports human connection and decision-making.
By the end of the session, leaders will feel empowered and equipped to navigate the evolving landscape of AI with confidence and integrity.
Is it possible to teach machines ethics, empathy, or compassion?
Machines can be programmed to simulate ethical reasoning, empathy, or compassion, but they don’t truly experience these human qualities. Here’s why:
AI can be designed to follow ethical guidelines or make decisions based on pre-set moral frameworks. However, it lacks moral agency and can’t understand the nuance behind ethical dilemmas. AI can recognize and respond to human emotions using algorithms (like emotion AI), but it doesn’t feel empathy or compassion. It processes data patterns rather than experiencing emotional connections.
How vital do you think understanding and embracing AI will be for the future of venues and venue executives?
Understanding and embracing AI will be absolutely vital for the future of venues and venue executives. Here’s why:
- Enhanced Customer Experience: AI can personalize guest experiences, from tailored event recommendations to seamless ticketing and crowd management.
- Operational Efficiency: AI can streamline operations by optimizing staffing, automating routine tasks, and managing energy use—reducing costs and improving sustainability.
- Data-Driven Decisions: AI’s advanced analytics can provide deep insights into audience behavior, helping executives make informed strategic decisions that maximize revenue and engagement.
- Safety and Security: AI-powered surveillance and predictive analytics can enhance safety measures, ensuring a secure environment for all attendees.
- Competitive Advantage: Venues that effectively adopt AI will lead the industry, attracting top talent, partners, and events by demonstrating innovation and efficiency.
The Bottom Line: AI is not just a trend—it’s a transformational tool that will redefine the future of venues. Executives who understand and embrace AI will lead with insight, agility, and impact, setting the standard for the industry.
What is the best advice you’ve received?
Work should include a combination of adding meaning to the world, mastering new skills, and having fun.
What’s the last book you read?
“My Lucky Life” by Dick Van Dyke and “The Anxious Generation” by Jonathan Haidt
Please join us at SES 2025!
When: April 6-9, 2025
Where: Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.
“Leading in the Age of AI: How Artificial Intelligence Can Help or Hinder Your Emotional Intelligence”
Monday, April 7 | 9:15 AM – 10:45 AM
