Why what makes us human matters more than ever.
Artificial Intelligence is everywhere.
It writes, speaks, solves, sells, designs, even dreams.
And yet, in a world increasingly shaped by AI, there’s something even more vital we can’t afford to overlook:
RI: Real Intelligence.
Unfortunately, cybersecurity fatigue is real. Companies and users and tired of hearing about passwords, security awareness training, and breaches. Oh well, Uber was breached again. People don’t care until it finally hits them at home or at work.
What is Real Intelligence?
RI is the uniquely human blend of creativity, emotional depth, ethical judgment, adaptability, and imagination that no machine, however powerful, can replicate.
Where AI processes data, RI understands context.
Where AI predicts, RI perceives.
Where AI mimics, RI originates.
We’ve all seen it: AI can get you 90% of the way.
But that last 10% — the nuance, the empathy, the spark?
That’s RI. That’s you.
So Why Talk About RI Now?
Because AI is accelerating. Fast.
And in the noise, we risk forgetting what makes us irreplaceable.
Tech isn’t the threat. Disconnection is.
Disconnection from our values, from our sense of meaning, from our inner compass.
RI isn’t about resisting AI. It’s about guiding it.
About building a future with intention, not just automation.
A New Lens for the Future
Here’s how I think about it:
AI augments.
RI aligns.
AI can do the work.
But RI decides what’s worth doing.
Real Intelligence means:
- Knowing when to slow down
- Having difficult conversations
- Creating art that stirs emotion
- Leading with empathy and courage
- Making decisions with long-term consequences in mind
These are not “soft” skills.
They are foundational intelligence.
Why I’m Using RI™
I believe it’s time we start naming and celebrating these distinctly human capabilities.
So I’m planting my flag:
RI™ = Real Intelligence.
You’ll start seeing it in my writing, speaking, and thinking.
Because we need a reminder, now more than ever, that human intelligence still matters.
Arguably, more than ever.
RI as a Leadership Advantage
We’re optimizing for clicks, but what about connection?
The companies that lean into Real Intelligence — curiosity, courage, clarity — are the ones people trust.
Teams that value emotional depth and ethical thinking adapt faster because they’re anchored, not just reactive.
And the leaders who embody RI?
They navigate complexity with calm, hold space for hard truths, and make decisions that last longer than the next quarter.
Further Reading: Getting Started with AI
Exercises for Real Intelligence
RI isn’t just something you have. It’s something you can grow.
Like any kind of intelligence, it strengthens with practice.
So before reaching for a prompt or automating the answer, pause and ask: What do I think?
That quiet moment of reflection is where RI begins.
Give This a Try
Try sitting in silence for ten minutes, just observing.
- What emotions surface? What signals have you been missing?
Or reflect on a time you didn’t have a clear answer, when you had to sit with uncertainty.
- What did you learn from the waiting?
These aren’t hacks. They’re habits.
- Little ways to stay connected to the parts of us that no system can replicate.
Want to Join Me?
I’m not building a movement (yet). But I’m inviting a conversation.
- What does Real Intelligence mean to you
- Where have you seen it shine?
- How can we design a future where RI and AI co-create, not compete.
Drop me a note, a story, or a perspective. Let’s make this real.
About the Author
As the Vice President, David Wolf is a technology visionary and serial entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in the IT industry. David has achieved the highest industry security certifications of CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional), CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker), and CCISO (Certified Chief Information Security Officer). He enjoys using his technical expertise to help fellow business owners get the most out of their IT.