# Javits Center CEO: People Drive Business, Not AI Career advice emphasizing the human factor in leadership - **Source:** [Business Insider (YouTube)](https://brifing.si/source/811b96b0-a246-417e-a46d-205740b740cd) - **Published:** 2026-08-20 - **Topic:** [Leadership](https://brifing.si/c/leadership) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/7823dddf-86c2-44aa-a44e-d34036724396 ## Human factor despite technology The CEO of Javits Center emphasizes that despite AI's growing role in business, people remain the decisive factor. He states that leaders must first understand human relationships to manage technology effectively. He attributes the success of the New York convention center to employee creativity and teamwork. This approach demonstrates the importance of people-centric management even in the age of digital transformation. ## Balancing act in leadership The CEO explains that balancing technological and human elements is fundamental to modern leadership. While AI can provide data analysis and operational efficiency, strategic decisions should still be made by humans. At Javits Center, he focuses on developing employee skills while using technological tools as support. This approach aligns with the hybrid model many companies adopted post-pandemic. ## Investing in employee experience The convention center's executive shares how investments in employee satisfaction and development directly impact corporate success. Through annual training programs and mentorship systems, they ensure continuous learning. Special training helps young talents effectively use AI tools. These practices strengthen the company's industry leadership while increasing employee engagement. ## Human touch in customer relations The CEO highlights technology's limited role in customer experience. For events at Javits Center, human interaction remains essential to understand participant needs and offer personalized solutions. While AI-assisted systems streamline booking processes, human creativity leads in event design and guest experience. This combination explains the center's high customer satisfaction rates. ## Advice for future business leaders The experienced executive advises future leaders to develop emotional intelligence alongside technological literacy. He predicts human skills will grow more important, especially in complex problem-solving and team management. The 'technology+human' model at Javits Center has effectively managed industry transformation and could succeed in other sectors too. ## AI's place in leadership The CEO states AI should be viewed as a decision-support tool. While acknowledging data analysis' importance in decision-making, he argues final decisions should incorporate human experience and intuition. At Javits Center, AI analyzes participant behavior and improves operational efficiency, but human judgment leads in strategic partnerships and long-term planning. ## Post-pandemic leadership lessons The CEO shares pandemic experiences, noting people-focused leadership's increased value during crises. When Javits Center became a temporary hospital, employee flexibility and adaptability proved vital. This period demonstrated how team solidarity and decisive leadership matter alongside technological infrastructure. These experiences continue shaping the company's management philosophy. ## Formula for sustainable success The Javits Center CEO proposes that long-term success requires harmonious collaboration between technology and human elements. The convention center's growth over five years demonstrates this balanced approach's results. Compared to competitors, they boast higher employee engagement and customer loyalty, attributing this to their people-focused culture. This model serves as an example for today's rapidly digitizing business world. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.youtube.com/shorts/u8OVX5MpV6A — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._