How to Thrive in the Age of AI – Be Human

What makes us human? It’s not what we do for a living or our social status, and it’s certainly not our possessions. Strip that away and what’s left? A quality deep within us all that makes us care about one another and everything around us. And we really do care. We see it during disasters, when people reach out to help a neighbor when they have nothing left themselves. It flares up in our frustration and anger when a loved one exhibits worrisome behaviors, and in our fear of what those choices might bring. Underneath it all, we care. Caring is what propels mission-driven leaders to create solutions to problems that leave others struggling. We are human because we care.

With this premise in mind, Natalie Byrne, founder of blank space – an impact and communications strategy firm – recognized that this is an essential moment for humanity and launched a new nonprofit platform to recenter us around what makes us uniquely human.

Pulling from over two decades of advising mission-driven brands, top CEO’s, celebrities, and philanthropists to activate their platforms, scale their impact, and create a meaningful legacy; the nonprofit platform blank space collaborative was born for leaders who believe shaping the future requires both strategy and soul. Through convenings, partnerships, and a growing community, the bsc curates insights, connects leaders across sectors, and develops impact initiatives to address some of humanity’s biggest questions, starting with how we thrive in the age of AI.

The first initiative, BE Human is a multiplatform initiative that explores what it means to stay deeply human as technology accelerates and reshapes our world. It reminds us that technology can be a tool to re-center us and inspire us around what is uniquely human. Launched at the 2025 Clinton Global Initiative, a gathering of world leaders and impact experts, during the United Nations General Assembly and Climate Week, BE Human ‘s first action is developing the BE Human Index. Designed to capture and celebrate what it means to lead with humanity, the initial questionnaire will become the basis of a collective benchmark to demonstrate that the future of leadership will depend on being more human — leading with presence, creativity, connection, and care.

“blank space collaborative is built on a foundational belief: the future belongs to those who lead with heart and humanness,” Byrne said. “The BE Human Index is our first invitation to the world; to pause, to reflect, and to name the qualities and practices that will carry us forward.”

This is where you can help. We are asking everyone to share their thoughts, ideas, and perspective. At this inflection point, your voice and story matter more than ever. Share your story at www.BEHuman.space

While developing the Index, blank space is convening BE Human Circles — intimate gatherings for cross-sector reflection and action at conferences, events, and bespoke retreats. As AI reshapes how we live, work, and connect, we need to create and acknowledge the spaces that create community, connection and help us stay deeply human.

In addition, the blank space collaborative is launching BE Human impact programs in partnership with members to design human-centered solutions for the future that drive innovation, optimism, and new ways of being.

To learn more about our work at blank space to support founders, philanthropists, and leaders, please reach out to us on www.blankspaceworks.com

Join the 2026 cohort of the Legacy Council, a mastermind for women leaders that supports thought leaders ready to lead with the heart, purpose, and legacy that build their success.

The time to work together is now!

Together, let’s recalibrate how technology is woven into our shared humanity.

Be human.