Digital Humanism: Two Forces That Don’t Oppose Each Other

By Susana von der Heide Founder & Thinking Partner at VON DER HEIDE

Looking ahead, one thing is clear: the most profound transformation shaping our world will come from a form of humanism empowered by breakthroughs in technology and neuroscience.

Even today, we ask ourselves:

What kind of world do we want to build? What kind of organizations do we want to shape? What cultural values will matter most as technology redefines how companies operate?

Our answer: Humanism enhanced by technology.

We are living in the era of digital humanism—a time when we care deeply about people as individuals, while embracing the power of technological advancement.

Let’s be clear:

Humanism is not about altruism or charity.
It is not the absence of strategy or business focus.

Instead, humanism is about:

• Recognizing the full human experience and valuing people as whole individuals
  
• Enabling both individual and collective growth
  
• Promoting self-actualization as a right, not a luxury
  
• Inspiring confidence and embracing mistakes as part of learning
  

To be a humanist means adopting a collaborative, idea-driven mindset—not one anchored in rigid hierarchy or individualism.
It means talking about generating accessible wealth, not just redistributing resources without regard for merit or effort.

Let’s be honest: businesses aren’t created “for people,” and people are not their sole “reason for being.” But without a strong people-centered strategy, no business can be truly sustainable.

In cultures that foster personal growth, talent surfaces organically. And when people feel seen, valued, and supported, they’re more likely to contribute meaningfully, go the extra mile, and find purpose in their work.

It’s time to build companies that combine a humanist mindset with digital tools, both aimed at continuous evolution for individuals and teams alike.

While human beings are inherently empathetic and cooperative, humanism isn’t about handouts.
It’s about creating the conditions for people to grow, and enabling that growth with the best technology available.

When people and technology work in harmony, new paradigms emerge. This is digital humanism: a framework where human potential is amplified by digital tools that accelerate progress, innovation, and change.

The pace of transformation today is unprecedented, and it’s no surprise that companies are struggling to retain talent. Professionals now choose where they work based on values, fulfillment, and the opportunity to evolve.

Digitalization alone is not a goal.
It’s a tool—a powerful one—that helps people realize their purpose and drive business success.

Customer-centricity cannot exist without employee-centricity. And both require a data-informed, human-focused approach—one that appreciates both the individual and the collective.

To be a digital humanist is to embrace lifelong learning as the engine of evolution.
To be a humanist is, above all, to inspire others to grow.