In the latest episode of NEDAS Live!, host, and founder and CEO of iMiller Public Relations, Ilissa Miller sits down with Marci Nigro, Founder and CEO of Purpose Consulting Services. With nearly three decades of experience behind her, Nigro offers a candid, industry-grounded perspective on how artificial intelligence is redefining leadership and talent priorities within digital infrastructure.​

Beginning the conversation in Episode 61, Nigro highlights a dramatic shift: organizations and investors are now evaluating executives through a much broader operational and environmental lens. The new era of leadership demands not only technical expertise, but also a capacity to navigate hypergrowth, manage complex environments, and cultivate innovation. On top of this, leaders are expected to also navigate capital markets and investors.​

She notes a rising need for cross-sector skills, especially in convergence areas like energy and utilities, which were seldom client requirements even a few years ago. Hybrid leadership roles are increasingly sought, ones that combine a myriad of mindsets including, strategist, technologist, and philosopher. Emotional intelligence (EQ) and relational skills have become as vital as industry knowledge, particularly as leaders must excel in high-stakes, fast-paced environments.​

Despite automation’s growing reach, Nigro insists that true success hinges on human-centered leadership. Empathy, vulnerability, and a purposeful approach to relationships matter more than ever, especially at the executive level. Successful leaders align talent to company culture and strategy, refusing to rely on personal connections alone, which is a major change from past hiring habits.​

Culture fit, Nigro stresses, is paramount. “If the culture piece isn’t aligned, it will damage success for both the company and individual,” she observes. Her advice for next-generation executives: invest in self-education, leverage peer knowledge, and remain adaptable as AI reshapes expectations.​

To continue the conversation, listen to the full podcast episode here.