In a time dominated by AI, the ability to connect to human intuition will be the defining feature in our work lives. The message is delivered by Icelandic author and serial entrepreneur Hrund Gunnsteinsdóttir.
An overlooked AI side-effect is the influence on the way we perceive human mental capacity.
“AI seems so powerful that we are gradually becoming biased against our own intelligence! We need to reclaim trust in what we intuitively feel is right or wrong, and in our capacities and fundamental need to create and engage,” says Hrund Gunnsteinsdóttir.
She coaches and advises leaders, businesses, universities, and organizations around the world on how to lead, live, innovate and make better choices in times of uncertainty, transition and noise. Her message should not be seen as a campaign against use of AI, she emphasizes:
“AI has many benefits. For instance, offloading cognitive burdens by helping with repetitive tasks. This is healthy. But when we try to outsource our analytical, critical and creative thinking to AI, that comes with certain risks. The brain is lazy in the sense that it likes others to do some of its tasks, so it can focus on its main biological purpose which is to keep the body going. However, if the brain is not challenged enough, we start losing neural plasticity.”
The need to reconnect
Among Hrund Gunnsteinsdóttir’s merits are chairing Iceland’s largest public innovation fund (as the first woman), and leading roles in development and post-conflict reconstruction projects with the UN in Europe and Asia. More than two decades ago, her life and career took a turn.
“I hit a wall, was burnt out, and needed to reconnect with myself.”
Like many others have had to or chosen to, she paused her busy work life and turned to healing through physical therapy, meditation, yoga, and hiking. But unlike most others, she added a more analytical dimension, engaging with experts on brain functionality, spiritual growth, elite athletic performance and other relevant topics.
“I found that all these people – be it a Harvard Professor in cognitive science or a shaman in Burkina Faso – had one feature in common. Their specific angles would be very different, of course, but at the core of what they were saying you would always find an emphasis on intuition.”
Paying attention to inner signals
Resulting from her personal and professional journey, Hrund Gunnsteinsdóttir authored a book, wrote the script for and co-directed a documentary on intuition. Further, she developed an Icelandic framework of intuitive intelligence. Book, documentary, and framework are all called InnSæi (a reference to intuition in Icelandic).
“I strongly believe we must get better at connecting to our intuitive powers. A key point is learning to notice responses from the body. Often the body knows whether something is right or wrong before the cognitive mind does. So, the challenge is to pay attention to the body saying yes or no for instance when you are faced with a professional suggestion.”
“Still, I am not saying that we should leave everything up to intuition. We should also include analytical tools. The key is to find the right balance.”
When AI developers seek therapy
In her capacity as a coach, Hrund Gunnsteinsdóttir has noted a new trend for professionals that work with AI development.
“Developers experience cognitive overwhelm when expected to process a massive information output by AI, which is always faster than we humans can process. Further, research shows the ethical dimension of AI is taking its toll. The developers begin to feel anxious and disconnected. Then they seek therapy.”
“Again, I am not saying that AI or computer work is negative in every way. But we must be more critical and ask ourselves whether a specific use of AI is a means to an end or if we are just implementing something for its own sake. We need to have an opinion, and we must ask what is the important contribution that we can make. Often this will come down to human intuition.”
How to train your intuitive muscles
So, should NDN conference participants expect exercises to get in touch with their intuitive powers?
“There will be some exercises. While training your intuitive muscles is very important, I find it best done individually. This is not just about meditation, yoga etc. but also about taking time to reflect in a structured way. These things are difficult to do in a big group like at a conference, but I will give the audience a few important keys to bring home.”
Hrund Gunnsteinsdóttir pauses, then smiles:
“In fact, I would like to take this opportunity to let participants know that I would welcome any advance questions and requests they may have, so that I can best be of relevance to them!”
You can email questions and requests to meeting@nordu.net until 1 September and see you at the NDN2026 to which you can Register Here
Hrund Gunnsteinsdóttir is an Icelandic thought leader, author, an award-winning serial entrepreneur, advisor and public speaker. She is the author of the book InnSæi: Icelandic wisdom for turbulent times, and Co-director and script writer of the documentary film InnSæi: The Power of Intuition.
