We’re Headed to Austin for SXSW 2026!
This March, LifeLabs Learning is heading to South by Southwest (SXSW) 2026 to join leaders from around the world in a conversation about the future of work—and the human skills that will define it.
As AI continues to transform how work gets done, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: people skills aren’t going away. In fact, they’re becoming more critical. Research shows that 92% of companies say soft skills matter as much as—or more than—technical skills. At SXSW, we’re contributing to this conversation by exploring which human skills endure, why they matter, and how leaders can build them at scale.
A Private Dinner Before the Stage – March 17
An Invitation to Connect in Austin
On the evening before the SXSW session, LifeLabs Learning is hosting a private, limited-seating dinner in Austin for a select group of senior L&D, People, and Talent leaders.
Available to join us for dinner? Express interest to attend here.
This gathering is designed to be small by intention—creating space for real conversation, meaningful connection, and candid exchange among peers. Over a shared meal, guests will engage directly with the panelists ahead of their SXSW appearance and explore a timely question: As AI reshapes the workplace, which human skills matter most—and how do we develop them at scale?
SXSW Session – March 18
March 18, 2026
10:00–11:00 AM CT
AI is changing how we work—but skills like communication, time management, adaptability, and resilience remain essential for teams to thrive. This session will explore what makes human skills durable in an AI-powered workplace and share practical, research-backed ways to grow these capabilities into scalable habits.
Rather than focusing on massive transformations, the panel will highlight how small, repeatable behaviors—like better feedback, clearer prioritization, and stronger day-to-day communication—can create outsized impact for individuals and organizations.
Meet the Panelists:
- Vanessa Tanicien, Global Director of Learning & Development, Peloton
- Priscila Bala, Vice Chair, LifeLabs Learning
- Heidi Brooks, Senior Lecturer in Organizational Behavior, Yale School of Management
Coffee and a 1:1 conversation with Priscila Bala
Priscila will be in Austin throughout the week of SXSW. For leaders who want to go deeper, she’s making time for 1:1 coffee chats and informal meetups.
Whether you’re curious about building people skills at scale, navigating AI-driven change, or simply want to connect with a fellow leader, this is an opportunity for a thoughtful, no-pressure conversation.
