HEC Paris in Qatar has announced its participation in the upcoming Web Summit Qatar 2026, where it will lead a specialized session addressing one of the most critical challenges for leaders in the digital economy. The session aims to enrich the global dialogue at the summit, which will convene over 30,000 founders, investors, and innovators to explore technology’s role in shaping corporate decision-making.
Building Digital Intelligence
The masterclass, titled “Leadership in the Age of AI: Building Digital Intelligence,” will be presented on February 3, 2026, by Professor Sonja Sara Le, an Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship and Organizations at HEC Paris in Qatar. The session will focus on the human dimension of artificial intelligence, examining how leaders’ thinking, decision-making processes, and organizational cultures must adapt to thrive in an AI-driven world.
Professor Le’s session will challenge the common misconception that simply adopting AI technology is sufficient to gain a competitive advantage. Instead, it will argue that creating sustainable value requires robust leadership capabilities, including clear prioritization, effective risk management, and fostering a corporate culture that empowers teams to experiment and innovate responsibly. Attendees will be provided with a practical framework for building “digital intelligence” that integrates strategic clarity, human judgment, and agile organizational practices.
The Human Element of AI
The core message emphasizes that for organizations to confidently and ethically scale AI solutions, human leadership is indispensable.
“We are living in a world powered by AI, a reality that once seemed like science fiction,” said Joshua Kobb, Chief Growth & Impact Officer at HEC Paris in Qatar. “However, technological advancement without purposeful leadership is merely an accelerating force without a compass. We believe the leader who can wisely and responsibly harness AI to achieve desired outcomes will make the real difference in this era of digital transformation.”
Kobb added, “Our participation in Web Summit Qatar highlights our commitment to developing effective leaders who possess the skills to navigate complexity and create sustainable value for the region.”
Fostering Regional Innovation
The participation of HEC Paris in Qatar at Web Summit underscores its deep commitment to strengthening the entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem across the GCC. Through its academic and executive education programs, the university integrates applied learning with final projects that tackle real-world strategic, technological, and growth challenges. Several startups born from these initiatives have successfully expanded across the Gulf region, becoming active contributors to the regional innovation landscape.
About HEC Paris in Qatar
HEC Paris in Qatar is a campus of the internationally renowned HEC Paris business school, dedicated to shaping the next generation of leaders in the Middle East. It offers a range of world-class executive education programs, including an Executive MBA, specialized master’s degrees, and custom programs for corporations, designed to meet the specific needs of the region’s evolving economy and foster a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Source: Al Raya
