Speaker: Doug Strycharczyk, Eric Zhuang
Date: January 28, 2026
Time: 20:00-21:00 SGT
On January 28, 2026, we conducted an online webinar on Facing AI with Mental Toughness, and the response was overwhelming.
The turnout, engagement, and depth of discussion highlighted just how urgent and relevant this conversation has become. Artificial Intelligence is no longer a distant concept - it’s here, accelerating faster than most can predict. From AI agents reshaping customer interactions to the unseen “iceberg” of deeper implications, the challenge is not only technological but profoundly human.
Eric Zhuang opened the session by exploring the rise of AI agents, their impact across industries, and how customers are reacting to this new reality. He then guided participants beneath the surface to uncover key insights about what AI truly means for individuals and organizations.
Doug Strycharczyk built on this by showing why our mental approach is the crucial differentiator in thriving amidst AI and digital transformation. Using the Mental Toughness framework, he demonstrated how resilience, positivity, and optimism enable us to harness AI’s potential. For practitioners—coaches, trainers, consultants—this marked a turning point: moving beyond simple, face‑valid ideas toward evidence‑based tools that can truly address the complexity of human nature.
Together, Eric and Doug highlighted:
- What we mean by AI, especially AI agents, and how they are impacting our lives and work
- Customer reactions and the deeper insights beneath the iceberg of AI transformation
- Why our mental approach is crucial for thriving in the new world of AI and digital transformation
- The vital importance of self‑awareness in mastering mental toughness—for ourselves and others—and the role of MTQPlus
- The audience included business leaders, HR professionals, coaches, trainers, consultants, entrepreneurs, and many curious minds eager to explore how mindset and mental toughness can unlock the full potential of AI in both work and life.
The energy and reflections shared during the session reaffirmed that the intersection of AI and human resilience is not just a topic for the future - it’s a conversation we need now.
Contact us if you are preparing your organization for AI‑driven change.
What is Mental Toughness?
Mental Toughness is a personality trait that determines how effectively you perform under stress and pressure. Closely linked to character, resilience, grit, and perseverance. It is the foundation for thriving—not just surviving—in challenging environments.
About Doug Strycharczyk
Doug is the CEO of AQR International, founded in 1989. Alongside Professor Peter Clough and Dr. John Perry, he has spent 25+ years defining Mental Toughness and creating the world’s leading assessment, MTQ. Today, he is recognized as the foremost authority on applying this powerful framework across work, education, coaching, and mentoring.
About Eric Zhuang
Eric Zhuang (庄磊) is a certified Mental Toughness Practitioner. He is the author of Beyond Digital Transformation: Continuous Evolution of People and Organizations in the Age of AI (《超越数字化转型：AI时代人与组织的持续进化》), published by Tsinghua University Press. He is a seasoned executive coach, digital transformation strategist, and growth consultant with extensive experience advising organizations on navigating complex change.