For many, artificial intelligence feels like a tsunami—powerful, relentless, and potentially dehumanising. However, for Natalie, an innovation expert, TEDx speaker, and author of Yes, You Can Innovate, the conversation about AI is not solely centred on automation or algorithms. It's about posing more profound questions: What is uniquely human? Why do we still matter? And where does genuine, original creativity stem from?

"It's easy to believe that AI is going to make us all obsolete," she says. "But here's the thing—AI can't dream. It can't stand on a beach at sunset and feel its heart break. It doesn't know what it’s like to fall in love or to lose someone you love. It has no body. It has no soul."

AI can analyse, summarise, and generate astonishing content in milliseconds. But can it dream? Can it care? As intelligent systems transform workplaces and automate everything from emails to strategic reports, many ask a confronting question: What's left for humans to do?

According to Natalie Turner, quite a lot.

"In a world of intelligent systems, the most valuable intelligence is still human," she says. "Our creativity, our empathy, our ability to imagine what doesn't yet exist—that is our edge. That is irreplaceable."

Born in the UK and now residing in Portugal, Natalie's career has spanned continents and industries. From strategic marketing and design thinking to advising global organisations on cultivating innovative cultures, she has always had one foot in business and the other in ideas.

In 2009, she created The Six 'I's® of Innovation, a methodology that incorporates humanity into the innovation process through six core capabilities: Identify, Ignite, Investigate, Invest, Implement, and Improve. Used by companies worldwide, it places Purpose at the heart of the innovation journey—a system designed not just for inventors or tech entrepreneurs, but for anyone who wishes to solve problems, create value, and thrive during disruption.

"When you're aligned with a deeper reason for what you do, you become more creative," she explains. "You stop simply reacting, and start imagining. You stop trying to keep up—and start shaping what comes next."

Natalie is a bridge-builder between logic and feeling, leadership and artistry, technology and the soul. Her recent TEDx Talk in Marvila, Lisbon, explored the idea that "Purpose is the human algorithm for innovation"—a phrase that resonates in a world hungry for meaning.

"Purpose gives us direction. It's what fuels our creativity. And when we're disconnected from that, it's not just bad for innovation—it's bad for our wellbeing."

This isn't abstract philosophy. Natalie sees it through her work with Women Who Lead, a growing community dedicated to authentic connection, mutual support, and leadership development. "So many women I meet are in transition—relocating, redefining themselves, wondering what's next. They need space to reconnect with their creative essence, not just their job title."

Her events seamlessly blend networking with personal and professional development, often leading conversations towards courage—how to pivot careers, launch something new, or tell a story that's been burning inside.

Speaking of stories, Natalie has written a new one—literally. Her debut novel, The Red Silk Dress, scheduled for publication in autumn 2025, is a sweeping tale set across Cambodia, Malaysia, and France, following a woman's journey of identity, longing, and transformation. While it marks a shift from business writing, the heart remains innovation, just expressed through narrative.

"I've always believed innovation is about creating something new that adds value," she says. "Fiction just does it in a different language. It's how we explore who we are, what we care about, and where we're going. Writing fiction has been about giving myself permission to create without a brief—to dream freely."

It's a return to creativity's essence: not just problem-solving, but soul-work—the inner drive to make meaning, imagine different worlds, and give voice to what cannot always be said out loud.

So, where do we start reclaiming our creativity in the age of AI?

"First, we stop outsourcing our imagination," Natalie says. "AI is brilliant at amplifying what we already know. But true innovation requires dreaming beyond the data. That's a human superpower."

Second, she urges embracing emotional intelligence as a core capability, not a soft skill. "Empathy, storytelling, influence—these build cultures, movements, and brands that actually matter."

Finally, she reminds us that creativity does not require perfection—only courage. "It's about taking small risks every day: sharing your ideas, changing your approach, or speaking your mind. That's where innovation begins."

Looking ahead, Natalie envisions herself continuing to navigate between worlds—business and art, strategy and story. "I want to keep opening doors," she says. "For women. For leaders. For anyone who feels like they have something meaningful to contribute—but maybe haven't found the space to express it yet."

For those who feel overwhelmed by change or left behind by technology, she offers this reassurance: "You are not replaceable. You are not irrelevant. You are creative. And that matters more than ever."

Natalie Turner is an innovation specialist, speaker and author of the award-winning book Yes, You Can Innovate and the creator of The Six ‘I’s® of Innovation methodology. She is also the founder of Women Who Lead and a recent TEDx speaker. Her debut novel, The Red Silk Dress, is scheduled for publication in autumn 2025. More at natalie-turner.net.

Algarve Womens Network