AI+HI Project

What happens when scientists and engineers step into leadership roles but struggle with power skills? Enter AI. Gwen Acton, CEO of Vivo Group, reveals how AI is transforming leadership development by helping science and tech leaders master skills like communication, adaptability, and collaboration. With real-world examples and a live demo, Acton shows how AI can turn technical experts into influential, people-savvy leaders. 

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From coaching conversations to performance reviews, learn why effective documentation can be a game-changer for HR managers — and how AI tools can help simplify the process, save time, and boost confidence. Hollie Stuart, CEO of FutureGen HR Solutions, shares practical tips for training teams, overcoming resistance to AI, and preparing for a future where technology and HR work hand in hand. 

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Is AI a job killer or a game changer? Justin Ladner, senior labor economist at SHRM, uses new SHRM research to unpack the truth about automation, generative AI, and the future of work. Explore the industries most impacted, the myths surrounding job loss, and how technology is transforming — not eliminating — careers. 

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Explore SHRM’s all-new flagships. Content curated by experts. Created for you weekly. Each content journey features e...

Learn how to boost HR team confidence and develop essential AI skills for successful adoption with actionable strategies from SHRM’s new AI Enablement for HR program. In a new segment, Arturo Ferreira, founder of Upscaile AI Training, shares how to tackle real-world HR challenges head-on with practical AI solutions — enhancing employee experience and delivering personalized learning and development. HR leaders will gain a clear, actionable framework to define their AI vision, guide seamless implementation, and deliver measurable business results.

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AI-powered solutions are reshaping the experience for deskless workers — those in retail, healthcare, manufacturing, and other essential industries who make up over 80% of the global workforce. Despite their vital roles, many deskless employees still lack access to basic digital tools, creating significant barriers to engagement, productivity, and safety. 

Jeremy Jacobs, CEO of Undesked, shares the root causes of these technology gaps, from outdated processes to siloed systems, and offers actionable strategies for overcoming them. Learn how organizations can implement mobile-first platforms, automated workflows, and contextual training to empower frontline teams and drive measurable business outcomes.

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The rapid adoption of AI is creating a significant skills gap, with 69% of business leaders acknowledging its impact, yet only 34% actively addressing it — a clear say-do gap, according to research from DeVry University. This disconnect leaves organizations vulnerable to inefficiencies and missed opportunities. Dave Barnett, chief administrative officer at DeVry University, emphasizes the importance of aligning leadership priorities with workforce development strategies. By overcoming barriers to upskilling, integrating training into workflows, and fostering a culture of adaptability, organizations can empower employees to thrive in an AI-driven future.

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What happens when the lines between what’s real and what’s not blur in the age of AI? From deepfakes to AI-generated resumes, the challenges of fraud are growing at an unprecedented pace. Zain Zaidi, founder and CEO of TransCrypts, a startup in SHRM’s 2025 Workplace Tech Accelerator cohort, dives into the transformative power of self-sovereign verification — an approach that puts control of verified credentials back in the hands of individuals. Learn how blockchain technology and innovative verification tools are helping HR leaders “discern the truth from the fluff and the fluff from the fraud.”

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As AI continues to reshape industries, the focus must shift toward creating systems that uplift human dignity and creativity. Michelle Jawando, president of the Omidyar Network, emphasizes that “technology at its highest zenith should dignify labor, augment human creativity, and center humanity.”

Learn how organizations can harness AI to empower workers, build trust, and support human flourishing — ensuring technology becomes a tool for shared power, equitable prosperity, and expansive possibility rather than a force for exclusion or displacement.

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In the rapidly advancing world of AI, designing systems with equity at their core is essential for driving meaningful and inclusive change. Lisa Gelobter, founder and CEO of tEQuitable, emphasizes that “it’s about thinking expansively — ensuring that communities aren’t left on the outside.”

Explore how organizations can create AI systems that prioritize fairness, inclusivity, and representation, while addressing systemic biases to foster workplace cultures that truly work for everyone.

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The transformative impact of AI on recruitment is reshaping how organizations attract and evaluate talent. From the “arms race” between AI-powered resume sorting and AI-generated applications to the challenges of identifying quality candidates, dive into how smarter AI tools can enhance screening mechanisms and improve hiring outcomes.

Frank Congiu, executive vice president of human capital strategy and executive partnerships at Randstad, emphasizes: “This challenge of the needle in the haystack hasn’t changed — it’s just enhanced. AI tools are enabling a spray-and-pray approach, but better screening mechanisms can help us pick out the best talent from that haystac...

In the ever-evolving landscape of AI, even the smallest ideas carry the potential to grow into powerful forces of transformation. Noelle Russell, founder and CEO of the AI Leadership Institute and a pioneer behind Amazon Alexa, says that leadership in AI “is about empowering people to dream big — and equipping them with the tools to turn those dreams into reality.” 

Explore how nurturing early-stage AI initiatives with strategic vision and creativity can lead to groundbreaking innovations that drive significant impact across industries.

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Explore how the principles of improvisation — flexibility, collaboration, and adaptability — can inspire the design of human-centered AI systems. Just as improv thrives on the “yes, and” mindset, successful AI must work in harmony with human creativity, adapting to our needs while amplifying our potential. Mickey McManus, senior advisor and leadership coach at BCG, shares his perspective on the parallels between improv and AI design: “Great improv isn’t about stealing the spotlight; it’s about listening, adapting, and building something greater together. AI should do the same — supporting humans, not overshadowing them.”

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How can AI simplify HR, boost employee engagement, and revolutionize the workplace? Logan Sugarman, founder and CEO of Refresh —a startup in SHRM’s 2025 Workplace Tech Accelerator cohort — dives into how organizations are tackling one of HR’s biggest challenges: creating seamless, personalized employee experiences while cutting through app overload and inefficiency. With the help of AI, HR teams can automate repetitive tasks, streamline systems, and focus on building meaningful employee journeys. As Sugarman explains, “AI lets us take the entire world of data and bring it into a single point, so we can look at it from as many angles...

AI-powered microlearning is reshaping the way organizations engage, upskill, and empower their workforces. As the co-founder and chief innovation officer of Bites, a startup in SHRM’s 2025 Workplace Tech Accelerator cohort, Hagai Horovitz shares how personalization drives results. “When you’re able to personalize, then you're getting higher engagement. You have employees more connected to your business, leaving the company less, and you improve your employee retention. It’s a complete cycle.” Learn how AI is transforming employee learning, enabling multilingual training, and making off-the-shelf courses obsolete.

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Learn how AI can help HR teams navigate three critical stages of performance to elevate their decision-making impact. From boosting productivity in basic tasks to orchestrating collaboration in teams — and finally breaking through to reinvent strategies for the future — each step empowers HR to lead with confidence. Guillermo Miranda, co-founder of Atlas Copilot, emphasizes, “The role of HR is to collaborate differently, to show up differently. You can be the pilot driving this change, or you can be a passenger watching it happen.

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AI is reshaping workplace mental health, offering innovative tools for personalized support and stress tracking. However, ethical concerns and the need for human connection remain critical. Marjorie Morrison, SHRM’s new executive in residence for mental health, notes, “We have to be really intentional about using AI to support, not replace, the human relationships.” Tune in to explore how technology can help foster healthier, more inclusive workplaces.

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Explore how to build more AI confidence and imagination in the workplace with unique, relatable insights from Roy Bahat, head of Bloomberg Beta. From HR’s critical role in fostering innovation to the value of experimentation, Bahat shares practical strategies for navigating this evolving landscape. As he highlights, “AI is like riding a bicycle — and only by riding it can you develop intuition about what works and what doesn’t.”

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What are flash teams— and what makes them such a dynamic model for rethinking how work gets done? Melissa Valentine, associate professor at Stanford University, discusses how AI and flash teams are redefining collaboration and productivity in the workplace. Reflecting on the power of AI, she states, "We are all so much more capable, augmented with these GenAI tools."

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In this special edition of our podcast, Alex Alonso, SHRM’s chief data and analytics officer, and Nichol Bradford, SHRM’s executive in residence for AI+HI, unpack highlights from The AI+HI Project 2025 event — from driving workplace innovation to fostering inclusivity and accessibility. Get their practical advice on harnessing AI for strategic change, plus learn from real-world successes and challenges shared by event attendees from Workday, Arizona State University, and more.

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Explore the world of HR technology and AI analytics, uncovering the rigorous strategies behind identifying and validating trends that shape the workplace. Zachary Chertok, senior research manager of employee experience at International Data Corporation, draws on his extensive expertise in workforce analysis to share actionable advice for businesses of all sizes — from startups to global enterprises. As Chertok puts it, "The day we stop questioning things is the day society grinds to a standstill."

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Explore strategies for integrating AI effectively into your business by shifting from traditional leadership to what Keith Ferrazzi calls “teamship.” Join the #1 New York Times best-selling author and CEO of Ferrazzi Greenlight as he and host Nichol Bradford discuss both the opportunities and challenges AI brings to organizational workflows. “This is not a world of technology or of people,” Ferrazzi explains. “It’s a world of work processes — and we’ve got to be able to radically ‘team’ in order to find the value.”

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On his third day in office, President Trump issued an EO titled “Removing Barriers to American Leadership in AI,” replacing former President Biden’s 2023 EO on AI. So, what do these changes mean for the future of HR and business? Host Alex Alonso dives into the details with Rachel See, senior counsel at Seyfarth Shaw, and Ben Eubanks, chief research officer at Lighthouse Research. Together, they explore the intersection of competitive innovation and workforce protections. The conversation also sheds light on the administration’s stance, which argues its AI policies will empower American industry and result in job creation.

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Go behind the scenes to learn how Walmart is leveraging AI to enhance the employee experience for over 2.1 million associates worldwide. “Through the use of AI, you can actually focus on the humanity piece, and lift that up.” Maren Waggoner, senior vice president of global tech and corporate functions people at Walmart, shares how tools like generative AI-powered My Assistant are streamlining operations, boosting creativity, and fostering human connection at the retail giant.

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AI alone is not a value proposition; it’s about solving real workforce problems and creating meaningful impact.” Hadeel Al-Tashi, head of SHRM Labs, breaks down what it takes to drive true innovation in HR. Discover insights into SHRM’s Workplace Tech Accelerator, challenges faced by HR tech startups, and how technology can transform the future of work.

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Salim Ismail, international bestselling author and founder of OpenExO, states that “exponential growth isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity in today’s rapidly changing landscape.” Discover how your business can harness AI, foster cultural transformation, and implement innovative strategies inspired by companies scaling at the same high speed as technology. 

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Pattie Maes, professor of media arts and sciences at the MIT Media Lab, emphatically states that “AI should amplify people, not replace them. I'm more interested in enabling people to become smarter rather than teaching machines to become smarter.” Explore how AI can drive human creativity, why over-reliance is dangerous, and why rethinking workplace processes is critical for innovation.

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According to Michael Platt, director of the Wharton Neuroscience Initiative, “understanding the rules our brains live by can help us make better decisions.” From harnessing brain science for designing smarter AI systems to fostering team synchronization for innovation, discover actionable insights for developing adaptive, future-ready leaders.

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From AI acting as your “coworker” to sparking team imagination and adaptability, Sam Ransbotham, professor of analytics at Boston College, explores the impact of AI tools in the workplace. Discover why Ransbotham says, “The first day is the worst day for AI…[but] it’s going to improve. The idea of machine learning is exactly that: learning.”

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Nichol Bradford is joined by Michael C. Bush, CEO of Great Place To Work, as he shares his expertise on the critical role of trust in workplace transformation and AI integration. Gain practical insights into fostering inclusivity, empowering employees, and navigating change while strengthening leadership and building thriving, high-trust organizational cultures equipped for the future.

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Host Alex Alonso is joined by Alex Haitoglou, founder and CEO of Ovita, to discuss AI's role in mastering critical communication skills and its potential to transform leadership. Gain unique insights into using AI tools to measure, enhance, and apply behavioral skills at scale, ensuring lasting impact in the workplace. 

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Host Nichol Bradford is joined by Xavier de Souza Briggs and Molly Kinder, a senior fellow and fellow, respectively, at The Brookings Institution, as they unpack the "Great Mismatch"—the critical gap between AI-vulnerable jobs and fair worker representation. They explore the role of trust in AI adoption, the challenges of creating equity in a rapidly evolving economy, and practical strategies to empower workers for a more inclusive future.

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Join host Nichol Bradford and Brandon Roberts, GVP of People Analytics and AI at ServiceNow, as they discuss how to leverage AI to transform talent management, enhance employee experiences, and free up HR leaders for high-value, strategic work. Learn firsthand how AI is unlocking creativity and innovation, while ensuring ethical and sustainable implementation.

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This week, join host Nichol Bradford and Kathy Pham, vice president of AI and machine learning at Workday, as they explore the profound societal impact and workplace innovation made possible by responsible AI. Gain actionable insights into building ethical AI systems, fostering collaboration across disciplines, and creating inclusive frameworks that benefit all.

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This week, host Nichol Bradford connects with Jolen Anderson, chief people and community officer at BetterUp, to discuss how the power of AI, data, and humans—with coaching intervention—are driving performance within the workplace. Explore the game-changing ideas behind making coaching accessible, creating cultures rooted in empathy and resilience, and blending cutting-edge technology with deeply human connection.

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Discover how growth cultures can redefine your organization’s approach to AI. Host Nichol Bradford and Mary C. Murphy, CEO of Equity Accelerator, share key insights on moving beyond fixed mindsets to implement dynamic, growth-driven leadership. From psychological studies to real-world implementations, Murphy provides actionable strategies for leaders to foster innovation, empower teams, and deliver meaningful results.

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Host Nichol Bradford is joined by Nicole Sahin—founder and CEO at G-P, a global growth platform—to discuss how AI is transforming workforce management. Discover how AI can simplify HR complexities across geographies, from onboarding to cross-cultural communication. Plus, Sahin shares her tips on how to encourage AI adoption within your workforce.

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Melissa Daimler, chief learning officer at Udemy, joins host Nichol Bradford to discuss the importance of systems thinking, building learning functions, and adapting company culture to embrace AI. Discover how “reculturing” can aid in effectively implementing AI, with a focus on personalized learning and cross-functional collaboration.

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Host Nichol Bradford chats with Tina Jones, senior vice president of global HR at Cadence Design Systems, on championing diversity in AI. Explore the transformative Fem.AI initiative—emphasizing the importance of highlighting underrepresented voices in the AI workforce—and understand HR’s pivotal role in fostering equity and building inclusive, AI compatible cultures.

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Nichol Bradford sits down with Paula Goldman, chief ethical and humane use officer at Salesforce, to discuss creating AI that upholds human values. Explore how ethical frameworks in AI can enhance workplace interactions, foster trust, and shape a responsible future for tech.

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In this episode, host Nichol Bradford and Karie Willyerd, chief customer strategy officer at GP Strategies, explore the core elements of an AI-enabled corporate learning strategy that keeps humans at the center. Willyerd shares her perspective on how AI will shape traditional competency frameworks and career pathing, impact L&D cohort management and learner support, and change the balance between standardized learning and personalized development.

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