In this episode we discuss: How does AI change the approach to professional development?  We are joined by Anna Tavis, Clinical Professor and Chair of the Human Capital Management Department at NYU’s School of Professional Studies. 

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We chat about the following with Anna Tavis: 

• If career growth is no longer about climbing the ladder, how should we redefine success in professional development?
• Are our current learning systems truly preparing people for real work, or are they just ticking boxes outside the flow of everyday tasks?
• Could AI-powered coaching finally make professional development as personalised and responsive as a sports coach with their athletes?
• What happens to the manager’s role when AI takes over much of the supervision—does it free them to become genuine mentors?
• How do we ensure AI-driven development tools enhance equity and well-being, rather than deepen existing gaps?

References 

• linkedin.com/in/annatavis
• https://www.sps.nyu.edu/homepage/academics/divisions-and-departments/division-of-programs-in-business/human-capital-management/coaching-and-technology-summit.html
• https://www.amazon.com/Humans-Work-Practice-Creating-Workplace/dp/1398604232
• https://www.amazon.com/Digital-Coaching-Revolution-Employee-Development/dp/1398612510

Biography 

Dr. Anna Tavis is Clinical Professor and Chair of the Human Capital Management Department at NYU’s School of Professional Studies. Recognised on the Thinkers50 Radar (2020) and among the Top 100 Global Influencers in People Analytics (2023, 2024), she co-authored Humans at Work (2022) and The Digital Coaching Revolution (2024).

Her global career spans business, consulting, and academia, including senior roles at Motorola, Nokia, United Technologies, and AIG Investments, as well as faculty positions at Columbia University, Williams College, and Fairfield University.

Her Harvard Business Review articles, “HR Goes Agile” and “The Performance Management Revolution,” co-authored with Dr. Peter Cappelli, have been featured in HBR’s Must Reads, Definitive Management Ideas of the Year, and Agile: The Insights You Need.

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Summary

00:13:29 – Defining professional development

00:15:21 – Why traditional tools fall short

00:18:30 – AI-driven coaching in action

00:25:04 – Rethinking career growth

00:30:24 – Responsible AI rollout 

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