Everyone is talking about AI productivity, but the reality inside large organisations is messier, slower and far more human. I sit down with Marion Devine, Principal Researcher in Human Capital at the Conference Board, to get past the hype and into what companies are actually doing with AI and generative AI, what’s working, and what’s quietly breaking. 

We dig into why CEOs are making big bets despite uncertain ROI, and why “everyone feels behind” even when it’s unclear who’s truly ahead. Marion shares what her research and interviews reveal about the readiness gap between leaders and workers, the mix of excitement and fear on the front line, and why AI can create new work just as easily as it removes grunt work. We also explore the uncomfortable truth that automating busywork is not the same as improving value, and that the hardest part of AI transformation is redesigning processes, decision making and culture. 

From psychological safety and middle manager pressure to ethical guardrails and the role of regulation, we look at what responsible AI governance really demands. We also tackle HR transformation, why curiosity and learning agility are being undervalued, and what happens to the early career ladder when entry level tasks disappear. If you care about the future of work, workforce skills, reskilling, and sustainable performance, this conversation offers a clear framework for asking better questions now. 

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Hear more from Marion at the Future of Work event on the 18th June in Brussels. www.future-of-work.eu

Find out more about the Future of Work -> www.future-of-work.eu