Elevate Your AIQ

By WRKdefined Podcast NetworkBusiness Technology Management

Elevate Your AIQ episodes

March 21, 2025Ep 59: Navigating Modern Leadership to Drive Human-Centric AI with Phil Wilson
Bob Pulver speaks with leadership expert Phil Wilson about the evolving landscape of leadership in the age of AI. They discuss the intersection of technology and leadership, the impact of AI on the labor market, and the importance of human creativity in storytelling. Wilson shares insights from his career as a labor lawyer and leadership consultant, emphasizing the need for leaders to adapt to technological changes while maintaining a focus on human skills and creativity. Phil and Bob explore the transformative potential of AI in creative writing, leadership development, and organizational success. They discuss how AI can serve as a thought partner, augmenting human creativity and helping to find connections in vast amounts of data. The importance of authenticity in leadership and the need for organizations to invest in their leaders for better outcomes are emphasized throughout the discussion.

Keywords
leadership, AI, labor market, technology, creativity, job transformation, human skills, automation, storytelling, future of work, AI, creative writing, leadership, authenticity, thought partner, organizational success, technology, innovation, productivity

Takeaways
AI is transforming leadership and productivity.
The labor market is facing a shortage of workers.
Technology can replace mundane tasks, freeing humans for higher-value work.
Leadership must adapt to the changing landscape of work.
Human creativity cannot be replaced by AI.
AI can assist in generating ideas and scenarios for training.
The importance of storytelling in leadership and creativity.
AI's impact on job roles and responsibilities is significant.
Leaders need to understand technology literacy.
The future of work will require a balance between technology and human skills.
AI can generate initial drafts to overcome creative blocks.
Many AI-generated ideas may be subpar, but some can be valuable.
AI can help identify connections between disparate ideas.
Leaders need to invest in their development for better organizational outcomes.
Authentic relationships are crucial for effective leadership.
AI can assist in practicing difficult conversations for leaders.
Using AI can free up time for leaders to connect with their teams.
AI can help summarize and filter relevant research papers.
Organizations benefit from leaders who are approachable and engaged.
AI can enhance the efficiency of content creation and repurposing.
Sound Bites
"AI makes the jobs easier."
"AI can't replace human creativity."
"The creative process is uniquely human."
"AI can help find connections."
"The potential is just unlimited."
"AI as a thought partner."
"Authenticity is key in leadership."
"There's a lot of promise for leaders."

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Leadership and AI
03:04 The Impact of AI on Leadership
05:59 Navigating the Labor Market Changes
09:00 The Role of Technology in Job Transformation
12:02 Human Creativity vs. AI
15:09 The Creative Process and AI's Role
17:58 Refining Ideas with AI
28:16 Harnessing AI for Creative Writing
30:30 Augmenting Human Thought with AI
32:26 Finding Connections in Data
36:33 The Role of AI in Leadership Development
40:52 AI as a Thought Partner
43:29 Authenticity in Leadership
51:53 Investing in Leadership for Organizational Success

Phil Wilson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pbwilson
LRI Consulting: http://lrionline.com
Leader Shift Playbook: https://yourleadershift.com

For advisory work and marketing inquiries:
Bob Pulver: https://linkedin.com/in/bobpulver
Elevate Your AIQ: https://elevateyouraiq.com
Substack: https://elevateyouraiq.substack.com

Thanks to Warden AI (https://warden-ai.com) for their sponsorship and support of the show! Warden is an AI assurance platform for HR technology to demonstrate AI-powered solutions are fair, compliant and trustworthy.
57 min
March 14, 2025Ep 58: Reality vs Hype in Enterprise AI Adoption with Kaz Hassan
Bob Pulver and Kaz Hassan discuss the state of AI adoption within organizations, highlighting the significant gap between AI's hype and the employee experience reality. They explore the challenges of policy paralysis, the need for AI literacy, and the risks associated with shadow AI usage. The conversation also goes into the contrasting experiences of employees in the fast lane versus the slow lane of AI adoption, emphasizing the importance of team effectiveness over individual productivity. They call for better governance and communication strategies to support employees in navigating the evolving landscape of AI. Kaz and Bob emphasize the importance of communication, collaboration, and a mindset shift towards integrating AI into workflows. The concept of the 'superworker' is explored, highlighting how individuals can leverage AI to enhance their productivity. Storytelling in AI communication is stressed as orgs must help employees understand the strategic role of AI.

Keywords
AI adoption, employee experience, organizational policy, productivity, workforce dynamics, AI literacy, shadow AI, governance, communication, collaboration, superworker, mindset, storytelling, collective intelligence, team dynamics, innovation

Takeaways
AI adoption is not matching the hype; many organizations lag behind.
Employees feel disconnected from AI's potential benefits.
Policy paralysis is stalling AI adoption in large organizations.
A significant percentage of employees lack clarity on AI usage.
Shadow AI poses risks to organizations and employee data security.
There's a divide in the workforce between AI adopters and non-adopters.
Team effectiveness is crucial for overall productivity.
Communication about AI's value is essential for adoption.
AI literacy is necessary for employees to leverage technology effectively.
Executives can influence brand reputation through transparency.
Digital natives can mentor traditional executives on new technologies.
Insular work cultures hinder innovation and productivity.
Personal productivity improvements are not enough for transformation.
The superworker concept emphasizes human-AI collaboration.
Mindset shifts are necessary for effective AI integration.
Storytelling is crucial for communicating AI's value.
Collective intelligence can enhance team dynamics and innovation.
Sound Bites
"The reality isn't matching up to the hype."
"There's been a bit of a false start."
"We need clarity and guidance for AI usage."
"There's a schism in the workforce regarding AI usage."
"How do I be the best version of myself?"
"It's about the skill level and the actual competency."

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to AI Adoption and Employee Experience
03:08 The AI Adoption Gap: Reality vs. Hype
06:13 Understanding Employee Perspectives on AI
09:01 Policy Paralysis and Its Impact on AI Adoption
11:46 The Need for AI Literacy and Training
15:14 Shadow AI Usage and Organizational Risks
18:11 The Schism in the Workforce: Fast Lane vs. Slow Lane
21:00 Team Effectiveness vs. Individual Productivity
24:02 Governance and Communication in AI Adoption
29:20 Navigating AI Adoption in Organizations
32:20 The Importance of Communication and Collaboration
35:43 The Role of the Superworker
39:02 Mindset Shifts for AI Integration
43:41 Collective Intelligence and Team Dynamics
47:44 The Need for Storytelling in AI Communication

Kaz Hassan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kazhassan
Unily: https://unily.com
AI Reality Check report: https://www.unily.com/resources/reports/the-ai-reality-check

For advisory work and marketing inquiries:
Bob Pulver: https://linkedin.com/in/bobpulver
Elevate Your AIQ: https://elevateyouraiq.com
Substack: https://elevateyouraiq.substack.com

Thanks to Warden AI (https://warden-ai.com) for their sponsorship and support of the show! Warden is an AI assurance platform for HR technology to demonstrate AI-powered solutions are fair, compliant and trustworthy.
58 min
March 07, 2025Ep 57: Navigating the AI Revolution to Build the Future of Education with David Hatami
Bob Pulver chats with David Hatami, AI Policy and AI Ethics expert, lifelong educator, and founder of EduPolicy.ai, about the intersection of education and artificial intelligence. They discuss the evolution of technology in education, the challenges of integrating AI into learning environments, and the importance of ethical considerations and policy development. They emphasize the need for critical thinking and responsible use of technology among students, as well as the role of educators and parents in navigating these changes. The discussion also touches on the implications of federal and state control in education and the necessity for higher education institutions to adapt. Bob and David explore the risks associated with AI adoption, the importance of AI literacy, and the need for creativity and innovation in educational settings. They emphasize the changing landscape of higher education, the necessity for personalized learning, and the diverse pathways available. The dialogue highlights the ethical considerations surrounding AI and the responsibility of educators to prepare students for a future where AI and advanced technology are ubiquitous.

Keywords
AI, education, technology, higher education, online learning, ethics, policy, critical thinking, digital culture, workforce skills, creativity, innovation, personalized learning, workforce, digital natives

Takeaways
AI is transforming education, similar to yet more widespread and complex than past technological shifts.
Ethical policies are crucial for responsible AI integration.
Students must learn to use technology responsibly.
Digital natives have different expectations and experiences with technology.
The speed of technological change in education is unprecedented.
Faculty engagement is essential for successful AI integration.
AI tools can provide authoritative responses, but critical thinking is necessary.
The future of education will require ongoing adaptation, including AI literacy and policy development.
Creativity and curiosity in students should be nurtured through innovative projects.
Higher education is being questioned for its ROI in today's job market.
Personalized learning is essential for student success.
Diversity in education includes cognitive and experiential diversity.
AI ethics will become a critical compliance issue in the future.
Students should be taught to use AI responsibly and ethically.
There are many pathways to success beyond traditional college degrees.
Sound Bites
"AI is changing the landscape of education."
"The speed of change in education is dizzying."
"AI ethics is the new compliance."
"Let's train this generation right."
"Education should meet students where they are."
"Education is a sacred responsibility."
"Kids are creative and curious."
"There's so much incredible opportunity."
"Life rarely works in a straight path."

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to AI in Education
03:10 The Evolution of Technology in Education
05:49 Navigating AI's Impact on Learning
09:03 Trust and Critical Thinking in the Age of AI
12:05 The Dichotomy of AI Use in Education
14:58 The Role of Parents and the Future of Education
18:12 Federal vs. State Control in Education
21:14 Adapting Higher Education to AI
23:57 The Future of Workforce Skills and Education
31:28 The Risks of AI Adoption
34:24 Education and AI Literacy
39:10 Creativity and Innovation in Education
46:20 The Changing Landscape of Higher Education
49:50 Personalized Learning and Diverse Pathways

David Hatami: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-h-b288114
EduPolicy.ai

For advisory work and marketing inquiries:
Bob Pulver: https://linkedin.com/in/bobpulver
Elevate Your AIQ: https://elevateyouraiq.com

Thanks to Warden AI (https://warden-ai.com) for their sponsorship and support of the show! Warden is an AI assurance platform for HR technology to demonstrate AI-powered solutions are fair, compliant and trustworthy.
58 min
February 28, 2025Ep 56: Curiosity, Data Literacy, and Trust to Catalyze AI Adoption with Ceci Dones
Bob Pulver engages with Ceci Dones, an educator, lecturer, academic researcher, and the founder of 3 Standard Deviations. She focuses on data literacy, technology adoption, and trust and authenticity in tech-mediated communications. They explore the complexities of trust in AI, the importance of data literacy, and the need for curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking in navigating the AI landscape. Ceci shares her journey from marketing to academia, emphasizing the significance of understanding data quality and governance. The conversation also touches on the role of AI in education, the ethical implications of AI, and the future of human-AI collaboration.

Keywords
AI, data literacy, ethics, education, critical thinking, curiosity, creativity, technology, trust, authenticity

Takeaways
Ceci Dones is a hybrid professional in AI and data literacy.
Understanding data quality is crucial for effective AI implementation.
Curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking are essential skills in the AI era.
Data literacy does not mean everyone must be a data scientist.
AI should be used as a coach, not just a calculator.
Young people have a clear understanding of fairness in technology.
We must not lose our inherent sense of fairness as we mature.
The future of AI is exciting yet uncertain.
We are still in the early stages of understanding AI's impact.
The conversation around AI ethics is becoming increasingly important.
Sound Bites
"What does AI mean for organizations?"
"Garbage in, garbage out."
"Curiosity, creativity, critical thinking."
"You don't have to be a data scientist."
"We are still figuring this out."
"We come pre-programmed with ideas of fairness."
"How do we not lose the humanness?"
"AI should be a coach, not a calculator."
"This is all so exciting and terrifying."
"It's only chapter one."

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to AI and Trust
02:47 The Journey of a Hybrid Professional
06:02 Data Literacy and AI Implementation
09:11 Curiosity, Creativity, and Critical Thinking
11:57 Navigating Data Literacy Without Overwhelm
18:10 The Role of AI in Education
22:04 AI Ethics and Responsibility
36:59 The Future of AI and Human Interaction

Ceci Dones: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ceciliadones
3 Standard Deviations: https://www.3standarddeviations.com/
What Is a CMO to Do With AI?: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7182036727794909184/

For advisory work and marketing inquiries:
Bob Pulver: https://linkedin.com/in/bobpulver
Elevate Your AIQ: https://elevateyouraiq.com

Thanks to Warden AI (https://warden-ai.com) for their sponsorship and support of the show! Warden is an AI assurance platform for HR technology to demonstrate AI-powered solutions are fair, compliant and trustworthy.
51 min
February 21, 2025Ep 55: The Misadventures of AI in the Workplace with Jeremy Lyons - Part 2
In Part 2 of Bob's conversation with Jeremy Lyons, they shift from AI’s impact on job seekers to how AI is changing the workplace itself. Bob and Jeremy dive into the debate over AI vs. human productivity, how AI-driven hiring can lead to bias and legal risks, and why AI literacy is becoming an essential skill in the workforce. They also explore how AI might create "one-person billion-dollar companies", what AI governance looks like in talent acquisition, and why companies need to think deeply about AI ethics before adopting new tools.

Keywords
AI in the workplace, AI productivity, AI compliance, hiring bias, AI literacy, AI in HR, AI governance, responsible AI, AI ethics, workforce transformation, automation in hiring

Key Takeaways
AI productivity is about more than speed—it’s about effectiveness – AI isn’t just about working faster, but also about better decision-making and finding insights.
AI hiring bias is real – If AI is trained on biased data, it can create legal risks, discrimination issues, and adverse hiring outcomes.
AI literacy is the next essential skill – Future job descriptions will require AI proficiency, just like Microsoft Office skills in the past.
AI-driven businesses are coming – There may soon be billion-dollar companies run by just one person and their AI agents.
AI governance is critical – Companies need to implement AI monitoring & compliance tools (like Warden AI) to ensure fair hiring practices.
Top Quotes
"AI isn’t replacing humans—it’s forcing humans to redefine their roles."
"AI productivity isn’t just about working faster—it’s about working smarter."
"There’s a reason AI governance tools like Warden AI exist—because bias in AI hiring is real."
"AI literacy will be the next ‘must-have’ skill in every job description."
"We’re not far from the era of billion-dollar companies run by one person and their AI."

Chapters
00:00 – Challenges with AI-Powered Hiring: Bias & Compliance Risks
10:09 – AI Productivity vs. Human Productivity: Where’s the Balance?
20:34 – AI Literacy: The New Essential Skill for Employees
30:52 – AI Governance & Legal Risks in Hiring Tech
40:13 – Final Thoughts: AI’s Place in Hiring & Workforce Development

Jeremy Lyons: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyonsjeremy
RecOps RoundUp: https://recops.substack.com/
RecOps Collective: https://www.recopscollective.com/

For advisory work and marketing inquiries:
Bob Pulver: https://linkedin.com/in/bobpulver
Elevate Your AIQ: https://elevateyouraiq.com

Thanks to Warden AI (https://warden-ai.com) for their sponsorship and support of the show! Warden is an AI assurance platform for HR technology to demonstrate AI-powered solutions are fair, compliant and trustworthy.
50 min
February 14, 2025Ep 54: The Misadventures of AI in Recruiting with Jeremy Lyons - Part 1
Bob sits down with Jeremy Lyons, Founder of RecOps Collective, to explore how AI is reshaping the job application process. We discuss the growing trend of mass AI-generated job applications, the rise of fake candidates, and the ethical dilemmas of AI-assisted interviews. Is AI making it easier for recruiters—or just overloading hiring teams? They also dive into how AI is changing resume screening and whether traditional hiring processes need an overhaul. If you've ever wondered how AI is affecting your job search or hiring decisions, this episode is for you.

Keywords
AI in hiring, recruiting automation, mass applications, fake candidates, AI ethics, AI-assisted interviews, job applications, resume filtering, candidate experience, hiring intelligence

Key Takeaways
Mass AI job applications are creating a hiring overload – Recruiters are struggling to handle huge spikes in applications as AI tools allow job seekers to apply at scale.
Fake candidates are a growing concern – AI-assisted fraud is emerging, with candidates outsourcing interviews to others or using real-time AI assistance.
AI-assisted interviews: Ethical or unfair? – Should candidates be allowed to use AI during an interview? Some view it as cheating, while others see it as resourcefulness.
AI can improve the candidate experience—but only if used right – AI-powered interview tools could give every candidate a fair shot while reducing recruiter workloads.
AI resume filtering is flawed – Many AI-driven Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) may be rejecting great candidates due to flawed keyword screening.
Top Quotes
"AI is making it easier to apply for jobs—but is it actually making it easier to get hired?"
"If AI is being used in hiring, why shouldn’t candidates be allowed to use it in interviews?"
"People are treating mass applications like it is a new problem. This is a problem that colleges have been dealing with for 20+ years."
"Companies need to rethink how they screen candidates before AI makes the hiring process completely unmanageable."

Chapters & Timestamps
00:01 – Introduction to Jeremy Lyons & RecOps Collective
02:27 – The Recruiting Operations Conference & Building AI for TA
10:45 – AI in Hiring: The Rise of Mass Applications & Fake Candidates
19:36 – Ethics & Boundaries of AI Use in Job Interviews
30:24 – AI’s Role in Resume Filtering & Candidate Screening
45:17 – Challenges with AI-Powered Hiring: Bias & Compliance Risks

Jeremy Lyons: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyonsjeremy
RecOps RoundUp: https://recops.substack.com/
RecOps Collective: https://www.recopscollective.com/

For advisory work and marketing inquiries:
Bob Pulver: https://linkedin.com/in/bobpulver
Elevate Your AIQ: https://elevateyouraiq.com

Thanks to Warden AI (https://warden-ai.com) for their sponsorship and support of the show! Warden is an AI assurance platform for HR technology to demonstrate AI-powered solutions are fair, compliant and trustworthy.
57 min
February 07, 2025Ep 53: AI, Adaptability, and Self-Awareness to Rediscover Human Potential with Mike Schindler
Bob Pulver sits down with Mike Schindler, a Navy veteran, executive coach, and documentary filmmaker. The conversation explores the intersection of AI, human creativity, and leadership in an era of rapid change. Mike discusses his documentary The Rise of Humanness, his approach to fostering self-awareness, and why adaptability will be crucial for thriving in an AI-driven future. Together, they examine key frameworks like VUCA, AI literacy, and redefining human potential as traditional job roles evolve.

Keywords
Humanness, AI literacy, self-awareness, human value, VUCA, adaptability, human creativity, future of work, talent strategy, leadership, storytelling, human-centric AI

Highlights
Mike’s Journey: From Navy service to filmmaking and leadership development
The Rise of Humanness: Why expanding human value in the age of AI is essential
VUCA and Adaptability: A framework for navigating rapid change in life and business
Self-Awareness Exercises: How understanding yourself is key to success in AI-driven environments
AI as a Teammate: How AI can augment creativity but not replace human intuition
Authentic Relationships: Why human connection will remain central despite technological advancements
Rethinking Career Paths: Moving beyond linear career trajectories by leveraging creativity and adaptability
Quotes
“We’ve been training humans to be robots for the last 100 years. Now it’s time to pull the creator out of them.” — Mike Schindler
“When the vision is big, the circumstances don’t matter.” — Mike Schindler
“AI can help you see around corners, but you need the self-awareness to discern when its recommendations align with your goals.” — Mike Schindler
“We need more wild ducks—people willing to carve their own path and challenge the status quo.” — Bob Pulver
“Companies that don’t identify their moonshot and align their people toward it will struggle to remain relevant.” — Mike Schindler
“AI is designed to be a collaborator, but humans bring the nuance, emotion, and intuition that make great storytelling.” — Mike Schindler
Chapters
[00:00] - Introduction: Meet Mike Schindler, Navy veteran turned filmmaker and leadership coach
[02:12] - Current Projects: The Rise of Humanness and Mike’s upcoming documentaries
[04:37] - What Is VUCA? Understanding volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity
[07:40] - Teaching Humans to Be Human Again: Breaking free from robotic routines
[10:14] - Self-Awareness Exercises: How understanding yourself leads to growth and success
[14:03] - AI Ready, Human Ready, Change Ready: Preparing for a rapidly evolving future
[21:20] - Talent Strategy and Adaptability: Why job roles change faster than ever before
[29:18] - Rethinking Career Paths: How creativity and individuality are the keys to future success
[35:36] - Human Connection: Why authentic relationships are more important than ever
[44:55] - AI in Creativity: How AI assists in filmmaking and creative problem-solving
[51:33] - Final Thoughts: Building better relationships and rediscovering purpose

Mike Schindler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjschindler
VUCA MAX: https://itsvucamax.com/
The Rise of Humanness (podcast): https://riseofhumanness.podbean.com/
“The Rise of Humanness” (book): https://itsvucamax.com/book-2/

For advisory work and marketing inquiries:
Bob Pulver: https://linkedin.com/in/bobpulver
Elevate Your AIQ: https://elevateyouraiq.com

Thanks to Warden AI (https://warden-ai.com) for their sponsorship and support of the show! Warden is an AI assurance platform for HR technology to demonstrate AI-powered solutions are fair, compliant and trustworthy.
54 min
January 31, 2025Ep 52: Responsible AI and Cognitive Diversity to Drive Talent Transformation with Jen Kirkwood
Bob Pulver speaks with Jen Kirkwood, an expert in HR technology and IT, about her journey into Responsible AI. They discuss the rapid changes in AI, the importance of transparency and governance in AI systems, and the critical role of HR in managing talent and cybersecurity. Jen emphasizes the need for cognitive diversity in AI governance and decision-making. The conversation highlights the challenges and opportunities that AI presents for HR and the workforce, the importance of data in AI hiring practices, and the role of responsible AI in promoting inclusivity. They explore the rapid evolution of AI in HR, the need for AI ethics and governance, and the critical role of HR in implementing responsible AI practices. The discussion also highlights the value of neurodiversity in innovation and the necessity of balancing technology with human talent in organizations.

Keywords
HR technology, AI, generative AI, workforce optimization, cybersecurity, talent management, responsible AI, data privacy, offboarding, cognitive diversity, AI, hiring, diversity, responsible AI, HR, talent acquisition, data analytics, inclusivity, neurodiversity, technology transformation

Takeaways
Jen Kirkwood has over 28 years of experience in HR technology and IT.
She founded Talvana Consulting to focus on talent optimization.
AI is rapidly changing the landscape of HR and IT.
Transparency in AI systems is crucial for effective governance.
Offboarding processes are often neglected but essential for alumni relations.
Cognitive diversity is important in AI governance committees.
HR must be involved in AI decision-making processes.
Cybersecurity is a critical concern for HR data management.
Inclusivity in hiring practices is vital for innovation.
The future of work requires a focus on skill development and optimization.
Data analytics maturity is crucial for effective hiring practices.
Historical bias in hiring data can perpetuate discrimination.
Responsible AI can uncover overlooked talent pools.
Organizations must prioritize AI ethics and governance.
HR needs to articulate business cases for responsible AI.
Neurodiversity can drive innovation and creativity.
Flexibility in management is essential for diverse teams.
Self-learning and digital literacy are key for organizational transformation.
Sound Bites
"AI models need to be embedded in every use case."
"AI is a team sport."
"The complexity of AI regulations is overwhelming."
"How do we hire more talented engineers?"
"Responsible AI is how we get through this."
"HR is the highest risk area."
"We are all responsible for responsible AI."
"You can't just cut everyone."
"Flexibility is a treasure in management."

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Jen Kirkwood and Her Journey
02:50 The Intersection of HR and IT in AI
06:12 Challenges and Opportunities in AI for HR
08:57 The Importance of Transparency and Governance in AI
12:04 Navigating Offboarding and Alumni Relations
15:07 The Role of Cognitive Diversity in AI Governance
18:05 Cybersecurity and Responsible AI Practices
21:08 The Future of Work and Talent Optimization
32:24 The Importance of Data in AI Hiring Practices
34:42 Responsible AI: A Path to Inclusivity
35:41 The Rapid Evolution of AI in HR
39:00 AI Ethics and Governance in Organizations
41:22 The Role of HR in Responsible AI Implementation
45:54 Transforming Organizations Through AI and Inclusivity
51:31 Harnessing Neurodiversity for Innovation
55:31 Balancing Technology and Human Talent

Jen Kirkwood: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenphillipskirkwood/
Talvana Consulting: https://talvanaconsulting.com/

For advisory work and marketing inquiries:
Bob Pulver: https://linkedin.com/in/bobpulver
Elevate Your AIQ: https://elevateyouraiq.com

Thanks to Warden AI (https://warden-ai.com) for their sponsorship and support of the show! Warden is an AI assurance platform for HR technology to demonstrate AI-powered solutions are fair, compliant, and trustworthy.
58 min
January 24, 2025Ep 51: Transforming HR with Skills-Based Approaches to Talent Agility with Jeff Wellstead
Bob Pulver speaks with Jeff Wellstead, Founder and CEO of Big Bear Partners, an HR consultancy based in the UK. Jeff has had an extensive career in HR, now with a particular focus on growth-stage tech startups. He shares his journey of reinventing HR practices, the challenges of AI adoption in mid-sized companies, and the importance of building skills-based organizations. Bob and Jeff talk about the evolving role of HR in the context of performance assessment, data-driven decision-making, and the integration of AI technologies. Bob and Jeff also explore how organizations can leverage skills taxonomies and AI agents to enhance workforce planning, scenario planning, and overall talent management. The discussion emphasizes the importance of adapting to technological advancements while maintaining a focus on human interaction and support within HR functions.

Keywords
AI, HR, skills-based organizations, talent management, technology adoption, Jeff Wellstead, human resources, skills taxonomy, mid-sized companies, startup culture, HR, AI, workforce planning, performance assessment, skills taxonomy, talent intelligence, scenario planning, data-driven decision making, digital footprint, organizational change

Takeaways
Jeff Wellstead has over 35 years of experience in HR, primarily in tech startups.
He believes traditional HR practices need to be reinvented for modern workplaces.
AI adoption in HR is still low, especially among mid-sized companies.
Skills-based organizations focus on competencies rather than traditional job titles.
AI can help create a skills taxonomy to better assess employee capabilities.
AI is transforming how organizations manage talent and skills development.
The integration of AI can lead to personalized learning and development paths.
Companies need to be agile in adapting to new technologies and practices.
Proper data is essential for making informed decisions about employee careers.
Data-driven decision-making can significantly enhance HR processes.
AI can transform workforce planning and talent management.
Scenario planning is essential for anticipating workforce gaps.
AI agents can streamline HR functions and improve efficiency.
HR professionals must adapt to the changing landscape of AI.
The future of HR will involve a blend of technology and human interaction.
HR must focus on coaching and development as AI takes over routine tasks.
Sound Bites
"I'm not a big fan of traditional legacy HR."
"I got to reinvent HR from scratch."
"We need to rethink traditional roles and job titles."
"AI can help create an intelligence skills taxonomy."
"We need the right people in the right seats."
"AI is actually much easier than it's ever been."
"Don't be complacent in what you're doing."

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Jeff Wellstead's Journey
02:56 Reinventing HR in Tech Startups
05:53 The Challenges of AI Adoption in HR
09:02 Building Skills-Based Organizations
11:58 The Importance of Skills Taxonomy
15:10 Leveraging AI for Talent Management
18:07 Navigating Skills Gaps and Future Roles
26:29 Performance Assessment and Digital Footprints
27:33 Data-Driven Decision Making in HR
29:53 The Role of AI in Workforce Planning
32:35 Scenario Planning and Skills Taxonomy
35:11 AI Agents and Talent Intelligence
38:25 AI's Impact on HR Roles and Responsibilities
43:41 The Future of HR with AI

Jeff Wellstead: http://uk.linkedin.com/in/jrwellstead/
Big Bear Partners: http://www.bigbearpartners.com

For advisory work and marketing inquiries:
Bob Pulver: https://linkedin.com/in/bobpulver
Elevate Your AIQ: https://elevateyouraiq.com

Thanks to Warden AI (https://warden-ai.com) for their sponsorship and support of the show! Warden is an AI assurance platform for HR technology to demonstrate AI-powered solutions are fair, compliant and trustworthy.
49 min
January 17, 2025Ep 50: Adaptive Workforce Strategies and Responsible AI to Optimize Human Potential with Nuno Goncalves
Bob Pulver speaks with Nuno Goncalves, Head of Workforce Strategy at Reejig, about the transformative role of AI in workforce strategy and the importance of human-centric approaches in business. Nuno shares his extensive background in HR and discusses how Reejig is pioneering work ontologies to better understand the evolving landscape of skills and work. The conversation delves into the impact of AI and automation on jobs, the necessity of data-driven decision-making in HR, and the global perspectives on innovation and regulation in the tech industry. Nuno and Bob discuss the importance of human skills, the need for organizations to navigate automation thoughtfully, and the critical role of trust and transparency in fostering a positive workplace culture. They highlight the necessity of upskilling and reskilling employees to adapt as well as to introduce innovative AI solutions that can enhance workforce strategy.
Keywords
Reejig, AI, work ontologies, human-centric AI, workforce strategy, data-driven HR, skills-based organizations, automation, global innovation, AI, human skills, automation, workforce strategy, trust, organizational culture, upskilling, reskilling, critical thinking, innovation
Takeaways
Reejig is focused on understanding the skills of the future.
Work is being automated, not skills.
Human-centric approaches can coexist with business-centric strategies.
Data-driven decisions in HR are crucial for effective workforce planning.
The speed to market is a key differentiator in business.
AI and automation are reshaping the workforce landscape.
Global innovation varies significantly due to regulations.
Companies need to anticipate the needs of the business.
Human-centric AI is essential for sustainable business practices.
Understanding the digital worker's role is critical for future planning. Human skills are irreplaceable in the age of AI.
Organizations must understand task exposure to automation.
Building trust and transparency is crucial for employee engagement.
A culture without fear encourages innovation and adaptation.
Common language around skills is essential for organizational success.
Upskilling and reskilling are necessary for future workers.
AI can augment human capabilities, not replace them.
The future of work involves collaboration between AI agents.
Visibility into job roles helps in strategic decision-making.
Innovation in AI can lead to new workforce strategies.
Sound Bites
"We want a world with zero wasted potential."
"The US continues to be the biggest market."
"We need to think systemic, not linear."
"What are you ready to automate?"
"We need to create visibility and confidence."
"It's about trust and transparency."
"We need to equip organizations with data."
"Culture without fear is essential."
"We need a common language around skills."
"This is a new variation of 'agency'."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Reejig and Nuno's Background
06:09 The Evolution of Work Ontologies
12:10 The Impact of AI and Automation on Work
18:11 Human-Centric AI and Business Strategy
24:08 Data-Driven Decision Making in HR
29:54 Global Perspectives on Innovation and Regulation
36:36 The Importance of Human Skills in the Age of AI
39:51 Navigating Automation: Understanding Task Exposure
44:32 Building Trust and Transparency in Organizations
49:44 The Role of Culture in Adapting to Change
54:53 Innovative AI Solutions: The Future of Workforce Strategy

Nuno Goncalves: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nuno-goncalves
Reejig: http://www.reejig.com

For advisory work and marketing inquiries:
Bob Pulver: https://linkedin.com/in/bobpulver
Elevate Your AIQ: https://elevateyouraiq.com

Thanks to Warden AI (https://warden-ai.com) for their sponsorship and support of the show! Warden is an AI assurance platform for HR technology to demonstrate AI-powered solutions are fair, compliant and trustworthy.
59 min

About Elevate Your AIQ

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Bob Pulver is helping each of us navigate our respective journeys with artificial intelligence (AI) effectively and responsibly. Bob chats with AI and Future of Work experts, talent and transformation…