Kim Chaumillon believes HR leaders must champion AI adoption from the inside out. "HR goes first" isn't just her mantra—it's the foundation of effective organizational transformation. Drawing from 30 years of global HR experience, Kim reveals how she's reimagining traditional people practices through AI implementation at two different organizations where she serves as fractional Chief People Officer.

Kim's conversation with hosts Pauline James and David Creelman explores practical strategies for building AI fluency within HR teams, starting with curated use cases and ongoing experimentation. Kim distinguishes between leveraging existing solutions with embedded AI capabilities and developing bespoke applications—highlighting three key opportunities for custom solutions: automating repetitive tasks, creating disruptive capabilities, and developing "chief of staff" functionality that transforms how work gets managed.

What makes Kim's approach particularly effective is her focus on enablement rather than restriction. While addressing important governance and ethical considerations, she frames AI guidelines in terms of possibilities rather than limitations. This positive orientation accelerates adoption and fosters innovation while maintaining appropriate boundaries around confidential information and potential biases.

The discussion provides a compelling vision of AI as HR's historic opportunity. Just as finance led during the 2008 financial crisis and HR guided organizations through COVID-19, AI transformation offers HR leaders the chance to drive tremendous business value while fundamentally reimagining work. For those who have long sought "a seat at the table," AI implementation provides the perfect blend of business impact and people-centered innovation—so significant that Kim delayed her retirement to participate in this transformative period.

Ready to take your HR function from reactive to proactive? Connect with Kim on LinkedIn to continue the conversation about leading your organization's AI transformation journey.

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