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This episode of HR Bytes (S5E6) helps HR leaders understand the practical shift from generative AI to agentic AI at work, and what it means for their careers. A veteran CHRO with 25-plus years in people operations explains where AI already saves time in HR, which tasks are safe to automate first, and how to keep trust and human connection intact while adopting new tools.
Listeners deciding whether to start using AI in HR will learn how to begin without being an expert, how to choose tools based on a clear goal rather than hype, and why the people most at risk are those who avoid learning. The conversation also covers leading a team through a personal crisis and the role of resilience in modern HR leadership.
Key Takeaways
Timestamps
01:35 – Building a long HR career across tech companies
03:20 – The shift from generative AI to agentic AI
06:10 – Automation that genuinely changes how work gets done
08:25 – Keeping the human touch during rapid change
11:15 – What HR leaders should expect in 2026 and beyond
14:00 – Why fear is the biggest barrier to adoption
16:40 – How to choose the right technology for your goals
20:35 – Finding valuable connections in HR technology
26:20 – Leading a team through a personal crisis
29:35 – How to connect and continue the conversation
Keywords
agentic AI in HR, generative AI for HR, AI job descriptions, HR automation tools, reducing HR administrative work, future of HR jobs, AI replacing HR, HR technology adoption, HR leadership during crisis, starting with AI in HR
AI, People Ops & Keeping the Human Touch in HR featuring Njon Sanders
About Your Host & Guest
Jay Polaki is the Founder and CEO of HR Geckos, bringing 25+ years of global experience transforming HR functions across diverse industries. Jay's mission is to automate HR processes while keeping the human touch — focusing on what matters most: people. A regular contributor to HR Brew, Forbes, and HRD, Jay hosts the HR Bytes podcast and leads the development of HRGeckoBot, HR Geckos' AI copilot for HR operations. Her goal? Make HR as agile as a gecko. 🦎
Njon Sanders is a seasoned People Operations leader with 15 years of progressive HR experience spanning talent management, DEI, Total Rewards, HRIS migrations, and benefits programs. From foundational roles in onboarding and compensation to strategic leadership as Head of People at Elroy Air, Njon has built inclusive, high-performance workplaces at organizations including Pilot.comand Elroy Air. He is passionate about the intersection of people-first strategy and practical HR innovation.
Episode Overview
In this episode, Jay and Njon dig into the real, day-to-day impact of AI and automation on the HR function — and why the best use of these tools is to give HR professionals more time for human connection, not less. They explore ATS blind spots, the fear factor around AI adoption, how to start small with LLMs, and why systemic DEI work still matters now more than ever.
What We Cover
Njon's Recommendations
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In this episode of the HR Bytes podcast, host Jay Polaki interviews Mary Williams, an HR influencer, about her journey within the HR field and the impact of technology on HR practices. Mary shares her insights on the evolution of HR, the role of AI and automation in improving work processes, and the importance of maintaining a human touch in a tech-driven environment. She provides practical examples of how AI can enhance HR functions, such as employee engagement and candidate review processes. The discussion also touches on the future of HR, challenges like burnout, and the importance of a proactive approach to change management. Mary offers valuable advice for HR professionals on adapting to new technologies and emphasizes the benefits of a hybrid work model. The episode concludes with Mary sharing her favorite HR resources and expressing her passion for giving back to the HR community.
Tune into more insightful #HRBytes at https://hrgeckos.com/podcast.html.
Reach Mary on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marykwilliams1743/
Mary’s HR Podcast recommendation: Cy Wakeman’s No Ego / Reality Based Leadership
Mary’s HR Playlist recommendation: Don’t Stop Believing (Journey)
Mary's LinkedIn Learning recommendation: LaurieRuettimann's courses
Give our work from anywhere Spotify HR Music Playlist, Geckos Grooves, a listen: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3cgLqXsUutUyfBha9ICNFT?si=06dd8ea87f0a4810
Visit #HRBytes' Web Home at https://hrgeckos.com/podcast.html
Copyright @HRGeckos 2026
Jay Polaki, Founder and CEO of HR Geckos (https://hrgeckos.com/), sits with Jon-Paul Ales-Barnicoat, CHRO at AliveCor, a global health tech startup, where, as CHRO, he set the stage for next-stage growth. We cover why AI is best used to enhance—not replace—your unique leadership voice, how to truly map career journeys with tech, and what it means to keep the “human” at the center of human resources. Jon-Paul’s take: “Use AI for qualification, not disqualification, and let recruiters build real relationships.” Plus, why Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” is the perfect soundtrack for change.
HR Bytes is powered by HR Geckos; check out our copilot for HR Operations at https://hrgeckos.com.
Tune into more insightful #HRBytes at https://hrgeckos.com/podcast.html.
Reach Jon-Paul AlesBarnicoat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonpaul/
Jon-Paul’s connection recommendations: Emel Kott
Jon-Paul’s HR Book recommendation: Zero to IPO by Frederic Kerrest
Jon-Paul’s HR Playlist recommendation: Shake it Off (Taylor Swift)
📣Give our work from anywhere Spotify HR Music Playlist, Geckos Grooves, a listen: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3cgLqXsUutUyfBha9ICNFT?si=06dd8ea87f0a4810
SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/7lijLCy4lnkCxrSg89uU4H?si=j8EktqZgSjC6hUJnYe7quQ
Visit #HRBytes' Web Home at https://hrgeckos.com/podcast.html
Copyright @HRGeckos 2025
Jay Polaki, Founder and CEO of HR Geckos (https://hrgeckos.com/), sits with Kandi Gongora—Chief Transformation and People Officer at Goodway Group and now CHRO at The Car Group, a visionary HR leader with over 20 years of global experience.
In this episode, Kandi shares a practical approach to embracing AI in HR: start with curiosity, experiment with small processes, and seek learning opportunities from mentors and digital forums.
Key takeaways:
HR Bytes is powered by HR Geckos; check out our copilot for HR Operations at https://hrgeckos.com.
Tune into more insightful #HRBytes at https://hrgeckos.com/podcast.html.
Kandi’s connection recommendations: Eva Feng
Kandi’s Podcast recommendation: The Ready
Kandi’s HR Playlist recommendation: Love Shack
Give our work from anywhere Spotify HR Music Playlist, Geckos Grooves, a listen: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3cgLqXsUutUyfBha9ICNFT?si=06dd8ea87f0a4810
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Visit #HRBytes' Web Home at https://hrgeckos.com/podcast.html
Copyright @HRGeckos 2025
Jay Polaki, Founder and CEO of HR Geckos (https://hrgeckos.com/), engages in a fascinating conversation with Margaret Ruvoldt. Margaret shares her excitement about the evolving role of AI and automation in HR. She emphasizes the importance of understanding AI fundamentals and encourages her team to utilize generative AI in everyday tasks to become familiar with its capabilities. Margaret discusses striking a balance between high-value human interactions and technological efficiencies, enabling her team to focus on more impactful work. She also provides insight into her role at Learn Behavioral, a company that offers autism services across 26 states. Margaret highlights the growing recognition of HR as a vital business driver and expresses her enthusiasm for working in a company that values people's function. She envisions a future where AI and automation are seamlessly integrated into HR practices, enhancing efficiency and the employee experience while maintaining meaningful human engagement.
HR Bytes is powered by HR Geckos; check out our copilot for HR Operations at https://hrgeckos.com.
Tune into more insightful #HRBytes at https://hrgeckos.com/podcast.html.
Give our work from anywhere Spotify HR Music Playlist, Geckos Grooves, a listen: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3cgLqXsUutUyfBha9ICNFT?si=06dd8ea87f0a4810
Visit #HRBytes' Web Home at https://hrgeckos.com/podcast.html
Copyright @HRGeckos 2025
Jay Polaki, Founder and CEO of HR Geckos (https://hrgeckos.com/), engages in a fascinating conversation with Geri Murphy. Geri shares insights into her journey into HR leadership, emphasizing the excitement and challenges of pioneering HR initiatives in a dynamic organization. She discusses her unexpected path to becoming Head of HR at Temporal, driven by the innovative vision of the company's first-time founders and managers. Reflecting on her role, Geri describes the transformative impact of leveraging past experiences to design impactful HR programs and influence organizational strategy. The conversation delves into the evolving role of AI and automation in HR, with Geri highlighting opportunities for HR leaders to lead workplace transformations through strategic AI adoption. She advocates for a balanced approach to integrating AI into HR practices, emphasizing the importance of preserving the human touch amidst technological advancements.
HR Bytes is powered by HR Geckos; check out our copilot for HR Operations at https://hrgeckos.com.
Tune into more insightful #HRBytes at https://hrgeckos.com/podcast.html.
Reach Jay on Social:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jpolaki/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JayPolaki/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jay.polaki/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@jay.polaki
Reach Geri Murphy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geraldinemurphy1/
Geri Murphy’s Connection Recommendations: Steph (Mosley) Den Beste
Geri Murphy’s Podcast Recommendation: HR Happy Hour
Geri Murphy’s Leaning Recommendation: Troop HR
Geri Murphy’s HR Playlist Recommendation: Don't Stop Believin’ by Journey. Also, any song by Maya Jane Coles
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Visit #HRBytes' Web Home at https://hrgeckos.com/podcast.html
Copyright @HRGeckos 2025
Jay Polaki, Founder and CEO of HR Geckos (https://hrgeckos.com/), engages in a fascinating conversation with Alena Reva. Alena highlighted the need for strategic thinking before adopting new technologies, stressing the importance of identifying specific pain points and selecting solutions that genuinely address them. Drawing from her experiences, she discussed successful implementations of automation tools like ATS, which significantly improved operational efficiencies and metrics within her organization. Alena acknowledged the potential challenges and opportunities ahead regarding the future of HR and AI. She expressed cautious optimism about AI's capabilities while advocating for a balanced approach that preserves human connection in HR practices.
HR Bytes is powered by HR Geckos; check out our copilot for HR Operations at https://hrgeckos.com.
Tune into more insightful #HRBytes at https://hrgeckos.com/podcast.html.
Jay Polaki, Founder and CEO of HR Geckos (https://hrgeckos.com/), engages in insightful conversations with Albert Loyola, a seasoned global consultant specializing in human capital and artificial intelligence. Albert Loyola discusses a strategic approach to integrating AI into HR processes, outlining four essential phases. First, organizations must prepare by raising awareness and conducting educational campaigns at all levels. Next, AI initiatives should be aligned with business objectives to define its role and identify key use cases. Assessing the current state involves evaluating existing HR capabilities to determine readiness for AI adoption. Finally, activating the plan entails implementing a strategic framework to effectively deploy AI within HR functions.
HR Bytes is powered by HR Geckos; check out our copilot for HR Operations at https://hrgeckos.com.
Follow us on Social:
Visit #HRBytes' Web Home at https://hrgeckos.com/podcast.html
Copyright @HRGeckos 2025
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