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HR Bytes S5E3: Jay Polaki in conversation with Mary Williams
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.
Segments:
00:19 Mary Williams' HR Journey
01:33 The Evolution of HR and Technology
02:07 AI and Automation in HR
04:24 Practical Applications of AI in HR
05:32 Maintaining the Human Touch in HR
07:03 Future of HR and Technology
09:56 Advice for HR Practitioners
11:26 Question Connection Round
17:02 Conclusion and Farewell
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 Mary on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marykwilliams1743/
Mary’s connection recommendations: Cindy Murphy
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
Follow us on Social:
Web: https://hrgeckos.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hrgeckos/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hrgeckos
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hrgeckos/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hrgeckos/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@hrgeckos
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@hrgeckos?si=2stscRoCQ1W-NFib
SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/7lijLCy4lnkCxrSg89uU4H?si=j8EktqZgSjC6hUJnYe7quQ
Visit #HRBytes' Web Home at https://hrgeckos.com/podcast.html
Copyright @HRGeckos 2026
View all episodes
By Jay Polaki, Founder & CEO, HR Geckos
5
55 ratings
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.
Segments:
00:19 Mary Williams' HR Journey
01:33 The Evolution of HR and Technology
02:07 AI and Automation in HR
04:24 Practical Applications of AI in HR
05:32 Maintaining the Human Touch in HR
07:03 Future of HR and Technology
09:56 Advice for HR Practitioners
11:26 Question Connection Round
17:02 Conclusion and Farewell
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 Mary on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marykwilliams1743/
Mary’s connection recommendations: Cindy Murphy
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
Follow us on Social:
Web: https://hrgeckos.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hrgeckos/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hrgeckos
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hrgeckos/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hrgeckos/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@hrgeckos
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@hrgeckos?si=2stscRoCQ1W-NFib
SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/7lijLCy4lnkCxrSg89uU4H?si=j8EktqZgSjC6hUJnYe7quQ
Visit #HRBytes' Web Home at https://hrgeckos.com/podcast.html
Copyright @HRGeckos 2026