Everyone is rushing into AI, but few teams are preparing their data well enough to truly benefit from it. This episode features a recorded session from Thrive 2025. Guest host Anthony Onesto, VP of Platform and Product Marketing at 15Five, sits down with Nelson Spencer, Founder & CEO of efora, to discuss the data foundations HR needs before bringing AI into daily work. Nelson explains how large language models function and how centralizing data can help HR shift from reactive reporting to forward-looking insights.

If you want AI to support faster decision-making and better performance outcomes, this session gives you a clear place to start.

Join us as we discuss: (00:00) Meet HR Superstar: Nelson Spencer (03:18) Large language models explained simply

(04:35) Why data quality matters for AI

(07:22) Bringing scattered HR data into one system

(13:48) The biggest mistake teams make with AI adoption

(19:10) Using AI for predictive insights

(21:23) First steps to build a strong data foundation

Resources:

For the entire interview, subscribe to HR Superstars on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube, or tune in on our website. Original podcast track produced by Entheo.

Listening on a desktop & can't see the links? Just search for HR Superstars in your favorite podcast player.

Hear Karina's thoughts on elevating your HR career by following her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinayoung11/

Download 15Five's HR Outcomes Playbook: https://www.15five.com/ebook/hr-outcomes-playbook-unlocking-the-true-business-value-of-hr/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2_2023_Podcast_CTAs&utm_content=HR

For more on maximizing employee performance, engagement, and retention, click here: https://www.15five.com/demo?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=Q2-Podcast-Ads&utm_content=Schedule-a-demo

Nelson Spencer's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nelsonspencer