Cole Napper, FedEx’s Global Head of People Analytics, joined us to explore the real versus ideal roles of AI in HR and people analytics, focusing on practical application and real-world impact. Cole highlighted AI’s current limitations, especially the problem of “anti-productive work,” where technology demands extra effort rather than reducing it. His perspective emphasizes the need for critical thinking in analytics to ensure AI truly serves organizational goals.

Cole also talked about the structural improvements required to enhance data quality and discussed how people analytics teams need to evolve for AI to make a meaningful difference. His pragmatic vision challenges the hype surrounding AI and reframes it as a tool to support strategic decision-making rather than an all-encompassing solution.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

• Introducing our conversation with Cole Napper of FedEx [00:22] 
• Why AI should focus on productive work [02:10] 
• How specialized agents could reshape HR technology and analytics workflows [03:10] 
• Whether we are expecting too much from AI too soon in people analytics [07:00] 
• The disconnect between vendors’ AI promises and actual user experience [08:20] 
• Whether AI is driving value within organizations or merely adding costs [14:00] 
• Why critical thinking is a core skill for leveraging AI in people analytics [17:10] 
• The "Inquisitor and Change Agent" model and how it improves analytics impact [21:10] 
• How AI can evolve from repetitive data tasks to strategic roles [22:00] 
• Whether modular tools and specialized AI agents could be the future [41:30] 

Resources & People Mentioned

• Directionally Correct podcast by Cole Napper and Scott Hines
• "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho
• Nvidia

Connect with Cole Napper

• Cole Napper on LinkedIn

Connect With Red Thread Research

• Website: Red Thread Research
• On LinkedIn
• On Facebook
• On Twitter

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