Dr. Solange Charas, CEO and Founder of HCMoneyball,  Professor of Practice at Columbia University, and author of Humanizing Human Capital, discusses how human capital analytics ensures an efficient, productive, and, yes, “human-centric” workforce. We discuss the four “D’s” disrupting the workplace: Demographics, Digitization, Datafication, and Disintermediation. We also discuss Strategic Workforce Planning and how it aligns HR, Finance, and Governance….and how AI can make us smarter and better. She also gives us insights into the practical benefits of her recent promotion to full professor at Columbia - in case any of you are weighing the pros/cons of a similar gig at a major university near you. 

HR professionals don’t know what to make of AI.  Almost half of those surveyed by HR.com have “super high” expectations - “AI will give me super powers” - and about as many have major concerns, from legal risk to bias. Mark Vickers, HR.com’s Chief Research Analyst & Data Wrangler, joins us to talk about “AI’s Bumpy Ascent in HR,” his recent presentation on AI awareness and adoption among HR professionals, based on data gathered from 18 months of surveys. We discuss their findings regarding AI and Talent Acquisition, Learning, Performance Management, and Engagement & Experience.  We also discuss the implications of a study showing that recruiters using low-quality AI became more engaged with the AI, allowing it to augment - vs. substitute for - their efforts, producing a better outcome. As a bonus, if you listen carefully near the fifteen-minute mark, Mark almost stumbles into a classic line from Taxi Driver: "One of these days I’m gonna get organizized.” 

We know how vital learning and upskilling will continue to be as AI transforms work - the question is:  why are soft skills so key, and how can we ensure that the resources we use for learning are accessible, fair, and effective?  Ioanna Onasi, co-founder & CEO of Dextego, an autonomous sales coaching platform, can legitimately claim to be a grizzled entrepreneur before reaching thirty. Indeed, one of her missions is to share her insights to help fellow Gen Z and under-represented founders accelerate their entrepreneurial journeys - several of which she shares with us on this podcast.  Along the way, Ioanna provided us with an exceptionally accurate and concise description of what it takes to be a successful founder/leader, premised as it is on continuous learning: “recognize patterns, iterate…be resilient.” We also spoke about the importance of learning and developing soft skills in the age of AI…with bonus restaurant tips for those who enjoy quality Greek food.  

Dr. Mark Attridge, President of Attridge Consulting, Inc. ,  a prominent research and analyst firm that focuses on workplace mental health and employee assistance programs, discusses the findings of their recent study (free download) examining the relative efficacy of three different EAP delivery modalities:  in-person (worksite or offsite),  human via some technology channel (phone, online video, text/email) and AI only (self-care with digital tools and no counselor or coach involved). Mark provides a wealth of insight into the future of EAP and mental health delivery in the age of AI. 

With over 25 years of experience as a management-side employment and labor attorney, Jon Hyman,  helps businesses strategically, proactively, and reactively solve their workforce problems. As leader of the Employment & Labor Practice Group at Wickens Herzer Panza, Jon provides practical and strategic advice on a range of employment, labor law, and  workplace technology issues. He also founded and leads the Craft Beer Practice Group at WHP – a pressing topic we explore before digging into what organizations need to do – and think about – in developing an AI governance strategy. Is there a blueprint for evaluating AI risk? What should organizations be most concerned about and prepare for? What challenges loom on the horizon?  Jon lays it all out.  

Matt Burns has been an HR executive leading major change initiatives, a strategy consultant and industry analyst, a serial entrepreneur, as well as a podcast host and producer - he currently hosts and produces the Thinking Inside the Box podcast. He is also a co-founder of Atlas Copilot, whose mission is to transform the way HR professionals, teams, and other people leaders do their work, leveraging the latest in generative AI technology.  Now boarding…

On our maiden AIX Factor podcast we introduce Michael Piker, who will be a recurring co-host. Michael has worked and lived in 9, count 'em 9 countries - currently he’s based in London, but his bags and two chihuahuas are packed and awaiting imminent arrival in Japan, his fourth time working and living there. Michael shares his international perspective on navigating change, different work cultures, and today’s world of AI-augmented work. It was a fun, illuminating and wide-ranging conversation - capturing the kind of exchanges we look forward to having on the AIX Factor. Thanks for listening!  For more, go to AIXonHR.com.  

The pod introduces the AIX platform (developed in partnership with HR.com): a learning community to provide peer and expert guidance and support in navigating the world of AI-augmented work. We get into the defining characteristics of responsible AI, why it's essential, and why you should care! Future pods will feature diverse perspectives on AI and its impact on - and implications for - the "new" future of work. Join us!