In this episode I'm joined by Charlie Voller Barnes to discuss the intersection of human performance and AI, exploring the challenges organisations face in adopting AI technologies. We delve into the importance of clarity in goals, the role of people in transformation, and the necessity of continuous feedback and experimentation.

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 Introduction to Human Performance and AI
• 00:02:03 The State of AI in Business
• 00:05:05 Understanding Transformation Failures
• 00:08:41 The Role of People in Transformation
• 00:13:31 Experimentation and Incremental Change
• 00:19:31 Communicating Change Effectively
• 00:30:03 Top Tips for Implementing AI Products

Connect with Charlie - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cvollerbarnes/

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Connect with The host - Ben Stocken :https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

In this week's Human Loop I discuss the evolving landscape of leadership in 2026, emphasising the critical role of AI and the necessity for leaders to adapt their strategies. I highlights the importance of human skills, trust, and purpose in driving organisational performance, while also addressing the challenges posed by skill gaps in the workforce.

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Chapters:

• 00:00:00 The State of Leadership in 2026
• 00:02:27 Strategic Leadership as a Core Skill
• 00:04:22 The Importance of Human Skills and Trust
• 00:07:16 Closing the Gap Between Tech and Human Capability

Studies Mentioned:

Story 1: UK business investment in AI and training
https://www.lloydsbankinggroup.com/assets/pdfs/media/press-releases/2025-press-releases/lloyds-bank/31.12.2025-lloyds-new-year-flash-business-barometer.pdf 

Story 2: Survey coverage & additional context
https://www.lloydsbank.com/business/resource-centre/insight/business-barometer.html 

Story 3: Skills gaps & transformation barriers
World Economic Forum summary on skills gaps and upskilling priorities
https://gloat.com/blog/ai-employment-impact/ 

Story 4: AI in the workplace & skills obsolescence
https://www.secondtalent.com/resources/future-of-workplace-statistics-that-are-important-to-know/

Connect with The host - Ben Stocken
https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken/

In this week's episode of The Human Loop, Agni and I discuss the importance of authenticity in leadership and recruitment, the role of honesty in attracting talent, and the impact of AI on the recruitment process.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 Leadership Failures and Authenticity
• 00:03:04 The Role of Honesty in Recruitment
• 00:06:04 Speed to Hire: Strategies for Success
• 00:08:45 AI Adoption in Recruitment
• 00:11:45 The Future of AI in Staffing
• 00:14:35 Human vs AI in Recruitment
• 00:17:41 Building Trust in Recruitment
• 00:20:44 The Importance of Relationships
• 00:23:48 Differentiating in a Crowded Market
• 00:26:47 Leadership Metrics: Sacrifice and Challenge
• 00:29:41 Meaningful Work and Team Success

Connect with Agni https://www.linkedin.com/in/agnighosh

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Connect with The host - Ben Stocken :https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken

In this weekly loop I discuss the latest research and trends in human performance, AI integration in business, employee engagement, and the challenges of burnout.

We highlight the significant use of AI in organizations, the concerning decline in employee engagement, and the critical need for effective communication and support for managers and employees to combat burnout and enhance productivity.

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Chapters:

• 00:00:00 The Rise of AI in Business
• 00:02:47 Employee Engagement Trends
• 00:06:07 The Burnout Crisis
• 00:08:55 AI Training and HR Integration
• 00:11:48 Leadership and AI Strategy Disconnect
• 00:15:02 Key Takeaways and Future Focus

Studies Mentioned:

Story 1: The AI Value Gap

"The State of AI 2025: Agents, innovation, and transformation"
Source: McKinsey & Company
URL: https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/quantumblack/our-insights/the-state-of-ai

Story 2: Manager Engagement Crisis

"State of the Global Workplace 2025"
Source: Gallup
URL: https://www.gallup.com/workplace/state-of-global-workplace

Story 3: Burnout at All-Time High

"Workforce Trends 2026: Leaders Confront Burnout, Disengagement, and AI-Driven Change"
Source: DHR Global
URL: https://huntscanlon.com/workforce-trends-2026-leaders-confront-burnout-disengagement-and-ai-driven-change/

Story 4: The AI Training Gap

"2025 Talent Trends: Artificial Intelligence in HR"
Source: SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management)
Published: February 2025
URL: https://www.shrm.org/topics-tools/research/2025-talent-trends/ai-in-hr

Story 5: The AI Strategy Illusion

"Workforce 2025 Global Insights Report"
Source: Korn Ferry
URL: https://www.kornferry.com/about-us/press/korn-ferry-reveals-workforce-2025-research
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Connect with The host - Ben Stocken
https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken/

In this episode of the Human Loop I sit down with Mizan Rahman, co-founder of Emerge IQ and an OG of the Ai space.
We discuss the evolution of AI, the importance of human synthesis in technology, and the ethical considerations surrounding AI's role in society.

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 Introduction to AI and Human Performance
• 00:02:30 Exploring Human Synthesis in AI
• 00:12:38 The Ethics of AI and Human Interaction
• 00:21:53 AI's Impact on Leadership and Organizational Change
• 00:43:08 Empowering Organizations through the Human Loop

Connect with Miz - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mizan-rahman

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Connect with The host - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benstocken/

In this week's loop I talk about how AI, leadership, and workplace innovation all connect. I explain that AI tools can be helpful, but the real challenge is building strong leadership, because that’s what actually drives meaningful change in an organization. I share five stories that show how HR is starting to focus more on developing leaders, why workplace innovation matters, the hurdles companies face when adopting AI, and the rising issue of employee burnout. In the end, my main point is that if organizations want better productivity and more engaged employees, they need to invest in their leaders.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to The Human Loop and AI in Leadership

00:59 Workplace Innovation: The Role of Leadership

03:24 Leadership Development: A New Priority for HR

05:45 The AI Silicon Ceiling: Bridging the Gap

07:43 CEOs and Social Media: A Strategic Retreat

09:39 The Burnout Engagement Paradox

12:27 Conclusion: Leadership as the Bottleneck

Studies Mentioned:

Story 1: Workplace Innovation

Story 2: Leadership Development #1 Priority

Story 3: The AI Silicon Ceiling

Story 4: CEOs Going Quiet

Story 5: Burnout-Engagement Paradox

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Connect with The host - Ben Stocken