AI, Human Connection, and the Future of Work

In this episode our guests, Urs Koenig, author and Swiss Military Veteran, and Eric J. Rodriguez, Podcaster, and CEO of Global Change Maker, LLC, took time out of their busy schedule preparing for their Keynote presentations at the Lake Washington HR Association Conference 2024, to delves into the evolving relationship between AI, human connection, and leadership.

Our guests offer insights from both human and leadership perspectives that artificial intelligence (AI) technology are not as scary as it is hyped up to be the industry and social media; it will NOT to take over the world, yet. They discuss how organizations can embrace AI without losing their human touch and what the future holds for the American workforce.

We explore AI’s role in decision-making, creativity, and business strategy while emphasizing the irreplaceable value of human connection in leadership and collaboration. Eric expands on his thought: “I think as the world becomes more digitized, it gives us more opportunity to be more human,” highlighting how technology, rather than replacing human interaction, can amplify it.

Urs builds on this idea, emphasizing that while AI is becoming more powerful and widely adopted, human connection remains essential. “We’re not the smartest anymore—supercomputers can replace analysts—but the human connection and leadership relational, at least in the foreseeable future, is not something AI can replicate. That’s where our competitive advantage lies as leaders—bringing people together.” He also ties this into the return-to-office conversation, pointing out that if leaders are bringing people back, it should be to foster connection and collaboration that couldn’t happen remotely.

Additionally, we touch on the democratization of technology and why, in an increasingly digital world, human experiences have become the ultimate premium.

Join us for a powerful discussion on striking the balance between AI’s capabilities and the enduring necessity of human connection. 🚀✨

Cultivating Connection: HR, AI, and the Garden Mindset

In this episode of When Worlds Unite: HR & AI, Alexander-Ali Dalipi sits down with Anastasia Branco, a Talent & Business Strategist, Human Resources Leader, Keynote Speaker, and known as the The GardenHR for being the “gardener” of organizations. They explore how gardening serves as a perfect metaphor for team growth, leadership, and workplace culture. Anastasia shares her 30 years’ experience in organizations, leadership, and  human resources with getting dirty out in the garden.

The conversation expands into the evolving relationship between humans and technology, diving into AI’s role in HR, recruiting, and team building. Can technology enhance—but never replace—the human connection? What are the risks of integrating AI into business operations? And how do small and mid-sized businesses navigate the impact of automation and social media on human interaction?

Alex and Anastasia tackle the ethical dilemmas of AI in the workplace, from intellectual property concerns to the balance between automation and soft skills. They break down the hype, expose the risks, and discuss what leaders need to know to stay ahead as AI advances faster than policies can keep up.

Along the way, expect a fun detour into farm fashion, AI in customer service, and what it truly means to cultivate a thriving workplace.

🌿🎙️ Tune in for insights, laughter, and unconventional wisdom on the future of HR, AI, and leadership!

The 10 K’s of Personal Brand Development and Using AI: A Podcast with Kaplan Mobray

In this episode of When Worlds Unite: HR & AI, Alexander-Ali Dalipi sit down with the incredible Kaplan —keynote speaker, consultant, and author of The 10Ks of Personal Branding. Kaplan shares his expertise on how businesses can strategically utilize AI while preserving the essential human connection that drives leadership, self-branding, and marketing success.

This thought-provoking episode takes you to the intersection of artificial intelligence, personal accountability, and the transformative power of optimism for personal brand development. Kaplan discusses the AI, such as OpenAI ChatGPT or Google’s Gemini as integral tools for success, that provides advanced assistance, not a replacement. Together, they analyzed the importance of embracing challenges, finding opportunities in uncertainty, and living life “by decision, not by default.”

Whether you’re a leader navigating technological change or someone seeking actionable wisdom to reframe your mindset, this conversation will inspire you to embrace possibilities—even in the face of the impossible.

✨ Don’t miss this insightful conversation! Tune in to hear Kaplan Mobray share optimism, actionable wisdom, and strategies for integrating AI with human connection.

HR, Payroll, and the Future of our Profession with #AI: A Journey Through History with Joanne Avallone

In this minisode, Alexander-Ali sits down with Joanne, a payroll industry veteran with over 40 years of experience, as she shares her personal journey across four (4) decades of technology evolution. Joanne reflects on all the incredible advancements in the industry—from manual processes and data tapes to streaming and the cloud!

Tune in to hear all the amazing milestones from her perspective and see the world change through her eyes.

Join us for a nostalgic look at payroll’s history, guided by someone who’s lived through it all!

In this episode of When Worlds Unite: HR & AI, Alexander-Ali Dalipi sits down with Holly Morrone, a seasoned HR leader with a unique blend of expertise in organizational psychology, executive coaching, and business strategy. As the VP of HR at a legacy engineering firm, Holly has been at the forefront of transformative HR practices, shaping a workplace that emphasizes both human connection and technological innovation.

Together, Alexander and Holly explore the evolving role of AI in the workplace, diving into topics such as the impact of automation on traditional roles, the ethical challenges of AI-driven HR tasks, and the importance of balancing technology with empathy. Holly shares her vision for a future where HR not only embraces AI to streamline operations but also reinforces the essential human elements that foster trust, morale, and employee engagement. Together, they offer valuable insights for HR professionals, business leaders, and anyone interested in the intersection of people, tech, and work.

Join us as Holly unpacks the fascinating paradox of HR, straddling tradition and innovation, and learn why human connection remains at the heart of any successful workplace transformation.

Empathy, Authenticity and AI: Transforming Corporate Culture

The first episode of When Worlds Unite: HR & AI features a compelling discussion with Scott Prendergast, an acclaimed author, speaker, and mental health advocate. Hosted by Alexander-Ali Dalipi, this episode explores the critical intersection of mental health and the modern workplace, especially in the context of AI and evolving HR practices.

Scott shares his unique perspective on maintaining authenticity in corporate settings, the impact of remote work on employee well-being, and the ethical considerations surrounding AI’s involvement in mental health. The conversation highlights the importance of empathy and human connection in today’s digital world. This episode is a must-listen for HR professionals, business leaders, and anyone interested in the future of work and well-being.