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What if the real problem with AI is not the technology but how we are using it?
In this thought-provoking episode, with Dr. Rosa M. Colón-Kolacko, a leader in human-centered AI and organizational transformation, pulls back the curtain on why so many AI initiatives fail and what most organizations are getting wrong. With over 25 years of experience across healthcare, corporate, and academia, she challenges the obsession with “shiny” tools and cost-cutting strategies that often lead to burnout, disconnection, and lost human insight.
This conversation goes beyond tech. It is about people. Dr. Rosa explains why involving employees, providers, and communities from the very beginning is critical, especially in healthcare, and how ignoring this can create more harm than good. She also sheds light on the underrepresentation of women in AI and the real risks of bias being built into systems that shape hiring, pay, and opportunity. If you have ever wondered how to navigate AI without losing your humanity, or how women can lead in shaping a more ethical and equitable future, this episode will challenge your thinking and expand your perspective.
✨ About the Guest ✨
Dr. Rosa M. Colón-Kolacko is a global leader in organizational transformation, human-centered AI, and system based-driven innovation. Originally from Puerto Rico, she brings over 25 years of experience across healthcare, life sciences, academia, government, and corporate sectors, holding senior executive roles at Tufts Medicine, NYC Health + Hospitals, ChristianaCare, and Bristol Myers Squibb. As Founder and President of Global Equity and Learning Partners (GEL) and NeedsHuman, she champions inclusive leadership, workforce transformation, health equity and ethical AI design. Her work focuses on aligning technology with human needs and values, ensuring AI enhances, rather than replaces, human potential.
A respected academic and advisor, Dr. Colón-Kolacko continues to shape global conversations on the future of work, leadership, and innovation. Through her NeedHumans movement, she is redefining how organizations leverage AI—creating environments where people, technology, and purpose thrive together.
Rosa has held academic Professorship appointments at Bowling Green State University, Georgetown, the University of Delaware, and Thomas Jefferson University, currently Adjunct Professor at Tufts University School of Medicine and Visiting Researcher at the Center for Health and Business Department at Bentley University. and Affiliate of the University of Malta.
Rosa holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Development and Change, an MBA from Henley Business School, Brunel University (UK), a post graduate Marketing Diploma, University Certificates in Human Resources Executive, Diversity & Inclusion, Patient Professor and AI from Strategy to Implementation.
Rosa is incredibly involved in national, state, and global-level boards and associations. At the global level, as a member of the Future Talent Council to research and advance knowledge across industry and work, at a national level, the Center for Innovation and Value Research Public Policy Council, and at the state level, the Massachusetts Health Equity Compact, among others.
📢 Important Links 📢
Connect with our Guest:
Website: https://globalequitylearning.com/
Website: https://needhumans.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-equity-learning/
Email: [email protected]
Connect with Women Thrive Media:
Women Thrive Summit: https://womenthrivesummit.com/
Become a Guest on the Women Thrive Podcast: https://womenthrivemedia.com/podcasts
Women Thrive Book: https://womenthrivesummit.com/book/
Women Thrive Magazine: https://womenthrivemagazine.com/magazine/
➡️ Show Highlights
(01:40) Why AI projects fail: leadership readiness and poor human-centered design
(02:22) The “shiny object” problem vs real human needs
(04:10) Cost-cutting vs human impact: burnout and knowledge loss
(06:50) Women in AI: shocking statistics and representation gap
(08:40) Digital literacy over coding: making AI accessible for women
(12:00) AI bias: pay gaps and inequality risks
(17:10) Don’t wait for permission: create your own pathway into AI