In this episode of the AI-evolution podcast, host Adriana O'Kain engages in a deep conversation with Jan Hutton, CEO of Australian Tourism Data Warehouse, and Ephraim Patrick, Partner at Mercer, about the transformative role of AI in business strategy and leadership. They discuss how AI has become central to strategic planning, the importance of fostering a culture of psychological safety for innovation, and the need for leaders to unlearn traditional mindsets to adapt to the rapidly changing landscape. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of curiosity, courage, and collaboration in navigating the complexities of AI adoption and the future of work.

In this episode of the AI Evolution Podcast, host Adriana O'Kain and guest Corina Lam discuss the evolving landscape of technology partnerships in the HR sector. They explore the challenges organizations face in selecting the right vendors, the importance of aligning technology with strategic goals, and the characteristics that define successful long-term partnerships. The conversation also touches on the significance of change management and the personal applications of AI in everyday life.

In this episode of the AI Evolution Podcast, Adriana O'Kain and Harry West discuss the evolving landscape of AI in HR, focusing on the transition from adoption to deployment. They explore the rapid increase in AI adoption, the challenges organizations face, and the critical mindset shift required for successful implementation. The conversation delves into the differences between deployment and implementation, the barriers to effective AI deployment, and the importance of having a clear strategy to navigate the complexities of integrating AI into existing systems.

Adriana O'Kain, Partner, AI Strategy & Innovation Leader at Mercer, speaks with Jaymin Kim, Managing Director, Emerging Technologies, at Marsh, about the intersection of emerging technologies and risk management. They explore the various types of AI, the lessons learned from past technological revolutions, and the unique aspects of the current AI revolution. The conversation delves into how organizations can navigate workforce changes, balance speed and responsibility in AI projects, and the practical applications of generative AI in both professional and personal contexts.

Summary

In this episode of the AI Evolution Podcast, Mercer's Adriana O'Kain and Alex Zea discuss the evolving landscape of digital transformation, particularly in the context of HR. They explore the rapid pace of change driven by technology and AI, the concept of 'transformation as a service', and the importance of a mindset shift in organizations. Alex shares insights on leveraging technology and data analytics to drive transformation, while also reflecting on personal experiences using AI in everyday life, particularly in parenting decisions.

In this episode of the AI Evolution Podcast, host Adriana O'Kain engages with experts Yvonne Sonsino, John Davies, and Kai Anderson to discuss the evolving landscape of globalization, supply chain resilience, and the role of AI in workforce management. The conversation highlights the challenges posed by demographic changes, the importance of transparency in supply chains, and innovative solutions that leverage AI technology to enhance operational efficiency and risk management. The experts share insights on how organizations can adapt to these changes and the personal applications of AI in their daily lives.

Takeaways

• Organizations need to revisit their assumptions about globalization.
• AI is crucial for balancing demographic changes and workforce needs.
• Supply chain complexity requires innovative technological solutions.
• Demographic changes are a significant pressure on labor markets.
• AI can enhance workforce management and operational efficiency.
• Real-time data can improve supply chain resilience.
• Companies must ensure good working conditions globally.
• Understanding supply chain risks is essential for business leaders.
• AI can help allocate skills and tasks effectively.
• Personal applications of AI can simplify daily challenges.

In this episode of the AI Evolution podcast, Adriana O'Kain speaks with Lisa Lyons about the transformative role of AI in the Middle East, particularly focusing on government initiatives, best practices in AI adoption, cultural factors influencing AI integration, and the impact of AI on jobs and skills. They also discuss personal experiences with generative AI tools and their potential to enhance productivity and creativity.

Takeaways

• Governments in the Middle East are leading AI initiatives.
• Saudi Arabia's Data and AI Authority is shaping the AI landscape.
• India has the highest global AI adoption rate at 83%.
• E& is pioneering AI projects with 900 initiatives underway.
• Cultural mindset is crucial for successful AI adoption.
• AI can enhance employee training and development.
• Understanding the 'why' behind AI is essential for organizations.
• Generative AI tools can simplify personal and professional tasks.
• Curiosity about AI drives higher adoption rates.
• AI avatars are being used for innovative training solutions.
• 
  

In this episode of the AI Evolution podcast, Adriana O'Kain and Ravin Jesuthasan discuss the transformative impact of AI on the workforce. They explore the shift from a technology-focused approach to a work-backwards strategy, emphasizing the importance of redesigning work to capture ROI. The conversation highlights the evolving role of HR in integrating AI solutions and the necessary mindset and skills for success in an AI-augmented world. Ravin shares insights on practical examples and the critical need for organizations to adapt to the changing landscape of work.

Takeaways

• Organizations must adopt a work-backwards approach to AI integration.
• Redesigning work can lead to significant ROI improvements.
• HR plays a crucial role in orchestrating AI and human collaboration.
• Mindset shifts are essential for embracing AI technologies.
• Skills development is critical for navigating the AI landscape.
• AI should be seen as a partner in the workforce, not just a tool.
• Continuous learning and adaptation are necessary in the AI era.
• Understanding elemental tasks is key to effective AI deployment.
• Organizations need to decouple growth from resource intensity.
• Curiosity and openness to change are vital for success.

In this episode of the AI Evolution podcast, Kristin Rhebergen and Jonathan Gordin discuss the transformative impact of AI on HR, particularly focusing on shared services. They explore the current state of HR automation, the role of generative AI, and how these technologies can enhance employee experience and drive cost efficiencies. The conversation emphasizes the importance of strategic implementation and the potential future of HR shared services in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Takeaways:

• 84% of HR leaders expect a shift towards automation.
• HR Shared Services is central to AI implementation.
• Generative AI is a new tool for HR automation.
• Transactional tasks should be automated for efficiency.
• Generative AI enhances employee experience and engagement.
• Cost efficiency is a primary concern for HR leaders.
• HR must lead organizational change effectively.
• Strategic goals should guide AI implementation in HR.
• The future of HR Shared Services is promising with AI.
• Starting small can lead to significant improvements.

In this episode, Adriana O'Kain and Jason Averbook discuss the transformative impact of AI on business and society. They explore the importance of mindset in adopting AI technologies, the shift towards human-centric skills, and the concept of human-machine teaming. The conversation also delves into the latest AI tools and their capabilities, as well as the future of work in 2025, emphasizing the need for continuous learning and adaptation in a rapidly changing landscape.

Takeaways

• AI is transforming how we solve problems today.
• Mindset is crucial for effectively using AI tools.
• Human-machine teaming is essential for optimal work performance.
• The demand for soft skills is increasing in the job market.
• Open-source AI tools are democratizing access to technology.
• The future of work will require a blend of human and machine capabilities.
• Continuous learning is necessary to keep up with AI advancements.
• AI can enhance human experiences and drive positive outcomes.
• Organizations must focus on empathy and understanding in their workforce.
• The journey towards AI adoption starts with a change in mindset.

In this episode of the AI-volution podcast, Jim Holincheck and Tara Cooper discuss the latest research findings on HR technology and its impact on the workforce. They explore the role of HR in facilitating AI adoption, the hesitance of employees to embrace new technology, and the trends in HR technology investments, particularly in generative AI. The conversation emphasizes the importance of HR leadership in communicating the benefits of technology to employees and the need for organizations to listen to their workforce's needs.

Takeaways

• HR technology forums provide valuable insights for practitioners.
• Research shows HR has significant influence over AI adoption.
• Only a small percentage of employees hear from HR about AI.
• HR leaders need to communicate more about technology.
• Digital natives are hesitant to adopt workplace technology.
• Employees need to see the value in new technology.
• Investment in generative AI is on the rise.
• Organizations should listen to employee needs when deploying tech.
• Ripping out existing technology is not a viable strategy.
• Community engagement is crucial for navigating HR tech trends.

Join our upcoming Generative AI and HR Technology forums: https://www.mercer.com/campaigns/transformation/hr-technology-hub-interest/

In this episode of the AI Evolution Podcast, Jason Averbook discusses the critical role of software implementation and how generative AI can enhance each phase of the process. He outlines five key areas of the Digital Equation of Success: Strategy, Activation, Deployment (+ Tech Implementation) and Betterment and emphasizes the importance of aligning technology with corporate and HR strategies. Averbook provides practical examples of how generative AI can assist in each phase, from creating a vision and readiness assessment to technical execution and continuous improvement. The conversation highlights the need for organizations to leverage AI to transform their software implementation processes into effective, strategic initiatives.

Takeaways

• Generative AI can align corporate and HR strategies.
• Activation involves preparing the organization for implementation.
• Deployment focuses on designing for user personas.
• Implementation includes technical execution and data migration.
• Continuous improvement is essential for software effectiveness.
• Generative AI can streamline readiness assessments.
• Testing brand perception can be enhanced with AI.
• Documentation and training can be simplified using AI.
• AI can help identify areas for better software adoption.
• The implementation process should be viewed as a loop, not a one-time event.

In this conversation, Ryan Malkes discusses the potential of generative AI, emphasizing that its value is a possibility rather than a guaranteed promise. He explores how organizations can leverage generative AI to expedite, enhance, and elevate work processes, but notes that many are only using it for low-impact tasks. Malkes highlights the importance of mindset, culture, and continuous learning in successfully adopting generative AI technologies. He advocates for a shift from traditional behaviors to more adaptive and collaborative approaches when working with AI tools.

Takeaways

• The value of generative AI is contingent on mindset, culture, and learning.
• Organizations are primarily using generative AI for low-value tasks.
• A shift in mindset is necessary to see transformational value from AI.
• Employees need to feel like participants in the AI deployment process.
• Work-life balance affects how employees utilize generative AI tools.
• Continuous learning is essential for effective AI adoption.
• Leadership must encourage experimentation with AI technologies.
• Generative AI should be viewed as an answer engine, not a search engine.
• Conversational querying is more effective than traditional search methods.
• Unlearning old behaviors is crucial for maximizing AI's potential.

In this episode of AI Evolution, Mercer's Mike Brennan and Harry West discuss the essential elements for deploying AI at scale within HR organizations. They explore the importance of mindset, people, processes, and technology in successfully integrating AI. The conversation emphasizes the need for a human-centric approach, the rethinking of traditional processes, and the significance of data management and governance in leveraging AI technologies effectively. The episode concludes with insights on the future of AI in HR and the importance of making the integration process enjoyable and engaging.

Takeaways

• AI deployment requires a beginner's mindset.

• Human-machine teaming enhances organizational efficiency.
• Rethinking processes is crucial for AI integration.
• Empathy in HR design is essential for success.
• Data quality directly impacts AI effectiveness.
• Governance around technology is often overlooked.
• Leverage existing technologies for better AI outcomes.
• AI can augment employee experiences significantly.
• Continuous feedback is vital for HR processes.
• AI should address organizational weaknesses.

In this episode, Mike Brennan discusses how AI is transforming HR and workforce data through enhanced analytics. He outlines the people analytics lifecycle, emphasizing the importance of data preparation, system integration, AI-enhanced insights, personalization, and continuous improvement. The conversation highlights the rapid adoption of AI in organizations and the need for a strategic approach to leverage its capabilities effectively.

Using AI to Unlock HR and Workforce Data

Takeaways:

• AI is revolutionizing HR data management.
• Data preparation and cleaning are crucial for effective analytics.
• System integration enhances data accessibility.
• AI provides predictive and prescriptive insights.
• Personalization improves employee engagement and satisfaction.
• Continuous improvement is essential for analytics practices.
• Educating teams about AI is the first step.
• Experimenting with AI tools leads to better outcomes.
• Aligning AI strategies with HR and IT is vital.
• Feedback loops enhance AI performance and personalization.

In this episode of the AI Evolution Podcast, Mercer's Adriana O'Kain and Jose Molina discuss the transformative impact of AI in the workplace, emphasizing the importance of education and immediate action for organizations. They explore the risks associated with AI deployment, the need for HR professionals to embrace AI as a thought partner, and the insights gained from the AI Essentials for HR course. The conversation highlights the urgency for organizations to adapt to the rapid advancements in AI technology while ensuring responsible and ethical use.

Takeaways:

• Education is critical for anything in our lives.
• We are in the midst of the most rapid technological advancement.
• Organizations have to act now because their employees have this access.
• The learning is more around how can I tackle this differently?
• If we get it wrong, we will exacerbate inequalities.
• Let's get it right and let's have HR lead that effort.
• We want to encourage, we want to educate, and we want to enable.
• AI is already being adopted.
• How can we make things better?
• The importance of a digital mindset for AI adoption.

In this episode, Mercer's Global HR Transformation COE, Emily Liddle, and Digital HR Strategist and Service Delivery Leader, Kristin Rhebergen, discuss the key themes and insights from the Gartner ReimagineHR Conference held in London. They explore the growing global audience, the importance of technology in enhancing employee experience, and the evolving role of HR in the age of AI. The conversation emphasizes the need for a strategic approach in HR, focusing on what makes organizations unique and how to effectively utilize technology to improve workforce experiences.

Takeaways:

• The Gartner Reimagine Conference showcased a diverse global audience.
• Technology should enhance the human experience in HR.
• HR must act as the steward of humanity in the workplace.
• A digital mindset is essential for HR's future.
• Identifying 'good vs. great' helps prioritize HR initiatives.
• Organizations should focus on integrating existing technologies.
• AI is a catalyst for change in the workplace.
• HR needs to deliver value for both employees and the business.
• Conferences like Gartner provide insights into future HR trends.
• Mercer plays a crucial role in guiding HR technology strategies.

In this episode, Mike Brennan, Partner & Digital HR & Technology Advisory Services Leader at Mercer, discusses the importance of cross-functional collaboration to create an enterprise AI vision.

Learn why you need to jumpstart development of your AI vision and strategy, and why it's important to remain agile and adaptable to potential disruptors.

Takeaways

• Cross-functional collaboration is crucial for creating an enterprise AI vision.
• Executive leadership, IT, HR, business stakeholders, legal and compliance, finance and procurement, and external constituents should be involved in the process.
• Strategic alignment with guiding principles and measures of success is important.
• Guiding principles may include data quality and management, integration with other systems, ethical and responsible use of AI, and changefulness.
• Success measures can vary widely and may include customer-related measures, innovation-related measures, operational efficiency measures, and measures related to the impact on the workforce and engagement.
• It is important to start developing an AI vision and strategy early and remain agile and adaptable to potential disruptors.

In this episode of AI-volution: Redefining HR, Harry West and Lynsey Hathcock, Principal Consultants in Mercer’s HR Next practice, discuss the implementation of AI in HR organizations. They explore how organizations can get started on their AI journeys, the key factors to consider on the journey, and the role of HR in driving the conversation. They also discuss the integration of AI into existing systems and processes, the potential impact on HR roles, and the importance of change management. West and Hathcock emphasize the need for a strategy, experimentation, and monitoring to ensure the successful deployment and sustainment of AI in HR.

Takeaways:

• HR organizations are increasingly interested in implementing AI technologies to improve their processes and enhance the employee experience.
• Getting started on the AI journey requires a clear strategy, considering factors such as governance, collaboration with IT, and identifying the areas where AI can have the most impact.
• Integrating AI into existing systems and processes can streamline workflows and improve efficiency.
• AI has the potential to transform HR roles, allowing HR professionals to focus on more strategic and value-added activities.
• Change management is crucial for the successful deployment of AI in HR, and organizations should continuously monitor and evaluate the impact of AI to ensure desired outcomes.

In this episode of AI-volution: Redefining HR, Mercer Global HR Transformation COE Leader, Emily Liddle, interviews Mercer Asia Regional HR Transformation Leader, Miriam Daucher, about the impact of AI in the APAC and Asia market. Daucher shares her insights on the trends and themes she has observed since AI has become more prevalent in her region. She highlights the diversity and cultural differences in Asia, as well as the varying levels of AI adoption and governance. Daucher also discusses specific examples of how AI is being leveraged in different countries, such as Japan's transformation of work models and China's unique AI solutions. She emphasizes the openness and ambition of Asian countries to embrace AI innovations. They conclude by discussing the opportunities and challenges of AI implementation in Southeast Asia and the importance of data protection and employee engagement.

Takeaways:

• Asia is a diverse region with varying levels of AI adoption and governance.
• Japan is undergoing a transformation in work models, moving from a lifetime employment contract to a job-based model.
• China has its own AI solutions and is open to embracing AI innovations.
• Southeast Asia is a major disruptor in the AI space, with countries like Indonesia and Malaysia leading the way.
• Data protection and employee engagement are important considerations in AI implementation.