AI+HI Project (SHRM)

Host Alex Alonso engages with Hilke Schellmann—Emmy-winning reporter, NYU professor, and author of “The Algorithm”—in a critical discussion on the ethical implications of integrating AI into HR practices. The conversation underscores the urgent need for transparency, accountability, and regulation in AI-driven recruitment and performance management. Schellmann highlights how AI tools, while promising efficiency and cost savings, can inadvertently perpetuate bias and discrimination if not properly monitored and validated. The dialogue reveals a disconnect between job seekers' awareness of AI's role in recruitment and the employers' understanding of these tools' inner workings. The episode calls for a collective effort to establish ethical standards, emphasizing the importance of explainability and transparency to protect marginalized groups and ensure fair hiring practices.

Episode transcript

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From AI acting as your “coworker” to sparking team imagination and adaptability, Sam Ransbotham, professor of analytics at Boston College, explores the impact of AI tools in the workplace. Discover why Ransbotham says, “The first day is the worst day for AI…[but] it’s going to improve. The idea of machine learning is exactly that: learning.”

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This week, join host Nichol Bradford and Kathy Pham, vice president of AI and machine learning at Workday, as they explore the profound societal impact and workplace innovation made possible by responsible AI. Gain actionable insights into building ethical AI systems, fostering collaboration across disciplines, and creating inclusive frameworks that benefit all.

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Harvey Singh, founder and CEO of Instancy, shares with host Nichol Bradford how AI agents will revolutionize e-learning and HR. Singh envisions a future where these AI assistants can help automate tasks and personalize learning across organizations—as well as empower employees by reinventing traditional roles.

Episode transcript

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Join host Nichol Bradford and Brandon Roberts, GVP of People Analytics and AI at ServiceNow, as they discuss how to leverage AI to transform talent management, enhance employee experiences, and free up HR leaders for high-value, strategic work. Learn firsthand how AI is unlocking creativity and innovation, while ensuring ethical and sustainable implementation.

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AI alone is not a value proposition; it’s about solving real workforce problems and creating meaningful impact.” Hadeel Al-Tashi, head of SHRM Labs, breaks down what it takes to drive true innovation in HR. Discover insights into SHRM’s Workplace Tech Accelerator, challenges faced by HR tech startups, and how technology can transform the future of work.

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This week, host Nichol Bradford connects with Jolen Anderson, chief people and community officer at BetterUp, to discuss how the power of AI, data, and humans—with coaching intervention—are driving performance within the workplace. Explore the game-changing ideas behind making coaching accessible, creating cultures rooted in empathy and resilience, and blending cutting-edge technology with deeply human connection.

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Pattie Maes, professor of media arts and sciences at the MIT Media Lab, emphatically states that “AI should amplify people, not replace them. I'm more interested in enabling people to become smarter rather than teaching machines to become smarter.” Explore how AI can drive human creativity, why over-reliance is dangerous, and why rethinking workplace processes is critical for innovation.

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Explore the intersection of AI, deepfakes, and workplace dynamics with host Nichol Bradford and machine learning expert, business leader, and entrepreneur Tim Hwang. Senior leaders and HR executives can learn how to prepare for the challenges of AI-driven disinformation, build trust in an era of synthetic media, and develop agile response strategies. Discover why the future of workplace integrity may depend less on technology detection and more on fostering human connections and open communication across your organization.

Episode transcript

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Nichol Bradford sits down with Paula Goldman, chief ethical and humane use officer at Salesforce, to discuss creating AI that upholds human values. Explore how ethical frameworks in AI can enhance workplace interactions, foster trust, and shape a responsible future for tech.

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HR veteran Karl Ahlrichs—human capital consultant and risk management expert—joins host Nichol Bradford to discuss why critical thinking is essential as AI transforms the workplace. Learn how human decision factors can prevent AI overreliance, improve hiring outcomes, and prepare managers for high-performing teams. Ahlrichs offers practical strategies for balancing AI's analytical power with human creativity and emotional intelligence—a crucial equilibrium for HR's future where AI becomes invisible, but human skills remain indispensable.

Episode transcript

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According to Michael Platt, director of the Wharton Neuroscience Initiative, “understanding the rules our brains live by can help us make better decisions.” From harnessing brain science for designing smarter AI systems to fostering team synchronization for innovation, discover actionable insights for developing adaptive, future-ready leaders.

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Host Nichol Bradford is joined by Xavier de Souza Briggs and Molly Kinder, a senior fellow and fellow, respectively, at The Brookings Institution, as they unpack the "Great Mismatch"—the critical gap between AI-vulnerable jobs and fair worker representation. They explore the role of trust in AI adoption, the challenges of creating equity in a rapidly evolving economy, and practical strategies to empower workers for a more inclusive future.

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Melissa Daimler, chief learning officer at Udemy, joins host Nichol Bradford to discuss the importance of systems thinking, building learning functions, and adapting company culture to embrace AI. Discover how “reculturing” can aid in effectively implementing AI, with a focus on personalized learning and cross-functional collaboration.

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Scott Horn, CEO of ACI Learning, speaks with host Alex Alonso about how AI is helping organizations reshape upskilling, grow talent, and close skill gaps.

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In this episode, host Nichol Bradford and Karie Willyerd, chief customer strategy officer at GP Strategies, explore the core elements of an AI-enabled corporate learning strategy that keeps humans at the center. Willyerd shares her perspective on how AI will shape traditional competency frameworks and career pathing, impact L&D cohort management and learner support, and change the balance between standardized learning and personalized development.

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In this week’s episode, Kari Naimon, the founder of AixHR, shares straightforward, actionable advice for optimizing your HR through strategic integration of AI. As she tells host Nichol Bradford, “Oftentimes, my clients think you can only use AI in talent acquisition. But you can also use it in performance management, talent management, goal setting, employee surveys, employee engagements, succession planning... In every area of the employee life cycle under the HR umbrella, you can easily apply AI to help you be more productive.”

Episode transcript

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Host Alex Alonso is joined by Alex Haitoglou, founder and CEO of Ovita, to discuss AI's role in mastering critical communication skills and its potential to transform leadership. Gain unique insights into using AI tools to measure, enhance, and apply behavioral skills at scale, ensuring lasting impact in the workplace. 

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Host Nichol Bradford chats with Tina Jones, senior vice president of global HR at Cadence Design Systems, on championing diversity in AI. Explore the transformative Fem.AI initiative—emphasizing the importance of highlighting underrepresented voices in the AI workforce—and understand HR’s pivotal role in fostering equity and building inclusive, AI compatible cultures.

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On his third day in office, President Trump issued an EO titled “Removing Barriers to American Leadership in AI,” replacing former President Biden’s 2023 EO on AI. So, what do these changes mean for the future of HR and business? Host Alex Alonso dives into the details with Rachel See, senior counsel at Seyfarth Shaw, and Ben Eubanks, chief research officer at Lighthouse Research. Together, they explore the intersection of competitive innovation and workforce protections. The conversation also sheds light on the administration’s stance, which argues its AI policies will empower American industry and result in job creation.

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Discover how growth cultures can redefine your organization’s approach to AI. Host Nichol Bradford and Mary C. Murphy, CEO of Equity Accelerator, share key insights on moving beyond fixed mindsets to implement dynamic, growth-driven leadership. From psychological studies to real-world implementations, Murphy provides actionable strategies for leaders to foster innovation, empower teams, and deliver meaningful results.

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Nichol Bradford interviews Sean White, CEO of Inflection AI—one of only eight LLM class AIs globally—on creating AI that enhances human capabilities. Learn how to implement empathetic AI solutions that revolutionize workplace collaboration while maintaining authenticity and ethical considerations in an evolving technological landscape.

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Nichol Bradford, SHRM’s executive-in-residence for AI+HI, sits down with Microsoft’s Christopher J. Fernandez to discuss the company’s innovative approach to AI in HR. Learn about Microsoft’s intriguing 18-month journey as “customer zero” and the unique three-step process they followed that could improve the odds of success for your organization’s AI reinvention.

Episode transcript

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Host Nichol Bradford is joined by Nicole Sahin—founder and CEO at G-P, a global growth platform—to discuss how AI is transforming workforce management. Discover how AI can simplify HR complexities across geographies, from onboarding to cross-cultural communication. Plus, Sahin shares her tips on how to encourage AI adoption within your workforce.

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Host Nichol Bradford sits down with Hamet Watt, CEO of Share Ventures and Co-Founder of Instill, to discuss how AI-driven culture measurement can redefine leadership, enhance human-centered workplaces, and shape the future of work. Learn why organizations must embrace new metrics and prepare for cultural shifts in an AI-augmented workplace.

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Host Alex Alonso interviews Adam Jackson, founder and CEO of Braintrust, a company that recently launched an AI-based recruiting platform. Discover how talent acquisition networks powered by AI are poised to revolutionize hiring with the promise of more efficiently and effectively connecting employers with the right candidates for the job.

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Nichol Bradford is joined by Michael C. Bush, CEO of Great Place To Work, as he shares his expertise on the critical role of trust in workplace transformation and AI integration. Gain practical insights into fostering inclusivity, empowering employees, and navigating change while strengthening leadership and building thriving, high-trust organizational cultures equipped for the future.

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Kelly Monahan, managing director of the Research Institute at Upwork, discusses the transformative impact of AI on workplace dynamics with host Nichol Bradford. Explore the disconnect between executive expectations and employee readiness, the crucial role of human-centered leadership, and the need to redefine productivity metrics. Learn why organizations must prioritize learning, adaptability, and ethical considerations to successfully integrate AI in this rapidly evolving landscape.

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Go behind the scenes to learn how Walmart is leveraging AI to enhance the employee experience for over 2.1 million associates worldwide. “Through the use of AI, you can actually focus on the humanity piece, and lift that up.” Maren Waggoner, senior vice president of global tech and corporate functions people at Walmart, shares how tools like generative AI-powered My Assistant are streamlining operations, boosting creativity, and fostering human connection at the retail giant.

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Host Nichol Bradford sits down with Andy Biladeau, SHRM’s chief transformation officer, to explore how AI is reshaping change management. Discover how organizations must rethink leadership, drive AI-powered transformation, and redefine productivity. Learn why HR’s role in AI initiatives is critical to help organizations shift from efficiency to growth and innovation.

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Salim Ismail, international bestselling author and founder of OpenExO, states that “exponential growth isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity in today’s rapidly changing landscape.” Discover how your business can harness AI, foster cultural transformation, and implement innovative strategies inspired by companies scaling at the same high speed as technology. 

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