AI isn't just a technology revolution—it's a people and talent revolution. AI could transform businesses at every level, but many HR and TA teams are still on the sidelines. The reality is that AI adoption, workforce transformation, and enterprise strategy aren't just IT or executive priorities—they're fundamentally people challenges. So, how are CPOs and CHROs currently thinking, and what should they do to shape the future? Keep listening to find out.

AI is already reshaping how businesses operate, creating new opportunities and new risks. However, many HR & TA leaders are still treating AI as an operational tool rather than what it truly is: a strategic driver of workforce transformation. AI is redefining jobs, skills, and ways of working at an unprecedented pace, and organizations that fail to integrate HR into their AI strategy risk falling behind.

At the same time, the talent market remains unpredictable, employee movement is slowing, and retention is more critical than ever. While some companies are racing to adapt, others are taking a wait-and-see approach. But as we've seen before, hesitation in times of change comes with consequences.

HR and talent leaders have a rare opportunity to step up not just to improve hiring but also to influence enterprise-wide strategy.

My guest this week is Laura Coccaro, Chief People Officer at iCIMS. With access to one of the world's most comprehensive hiring data sets, Laura has a unique perspective on the intersection of AI, talent, and business strategy. In our conversation, we discuss why HR must take ownership of AI's impact on the workforce, how businesses can future-proof their talent strategies, and what talent leaders need to do now to stay ahead of the curve.

In the interview, we discuss:

How CPOs are thinking about 2025

Managing risk around talent availability, attrition, and retention

Balancing technology and humans to optimize the employee and candidate experience

HR's role in enterprise AI strategy

Why AI equals people transformation

How skills are shifting

Thinking differently about how the work gets done

How much will things change in the next 18 to 24 months?

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Bruce Johnson / Mountain Safety Research (MSR) & Larry Penberthy | History of Gear