In 2025, the HR landscape is already transforming–quickly. With AI moving from hype to reality, workforce cultures evolving, and organizations pausing to get their data and systems in order, leaders face both big opportunities and bigger decisions.

To truly make sense of it all, we sat down with Stacey Harris, Chief Research Officer at Sapient Insights Group, whose decades of experience as both a practitioner and industry analyst give her a grounded, data-backed perspective on what HR teams need to focus on right now.

From the rise of personalization and the cultural barriers blocking internal mobility to the critical role of managers and why workforce planning is finally having its moment, Stacey gave us a clear-eyed view of where HR is heading—and what’s holding it back.

She challenged us to think differently about what “engagement” truly means, the limitations of current AI applications, and why a company’s culture—not its tech—might be the biggest obstacle to success in 2025.

If you’re ready to make sense of this rapidly changing landscape and get practical advice on how to navigate the year ahead, Stacey’s insights are the perfect guide.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Intro [0:00]
Meeting Stacey Harris [4:26]
2025 Trends in HR Tech [7:08]
AI in HR: Hype vs. Reality [9:06]
The Data Problem and Internal Mobility Challenges [12:47]
Managers as Barriers and the Role of AI [18:00]
Rethinking Engagement and Personalization [23:54]
Workforce Planning’s Evolution [38:20]
Final Thoughts and Why Stacey Does the Work She Does [42:00]

Resources & People Mentioned

Sapient Insights Group – Sapient Insights Group Website
Sierra-Cedar HR Systems Survey
Lightcast

Connect with Stacey Harris

Connect on LinkedIn

Connect With Red Thread Research

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