The Josh Bersin Company

In a year dominated by AI, several critical human capital issues were overlooked. The rollback of DEI policies has serious workplace implications, while gender equity concerns faded into the background. Well-being also took a hit despite a decline in national happiness. The rush to adopt AI raises questions about productivity gains and socioeconomic disparities. Emphasizing reskilling and human-centered leadership will be vital as organizations adapt to these changes. A look ahead reveals the importance of addressing these soft issues in 2026.

The traditional online learning industry is in the midst of a radical transformation driven by AI, as highlighted by the recent Udemy-Coursera acquisition. This shift promises a future of personalized professional development, overshadowing the old courseware and publishing models. AI is not just disrupting; it’s reshaping how corporate training functions and how learners engage with content. With the emergence of dynamic learning platforms and personalized AI tutors, the landscape of skill acquisition is evolving rapidly. It’s an exciting time for HR and corporate leaders!

Discover the complex landscape of talent acquisition transformed by AI. Learn how recruitment varies across industries and the importance of data in revealing hidden candidate experiences. Josh explores the value of pre-hire assessments, collaborative hiring, and the significance of hiring for cultural fit. He highlights the challenge of bias in hiring practices and the need for continuous skill assessments in an AI-driven world. Finally, he positions talent acquisition as a key driver of company growth in the age of technology.

Tristram Gray, Chief People Officer at Kmart Australia, discusses innovative AI-driven hiring strategies that have transformed recruitment. He shares how Kmart processes hundreds of thousands of applications to hire 12,000 people each year, achieving a 73% reduction in time-to-hire. With mobile-first AI assessments focusing on culture and behaviors, candidate satisfaction soared to 90%. Tristram emphasizes ethical AI use, proactive recruiting, and the importance of personalized feedback, making a significant impact on diversity and retention in a large workforce.

The podcast dives into the intriguing dynamics of arrogance versus humility in business leadership. It covers how success can breed arrogance, leading to blind spots that hurt long-term growth. Listeners hear examples from iconic leaders like Gates and Nadella, highlighting lessons from their contrasting styles. The discussion also touches on the repercussions of big corporate bets, particularly Meta's recent write-off. Additionally, exciting insights are shared about upcoming research and innovative features designed to enhance leadership development through a new platform.

Recent research reveals that CHRO tenures have dropped 20% and that the role is predominantly held by women, yet they face pay disparities compared to other C-suite positions. As expectations rise, CHROs are now adopting responsibilities akin to Chief Transformation and Strategy Officers. The impact of AI is reshaping workforce dynamics and job redesign, while employee anxieties about automation challenge retention efforts. Moreover, the evolving HR landscape sees increased complexity and the need for CHROs to balance strategic roles with everyday HR functions.

Jane Hoskisson, Director of Talent at IATA, and Alina Aronberga, former SVP of HR for Air Baltic, delve into the booming aviation industry and its demand for diverse talent. They discuss the Global Aviation and Aerospace Skills Taskforce (GAAST), which outlines necessary competencies for various airline roles, especially as impacted by AI. With insights on regional skills gaps and the imperative of diversity in hiring practices, they emphasize how airlines can adopt the new skills model for sustainable growth and effective HR strategies.

Dive into the revolution of talent management in the AI era, highlighting the monumental paychecks for hyperperformers like Elon Musk. Explore how traditional performance ratings are outdated and why fitting a company culture greatly amplifies productivity. Discover the contrast between rigid job structures and the need for dynamic talent mobility. Lastly, learn about the concept of talent density—prioritizing continuous development, coaching, and treating employees as invaluable assets.

Delve into the economics of AI and the massive investments fueling its rise. Explore who’s funding the infrastructure boom, from private equity to tech giants. Learn about the competition risks of large language models and how pricing is evolving, reminiscent of Uber's journey. Discover the cost savings in learning and development, while anticipating the emergence of super apps by 2026. It's a critical analysis of the future landscape, including which AI vendors may struggle and what this means for HR leaders.

This discussion dives into AI's evolution from simple assistants to multifunctional Superagents that redefine enterprise productivity. The transformative power of digital twins and autonomous systems is explored, highlighting how they can optimize workflows and decision-making. The analogy of self-driving cars illustrates the shift in roles within organizations, particularly in HR. Insights into rethinking performance management and overcoming challenges in adoption promise to reshape corporate landscapes by 2026.