The Josh Bersin Company

Gen AI has officially entered the mainstream, with nearly every major corporation utilizing it. Individual productivity is currently its main use, streamlining tasks like meeting summaries and document creation. However, enterprise adoption still faces challenges related to data quality. Multifunction agents promise higher returns, while centralized AI architecture is crucial to prevent chaos. The conversation shifts to job roles, as certain tasks may vanish, but new opportunities in data management and analytics are emerging. Embracing AI through experimentation is key for future success.

The discussion highlights the rapid transformation in business driven by AI adoption and a shift towards more creative job roles. Key insights include the rise of the 'Supermanager' who balances execution with innovation. New research reveals increasing optimism around AI's potential, while HR is urged to evolve from a cost center to a value driver. Additionally, the podcast explores the significant investments in AI infrastructure and the economic implications that the technology brings. Tune in to learn how these trends will reshape the workforce!

Hari Srinivasan, Vice President of Product at LinkedIn, shares his expertise in AI-powered hiring tools. He discusses the innovative LinkedIn Hiring Assistant, designed to improve the recruiting process by enhancing sourcing, messaging, and screening. Hari highlights measurable productivity gains, such as reduced time spent reviewing profiles and increased outreach response rates. He also explores the importance of skills-based hiring, internal mobility support, and the merging of various recruitment functions into one AI platform. His insights emphasize that recruiters' human touch remains irreplaceable.

Delve into the BBC study revealing that 45% of AI-generated news answers are incorrect, highlighting the troubling self-confidence of these systems. Discover the 'polluted corpus' problem, where bad data contaminates outputs. Explore the importance of data quality in corporate settings and learn essential AI thinking skills. Josh shares personal experiences with tools like OpenAI and urges critical thinking in interpreting AI results. He also stresses the need for human oversight to ensure accountability in decision-making.

Explore the intriguing landscape of AI business models and the intricate balance of accuracy and trust. Delve into the potential risks of ad-driven strategies while discovering Galileo's focus on quality data. Understand the new skills needed to navigate AI effectively, emphasizing debate and critical thinking. Uncover the importance of governance around AI and the responsibility users have in verifying outputs. Finally, appreciate the evolving nature of AI tools and the cautious optimism for their future in HR.

This discussion tackles common fears surrounding AI, debunking myths that it will steal jobs or outsmart us. It emphasizes the importance of data quality and human oversight to prevent errors. AI is framed as a tool that disrupts roles but also creates new opportunities, like data managers and AI trainers. The conversation highlights the enhancement of creative and analytical work with AI. It advocates for regulation, accountability, and the need for organizations to treat AI responsibly while urging individuals to embrace AI skills for future relevance.

Discover the emergence of the Supermanager role in the age of AI. Managers are now vital in driving transformation and innovation, redefining their functions amid technological advances. Everyday employees will be pivotal in developing AI tools, necessitating fresh management strategies. Learn about the essential capabilities of supermanagers, such as understanding AI and fostering employee growth. A robust management culture will differentiate successful businesses in AI adoption, making it clear that effective leaders are crucial for thriving in this new landscape.

The discussion dives into the rising trend of layoffs linked to AI transformation, exploring their complex implications for company culture and strategy. Comparisons of labor practices in Europe, the U.S., and Asia reveal how national norms shape workforce dynamics. The conversation challenges the notion that strict labor laws stifle innovation, and emphasizes that effective management—not just technology—is crucial for successful AI adoption. Insights on organizational redesign highlight companies that excel in adapting and the dangers of stagnation.

Patricia Frost, EVP and CHRO of Seagate, boasts 32 years in the U.S. Army, where she honed her crisis leadership and talent strategy skills. She discusses the transition from military to corporate leadership, emphasizing the value of upskilling existing employees over hiring anew. Patricia also advocates a 'leave no one behind' approach in AI, focusing on training and reducing anxiety surrounding technology. Her insights on middle management’s role and the importance of cross-functional collaboration reveal how modern HR can drive innovation and business success.

This week, the discussion dives into SAP's launch of AI agents, focusing on Joule as a pivotal tool for employees. The capacity for agents to communicate and collaborate enhances workflow integration significantly. Insights on labor costs and internal candidate identification highlight the operational benefits of SAP's AI capabilities. The podcast also explores how Joule serves as a development platform, promoting customization. Finally, the intriguing trend of an interconnected agent ecosystem is examined, showcasing SAP's commitment to evolving enterprise solutions.