From Strategy to Reality: How HR Leaders Are Rebuilding Work in the AI Era

Session Description

While many organizations are laser-focused on implementing new AI tools, the true challenge—and the greatest competitive advantage over the next 2–3 years—lies in redesigning work itself. Today’s employees are expected to operate in an AI-enabled world, yet legacy job descriptions, competency models, and performance expectations lag far behind.

In this closing session, we will explore how HR leaders can transition from isolated AI pilots to sustainable workforce transformation. Building on Joe Bast’s opening keynote, this discussion provides a practical look at what happens when HR successfully claims the AI leadership seat—rather than being routed around by engineering.

Expect candid stories of what breaks first when small teams try to scale AI, the "wrong turns" to avoid, and before-and-after data proving that most HR "AI problems" are actually fundamental workflow problems.

Learning Objectives
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Learn how to embed AI directly into role design by clearly defining which responsibilities should be automated, augmented, or elevated.
• Discover how to use job architecture, skills frameworks, and talent strategies as primary vehicles for AI enablement.
• Strategies for building AI workflow optimization into core performance expectations.
• Practical steps for HR to lead human-AI collaboration strategy, even in tech-heavy environments.

Panelist: Nikhil Saukhla

Head of People & Operations at Rhaeos

Panelist: Kelly Pallanti

VP of Client Services at NorthstarPMO