HR Tech & the AI Disruption

Ever battled the wild vibes of the Vegas Strip just for a work event? Well, I recently braved that madness for the HR Tech Conference at Mandalay Bay. Though Vegas is my home, I usually steer clear of the Strip – too many party-goers, bright lights, and loud noises for my taste. But a chance to meet with some cool HR folks? Count me in! I slipped into a sharp blazer and headed down with Maya Wilson, my best friend of 35 years. Look out for my podcast episode where Maya and I discuss the conference.

Ten years back, I had an awkward experience at a different conference. Imagine trying to chat with super-smart but sometimes hard-to-talk-to engineers (No shade, I'm an engineer too!). But HR Tech this time? Totally different vibe. With a new QR-coded badge system, every chat was easily remembered, so no conversation was forgotten. And the best part? The real, down-to-earth people I met. That initial nervousness? Gone with each friendly chat, turning strangers into friends and professional connections.

I’ll admit: usually I try to have a verbal filter when in a professional setting, but casual straightforwardness worked for me this time. Sharing my journey as a career coach, influencer, and the energy behind this newsletter and my podcast got a lot of attention. And get this, someone even recognized me from social media - that solidified my beliefs that I'm making a difference in the world and reaching a lot of people with my content! Follow me on Instagram and watch my IG stories for the inside scoop.

A highlight from the conference was certainly the talk from Zack Kass . Working formerly as the head of go-to-market with OpenAI, Zack shared some concerning insights that struck a chord with me. Out of the 1000 conversations he had with business leaders during his time at OpenAI , the HR team was present in only one. It was a stark reminder: Are those of us in the HR world adequately preparing for the age of AI? Are we thinking about how to help our people grow alongside this technology?

Zack laid out a blueprint for how HR can lead in this rapidly changing era:

1. Focus on Human Traits: AI has its strengths, but there are areas it simply can't touch.--> Vision: While AI can process and predict based on existing data, it lacks the imagination to truly envision a better future. That's our role.--> Wisdom: It's about understanding the human experience. Sure, AI can churn out words, but it can't craft a heartfelt love letter or genuinely understand emotions. And while it might be able to detect a smell, (yes- AI is entering the olfactory space) it doesn't really "get" why a certain scent might be pleasant.--> Courage: In a world that's changing at lightning speed, leadership will require immense courage. As humans, we'll have to step up.
2. Make Work Meaningful: The goal should be to make jobs more purpose-driven. There's a sweet spot where an employee's role aligns with both the company's objectives and their personal fulfillment. We need to aim for that, letting AI handle the mundane while we focus on the impactful. Say goodbye to soul-draining tasks like TPS reports.

1. Elevate Our Identities: As tasks become automated, our roles in the workplace will evolve. It won't just be about ticking off a checklist; it'll be about aligning with the deeper purpose of an organization. As the nature of work changes, we should see our jobs becoming more about making meaningful contributions and fostering genuine relationships.

Zack's talk was a reminder that while AI is a powerful tool, the onus is on us to use it responsibly, to complement human capabilities rather than replace them. The future isn't just about technology; it's about humanity's role in shaping that future.

Attending the HR Tech Conference was an invaluable experience. I can't wait to see what next year holds, and I'm more committed than ever to helping others navigate their careers in this dynamic landscape. Remember, it's not about fearing change, but embracing it. Let's move forward together!

This article is featured in Allison Peck's newsletter. Join her community to get top career development insights from all angles. For more practical insight, join the tens of thousands who have taken her LinkedIn Learning Nano Course: Tips for Creating a More Effective Relationship with Your Manager.

If you enjoyed this article, consider subscribing to stay updated.

Don't miss out on following Allison Peck on LinkedIn for career insights and advice in the workplace!

You can also catch her informative videos on Instagram. To explore more about her services and resources for both individuals and businesses, visit her website.

Check here where she has been in the news and other useful information!