AI-volution: Redefining HR
AI-volution: Redefining HR is a podcast from Mercer that explores the impact of artificial intelligence on human resources and HR technology. The show has announced it will stop posting new episodes as of 2026, with conversations moving to Mercer's AI Forum. Listeners are encouraged to register for the AI Forum to continue engaging with Mercer experts. Mercer also produces a monthly podcast called New Shape of Work.
Episodes
2025 Surprises and What to Look For in 2026
In this final episode of the AI-volution podcast, host Adriana O'Kain reflects on the significant changes and surprises in the world of AI and digital transformation throughout 2025. Joined by Jason Averbook, they discuss the fragility of AI adoption, the critical role of middle management, the necessity of judgment in the AI era, and the emergence of composable software as a key to future wor
AI Readiness Gap: Slowing Down to Move Faster in HR
In this episode of the AIvolution Podcast, host Adriana O'Kain brings back Tara Cooper to discuss the evolving landscape of AI readiness in organizations. They explore the importance of mindset, communication, and leadership in successfully implementing AI technologies. The conversation highlights the need for a clear vision and the role of HR in driving AI initiatives, as well as personal ins
AI-Native Operating Model
In this episode of the AI Evolution Podcast, host Adriana O'Kain speaks with Emily Liddle from Mercer about the transformative impact of AI on HR practices. They discuss the newly launched AI native operating model, the concept of digital fabric, and how organizations can safely transition to integrating AI into their daily workflows. Emily emphasizes the importance of clarity, purpose, and th
The Trust Factor in Employee Engagement
Mercer's Kate Bravery joins host, Adriana O'Kain, to explore the critical role of trust in organizations and its impact on employee well-being and career development. It emphasizes the need for organizations to foster a culture of trust and support to reduce burnout and stress among employees. Additionally, the discussion highlights the importance of upskilling and providing opportunities
Essential Skills for the AI-Driven Workforce
In this episode of the AI Evolution Podcast, Adriana O'Kain and Brian Fisher discuss the transformative impact of AI on HR and workforce development. They explore essential skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven world, the role of AI in skills development, and the shift towards skills-powered organizations. The conversation highlights the importance of curiosity and lifelong learning, as well as
The Rewards Revolution
In this episode of the AI Evolution Podcast, host Adriana O'Kain engages with Lauren Mason, a partner at Mercer, to discuss the evolving landscape of total rewards in the context of AI transformation. They explore the key pressures driving change in total rewards, the adoption of AI technologies, and the challenges organizations face in implementing these solutions. The conversation highlights the
Becoming AI-Ready: Lessons from the HR Tech Conference
In this episode of the AI Evolution podcast, Adriana O'Kain and Tara Cooper discuss the challenges and opportunities organizations face in adopting AI technologies. They explore the overwhelming pace of innovation, the importance of leadership in navigating uncertainty, and the need for a culture of trust and collaboration in the workplace. The conversation highlights the significance of inten
The Path to Smarter Benefits
In this episode of the AI-volution Podcast, host Adriana O'Kain and guest Kate Brown discuss the growing integration of AI in employee benefits. They explore current trends, the importance of understanding the 'why' behind AI adoption, and the potential for AI to enhance employee experiences and transform benefits enrollment processes. The conversation highlights the need for organizations to take
AI-volution: Curiosity is the New Leadership Muscle
In this episode of the AI Evolution Podcast, host Adriana O'Kain invites Jason Averbook, to discuss the rapid changes in business and technology, the importance of balancing human insight with AI capabilities, and the need for organizations to adopt a mindset of continuous learning and adaptation. Jason emphasizes the significance of understanding the value of AI, the necessity of first principles
Leveraging AI for HR Advantage
In this episode of the AI-volution podcast, host Adriana O'Kain and guest William Self discuss the transformative role of AI in HR, emphasizing the importance of aligning AI initiatives with business strategy to create competitive advantages. They explore the intersection of data science and HR, the need for strategic workforce planning, and the balance between efficiency and innovation. The c
A CEO With Two Hands On The Wheel
In this episode of the AI-evolution podcast, host Adriana O'Kain engages in a deep conversation with Jan Hutton, CEO of Australian Tourism Data Warehouse, and Ephraim Patrick, Partner at Mercer, about the transformative role of AI in business strategy and leadership. They discuss how AI has become central to strategic planning, the importance of fostering a culture of psychological safety for
Making Smart AI Vendor Decisions in HR
In this episode of the AI Evolution Podcast, host Adriana O'Kain and guest Corina Lam discuss the evolving landscape of technology partnerships in the HR sector. They explore the challenges organizations face in selecting the right vendors, the importance of aligning technology with strategic goals, and the characteristics that define successful long-term partnerships. The conversation also to
From Vision to Deployment
In this episode of the AI Evolution Podcast, Adriana O'Kain and Harry West discuss the evolving landscape of AI in HR, focusing on the transition from adoption to deployment. They explore the rapid increase in AI adoption, the challenges organizations face, and the critical mindset shift required for successful implementation. The conversation delves into the differences between deployment and
Maximizing ROI While Managing Risk
Adriana O'Kain, Partner, AI Strategy & Innovation Leader at Mercer, speaks with Jaymin Kim, Managing Director, Emerging Technologies, at Marsh, about the intersection of emerging technologies and risk management. They explore the various types of AI, the lessons learned from past technological revolutions, and the unique aspects of the current AI revolution. The conversation delves into how or
Evolving HR in 2025
In this episode of the AI Evolution Podcast, Mercer's Adriana O'Kain and Alex Zea discuss the evolving landscape of digital transformation, particularly in the context of HR. They explore the rapid pace of change driven by technology and AI, the concept of 'transformation as a service', and the importance of a mindset shift in organizations. Alex shares insights on leveraging techn
Transforming Supply Chain Challenges into Opportunities with AI
In this episode of the AI Evolution Podcast, host Adriana O'Kain engages with experts Yvonne Sonsino, John Davies, and Kai Anderson to discuss the evolving landscape of globalization, supply chain resilience, and the role of AI in workforce management. The conversation highlights the challenges posed by demographic changes, the importance of transparency in supply chains, and innovative solutions
AI in Action: Insights From India and Middle East
In this episode of the AI Evolution podcast, Adriana O'Kain speaks with Lisa Lyons about the transformative role of AI in the Middle East, particularly focusing on government initiatives, best practices in AI adoption, cultural factors influencing AI integration, and the impact of AI on jobs and skills. They also discuss personal experiences with generative AI tools and their potential to enhance
Capturing AI ROI
In this episode of the AI Evolution podcast, Adriana O'Kain and Ravin Jesuthasan discuss the transformative impact of AI on the workforce. They explore the shift from a technology-focused approach to a work-backwards strategy, emphasizing the importance of redesigning work to capture ROI. The conversation highlights the evolving role of HR in integrating AI solutions and the necessary mindset
AI and HR Shared Services
In this episode of the AI Evolution podcast, Kristin Rhebergen and Jonathan Gordin discuss the transformative impact of AI on HR, particularly focusing on shared services. They explore the current state of HR automation, the role of generative AI, and how these technologies can enhance employee experience and drive cost efficiencies. The conversation emphasizes the importance of strategic implemen
AI Mindset, Skillset and Toolset
In this episode, Adriana O'Kain and Jason Averbook discuss the transformative impact of AI on business and society. They explore the importance of mindset in adopting AI technologies, the shift towards human-centric skills, and the concept of human-machine teaming. The conversation also delves into the latest AI tools and their capabilities, as well as the future of work in 2025, emphasizing t
HR's Role in Unlocking AI in the Workplace
In this episode of the AI-volution podcast, Jim Holincheck and Tara Cooper discuss the latest research findings on HR technology and its impact on the workforce. They explore the role of HR in facilitating AI adoption, the hesitance of employees to embrace new technology, and the trends in HR technology investments, particularly in generative AI. The conversation emphasizes the importance of HR le
Leveraging Generative AI to Drive Implementation Success
In this episode of the AI Evolution Podcast, Jason Averbook discusses the critical role of software implementation and how generative AI can enhance each phase of the process. He outlines five key areas of the Digital Equation of Success: Strategy, Activation, Deployment (+ Tech Implementation) and Betterment and emphasizes the importance of aligning technology with corporate and HR strategies. Av
Generative AI: Promise or Possibility?
In this conversation, Ryan Malkes discusses the potential of generative AI, emphasizing that its value is a possibility rather than a guaranteed promise. He explores how organizations can leverage generative AI to expedite, enhance, and elevate work processes, but notes that many are only using it for low-impact tasks. Malkes highlights the importance of mindset, culture, and continuous learning i
Getting Ready to Deploy AI at Scale
In this episode of AI Evolution, Mercer's Mike Brennan and Harry West discuss the essential elements for deploying AI at scale within HR organizations. They explore the importance of mindset, people, processes, and technology in successfully integrating AI. The conversation emphasizes the need for a human-centric approach, the rethinking of traditional processes, and the significance of data manag
Using AI to Unlock the Power of Your HR & Workforce Data
In this episode, Mike Brennan discusses how AI is transforming HR and workforce data through enhanced analytics. He outlines the people analytics lifecycle, emphasizing the importance of data preparation, system integration, AI-enhanced insights, personalization, and continuous improvement. The conversation highlights the rapid adoption of AI in organizations and the need for a strategic approach
AI as Your Thought Partner
In this episode of the AI Evolution Podcast, Mercer's Adriana O'Kain and Jose Molina discuss the transformative impact of AI in the workplace, emphasizing the importance of education and immediate action for organizations. They explore the risks associated with AI deployment, the need for HR professionals to embrace AI as a thought partner, and the insights gained from the AI Essentials for HR cou
Key Insights from Gartner ReimagineHR Conference in London
In this episode, Mercer's Global HR Transformation COE, Emily Liddle, and Digital HR Strategist and Service Delivery Leader, Kristin Rhebergen, discuss the key themes and insights from the Gartner ReimagineHR Conference held in London. They explore the growing global audience, the importance of technology in enhancing employee experience, and the evolving role of HR in the age of AI. The conve
Collaborating to Create Your Enterprise AI Vision
In this episode, Mike Brennan, Partner & Digital HR & Technology Advisory Services Leader at Mercer, discusses the importance of cross-functional collaboration to create an enterprise AI vision.
Learn why you need to jumpstart development of your AI vision and strategy, and why it's important to remain agile and adaptable to potential disruptors.
Takeaways
Cross-functional collabora
AI in HR: How to Monitor and Sustain It
In this episode of AI-volution: Redefining HR, Harry West and Lynsey Hathcock, Principal Consultants in Mercer’s HR Next practice, discuss the implementation of AI in HR organizations. They explore how organizations can get started on their AI journeys, the key factors to consider on the journey, and the role of HR in driving the conversation. They also discuss the integration of AI into existing
Unleashing the Power of AI across Asia
In this episode of AI-volution: Redefining HR, Mercer Global HR Transformation COE Leader, Emily Liddle, interviews Mercer Asia Regional HR Transformation Leader, Miriam Daucher, about the impact of AI in the APAC and Asia market. Daucher shares her insights on the trends and themes she has observed since AI has become more prevalent in her region. She highlights the diversity and cultural differe
The Year of Education and Experimentation in AI and HR
In this episode of AI-volution: Redefining HR, Kristin Rhebergen, Mercer Principal Digital HR Consultant, deems 2024 the year of education and experimentation in AI and HR. HR teams are diving deeper into understanding practical and transformative applications of generative AI. Access to AI tools is a constraint for HR, but organizations are allowing employees to access public platforms and model
The Future of HR in the Age of AI
In this episode of AI-volution: Redefining HR, Mercer AI Strategy & Innovation Leader, Adriana O'Kain, and Mercer HR Transformation Services Leader, Alex Zea, discuss the future of HR in the context of AI. They emphasize the need for HR to focus not only on tactical implementation but also on strategic thinking and the role of HR in caring for the human element in AI-driven teams. They hi
The Role of the HUMAN in AI
In this episode of AI-volution: Redefining HR, Mercer Global HR Transformation COE, Emily Liddle, and Mercer AI Products Sales Leader - EU and UK, David Osborne, discuss their perspectives on the impact of AI on the HR function. They share insights from their conversations with clients and highlight the challenges organizations face in adopting AI. The majority of companies are not ready for AI im
Bonus Episode: AI@Work
Could AI be like the Olympics? 🌐
Similarly, AI has various disciplines, lots of winners, even more losers, international collaboration, and strict governance. Success is measured by multiple metrics and there is no single finish line. Or is it a zero sum game? You either win or lose, game over.
While some aspects are still unfolding, we can already identify clear winners in this tech race. Compani
Ravin Jesuthasan joins AI-volution to talk all things work, skills, and of course, AI
In this episode of the AI-volution: Redefining HR podcast, Jason Averbook is joined by Ravin Jesuthasan, Mercer Global Transformation Services Leader, to discuss the impact of AI on work, HR, and humanity. They explore the misconceptions around AI and the need for a clear understanding of its different applications. They also discuss the transformation of work and the skills needed in the workforc
Bonus Episode: Apple Intelligence (AI) and the impact on HR and HR technology
Apple made a significant AI announcement at the Worldwide Developers Conference 2024. The announcement focused on Apple's approach to design and the impact of AI on HR and HR technology. The key takeaway is that AI is now accessible to everyone, changing the employee experience and how we work. The seven key themes discussed are multimodal AI, agentic interactions, frictionless experiences, pr
Embracing AI: An Epic Adventure through Industry Events!
In this episode of AI-volution: Redefining HR podcast, Tara Cooper, Work Tech Analyst at Mercer, discusses her recent tour of analyst days and industry conferences across the United States, focusing on the presence and impact of AI in HR technology. She highlights the unique approaches of companies like Paradox, Phenom, Walkme, and the Unleash America Conference, emphasizing the need for a realist
Digital Wellness and AI - What does it mean?
In this episode of the AI-volution: Redefining HR podcast, Jason Averbook interviews Amy Blankson, Chief Evangelist at the Digital Wellness Institute, about the concept of digital wellness and its impact on happiness. They discuss the evolution of concerns around technology and happiness, the importance of human behavior in determining happiness, and the need for individuals and organizations to t
Live with Martin Smit - Why you need to start TODAY with AI
In this episode, Jason Averbook interviews Martin Smit, a Senior HR Leader passionate about Artificial Intelligence. They discuss how AI is transforming various aspects of HR, the readiness of HR functions to adopt AI, and the skills needed to navigate the AI-volution. Averbook and Smit also explore the potential impact of AI on jobs and the importance of staying current in the field of AI. Learn
A Conversation with Johannes Sundlo - Gen AI in HR in REAL LIFE
In this episode, Jason Averbook interviews Johannes Sundlo, an expert in AI and HR. They discuss the importance of taking action on AI in HR, overcoming resistance to AI, and getting started with AI tools like ChatGPT. They also address the fear of AI replacing HR jobs and the need for HR professionals to educate themselves on AI. Averbook and Sundlo share personal success stories with AI and emph
2 Camps in AI, Davos & What is FOBO?
In this episode, Jason Averbook discusses the advancements and impact of AI in HR. He emphasizes the need for organizations to not wait for government regulations before implementing AI strategies. Averbook also highlights the importance of deep education on AI in HR and provides a framework of educate, experiment, and enable. He addresses the fear of becoming obsolete and offers five strategies t
Generative AI: Revolutionizing the Employee Experience
In this episode, Jason Averbook explores the transformative power of generative AI in shaping the future of employee experience. As the digital age continues to evolve, generative AI is redefining roles, automating mundane tasks, and personalizing the employee experience like never before. From onboarding to performance reviews, compensation, and talent management, Averbook discusses how generativ
Navigating HR Tech and AI: Insights with iCIMS
Jason Averbook is joined by two guests from iCIMS: Andreea Wade, VP of Product Strategy, and Al Smith, Chief Technology Officer. In this episode, they delve into the world of HR technology and AI, exploring topics such as responsible AI, bias, and the transformative potential of generative AI.
Jason, Andrea, and Al address the ever-evolving realm of AI and its profound impact. They highlight the e
AI Governance & From Text to Talk: The Future of Universal Speech
Welcome to the AI-volution: Redefining HR podcast! Jason Averbook is back, recording from Singapore. In this episode, Jason delves into three main topics. First, AI governance, explaining its importance as a set of guidelines for responsible AI development and use. Second, the impactful announcement of Meta's SeamlessM4T, an AI-powered translation engine that directly converts spoken words bet
Demystifying Large Language Models (LLM) for Business Leaders
Welcome back to Mercer | Leapgen's AI-volution: Redefining HR podcast. In this episode, Jason Averbook will take you on a journey into the world of AI-powered large language models (LLM) without the technical jargon.
Large language models are like the brilliant minds of artificial intelligence. They can comprehend human language, generate creative content, and offer unparalleled insights. Pict
Training and Organizational Readiness for AI technology
Host Jason Averbook discusses and reviews some basic concepts of Generative AI and the impact on society - the reconstitution of jobs with special guest, the amazing and very knowledgeable, Jim Holincheck. Don't miss this episode as they dive into more AI-volution that is quite literally redefining HR.
An Ode to AI
In this inaugural episode of the "AI Revolution: Redefining HR" podcast, our host Jason Averbook, Global Leader, Digital Strategy at Mercer was joined by Mercer Work Tech Advisor, Tara Cooper.
Together they explored the impact of AI on the world of HR and work technology, highlighting a unique software vendor that is rethinking how skills are identified by leveraging recognition, rewar
Welcome to 'AI-volution: Redefining HR'!
Welcome to Mercer’s, AI-volution: Redefining HR podcast. This will quickly become your go-to resource for staying informed about the latest tools, platforms, and trends surrounding all things Generative AI. Each week we’ll discuss the cutting-edge technologies offering valuable insights to support & empower HR leaders. Don’t miss an episode as top thought leaders, industry influencers & su
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