We're Only Human

Guest: Robin Barbacane, Chief Talent Development Officer, Rackspace In this episode, you will learn how to successfully introduce AI into your workplace without creating fear, resistance, or chaos. The conversation breaks down how to build AI literacy and confidence across your workforce, how to use AI agents to solve real business problems, and how to shift HR from a support function to a strategic driver of transformation. You will hear practical examples of AI adoption inside HR, including virtual assistants handling employee questions, AI tools supporting recruiting and employment law across multiple countries, and a structured approach to testing and scaling new AI use cases. If you are wondering how to start with AI, how to handle resistance, how to clean up your data, or how to measure success without demanding instant ROI, this episode offers a clear roadmap. Key Takeaways: AI adoption must focus on both skills and confidence, not just training. Start with hands-on workshops and real business problems instead of abstract theory. Treat AI like a coworker that needs onboarding, training, and performance reviews. Use a hackathon-style approach to generate AI solutions tied to business outcomes. Begin inside one function, prove value, and then scale across the organization. Clean and centralize your data before expecting strong AI results. Create guardrails and governance, but avoid banning AI outright. Identify early adopters and change agents instead of fighting detractors. Expect mistakes and iteration rather than demanding perfect ROI on day one. Shift human effort toward higher-value, revenue-producing work while AI handles routine tasks. Timestamps: 00:00 Why AI confidence matters as much as skills 03:00 Moving from AI education to real action 06:00 Using a hackathon model to solve HR problems 08:00 Building an AI HR assistant to handle employee questions 11:00 Learning from AI mistakes and improving accuracy 16:00 Build versus buy AI tools across global operations 17:30 Creating an AI ambassador certification program 20:00 Why banning AI is a strategic mistake 22:00 Cleaning data before scaling AI 25:00 The human skills that matter most in an AI-driven workplace Top Keywords: AI in HR AI adoption strategy AI workplace transformation HR automation AI employee experience AI coworker model AI governance and guardrails Low-code AI agents HR digital transformation AI change management Connect with Robin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinbarbacane/

AI is not ending HR but accelerating its evolution into a more strategic function. AI tools can significantly reduce time spent on repetitive HR tasks like policy drafting, reporting, and reviews. The real value of AI comes from connecting data across the entire employee lifecycle, not isolated HR silos. HR professionals need stronger skills in data literacy, technology, and business strategy to succeed. AI can help HR teams surface insights and patterns that humans often miss due to bias or time constraints. Automating compliance and administrative work frees HR to focus on coaching, development, and leadership support. AI will impact jobs and tasks, making workforce planning and reskilling a critical HR responsibility. HR must advocate for people by helping leaders balance automation with long term talent development. Using AI without clean, trustworthy data limits its value and increases risk. The future of HR work is humans plus AI, not humans replaced by AI. Timestamps: 00:00 Why HR has always evolved and why AI is different 05:00 Is AI really the end of HR 07:00 Practical AI use cases for HR professionals 09:30 Using AI beyond HR silos across the talent lifecycle 12:30 Saving time with AI for research, writing, and analysis 15:00 Why HR teams must become more strategic partners 18:00 The growing importance of data and technology skills in HR 22:00 AI, workforce change, and the risk of job displacement 27:00 Advocating for people in AI driven decisions 31:00 What HR hopes AI will eliminate from daily work Keywords: AI in HR HR technology people operations workforce transformation data driven HR AI and jobs HR strategy employee experience talent lifecycle future of work Show Links/Resources: Watch the AI for HR Livestream Replay: https://lhra.io/ai25 Connect with Sandra on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandraloughlin Connect with Lane on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lanem1/

🎧 Episode 219 Guest: Amandeep Shergill In this episode, we explore the realities of modern recruiting, the pressure of “doing more with less,” and the challenge of navigating uncertainty in today’s global talent market. Ben and Amandeep discuss how economic shifts, evolving business priorities, and organizational ambiguity shape the day-to-day experience of recruiters. Amandeep shares practical examples from his career—ranging from prioritizing high-impact roles to building stronger partnerships with business leaders. This conversation dives deep into what it truly means to be a strategic advisor instead of a reactive firefighter in talent acquisition. You’ll hear insights on: • Market uncertainty and its effect on TA planning • Productivity vs. unrealistic “do more” expectations • The role of tech and efficiency in the future of TA • How recruiters can better understand business impact & prioritization • Real-world examples of shifting from reactive to proactive hiring • Why understanding revenue, OKRs, and leadership goals changes recruiting outcomes Whether you're a recruiter, hiring leader, or people leader, this episode provides immediately applicable frameworks for better decision-making in TA. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:03 – Welcome to Episode 219 00:16 – Introducing guest Amandeep Shergill 00:55 – Amandeep’s background and global role at Automattic 01:59 – Life outside of work: parenting, sports, and model building 03:16 – Creativity, hobbies & high performance 04:49 – The biggest recruiting challenges today 05:11 – How economic uncertainty shapes hiring plans 05:54 – Productivity, efficiency & “doing more with less” 06:28 – The disconnect between expectations and TA bandwidth 07:22 – Why “doing more” isn’t a real strategy 08:06 – What investment vs. volume actually means for TA 09:46 – Moving from reactive to proactive recruiting 10:26 – Practical strategies for strategic partnership 10:30 – Amandeep’s story from Intuit: prioritizing 38 open roles 11:48 – Understanding business impact behind hiring requests 12:49 – Revenue today vs. revenue tomorrow: prioritizing for impact 13:58 – Why recruiters must understand OKRs, revenue, and strategy 14:46 – Pausing hiring until business impact is clear 15:13 – How proactive planning creates better long-term outcomes 🔗 Connect with Amandeep LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandeepsshergill/?originalSubdomain=uk 🎓 Learn more about HR Summer School https://hrsummerschool.org See the show archives and sign up for episode updates

🎧 Episode Description In this episode of We’re Only Human, host Ben Eubanks sits down with Jason Thrasher, one of the most inspiring voices from HR Summer School, to explore how choosing joy can transform your work, leadership, and life. Jason shares his belief that “joy is now”—not something you wait for, but something you choose every day. From his journey in HR to lessons learned from country music and Chick-fil-A, he reveals how gratitude, authenticity, and purpose can create a culture that people truly want to be part of. The conversation dives deep into the mindset of joyful leadership, practical ways to bring joy into daily work, and how self-awareness and connection empower teams. You’ll hear personal stories, actionable insights, and a reminder that owning your joy is the first step to owning your impact. Check out HR Summer School: https://hrsummerschool.org 🕒 Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Episode Setup 01:20 Meet Jason Thrasher — From Music Dreams to HR Leadership 02:45 “Joy Is Now” — Why Joy Can’t Wait for Tomorrow 04:38 Practical Habits for Choosing Joy Every Morning 05:56 The Culture You Create Determines the Audience You Keep 07:40 Balancing Joy and Mental Health in the Workplace 09:50 Real-Life Story: “Thank You for Coming to Work Today” 11:55 How Joy Drives Engagement, Belonging, and Productivity 13:24 The Sound of Joy — How Music Changes the Atmosphere 14:35 Breaking Out of the “Check-the-Box” Mindset 15:20 Knowing Your Why and Leading with Purpose 16:40 Just Own Yourself — The Simplicity of Authentic Joy 17:35 Final Reflections and Takeaways See the show archives and sign up for episode updates

Episode Description In this episode of We’re Only Human, host Ben Eubanks sits down with Micki Sievwright of Andersen Corporation to discuss how one of America’s most recognized brands connects, engages, and empowers its 14,000+ employees across manufacturing, distribution, and corporate environments. The conversation dives into how Andersen’s internal communication strategy bridges the gap between frontline and office workers, creating a culture where every employee feels informed, valued, and connected. Micki shares how her team uses storytelling, technology, and intentional design to build belonging at scale — and how leaders can cultivate trust even in large, distributed organizations. You’ll hear practical lessons on improving employee communication, fostering inclusion, and using tools like MangoApps to bring people together — no matter where they work. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Episode Setup 04:15 The Challenge of Connecting 14,000 Employees 08:42 Communication That Builds Belonging 13:17 Storytelling as a Culture-Building Tool 17:29 How Technology Supports Human Connection 21:50 Engaging Frontline Workers: Lessons from Andersen 26:18 Leadership’s Role in Employee Communication 30:44 Creating an Inclusive, Connected Culture 34:57 Final Thoughts and Takeaways Links for show notes: Thanks to the team at MangoApps for connecting us with Micki and the team at Andersen Corporation for this conversation! Connect with Micki: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/mickisievwright651_prsa-andersenwindows-inclusion-activity-7115015573226364929-s6X3/ Connect with MangoApps: https://www.mangoapps.com/ See the show archives and sign up for episode updates

n this episode of We’re Only Human, host Ben Eubanks explores one of the biggest questions of our time: what does it really mean to be human in an age of artificial intelligence? As AI tools become faster, smarter, and more deeply integrated into the workplace, many HR leaders and employees are asking the same question — where do people fit in? Ben unpacks why staying human-first is not just a mindset but a strategy for success. The conversation dives into how HR can balance automation with empathy, how learning and curiosity are becoming the most valuable skills, and why emotional intelligence remains a competitive advantage even when technology takes over repetitive work. You’ll hear reflections on fear, hope, and the future of work — plus practical guidance on how to lead with humanity in a world increasingly shaped by algorithms. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Episode Setup 03:15 Why “Being Human” Still Matters in an AI World 08:02 Balancing Efficiency and Empathy in HR 13:47 Automation, Learning, and the Changing Role of Work 19:11 Hope vs. Fear: How HR Can Lead the AI Conversation 24:36 The Power of Emotional Intelligence in the Machine Age 28:59 Redefining Human Value Beyond Data and Speed 33:42 How to Stay Curious, Relevant, and Human 36:18 Final Thoughts and Takeaways Links for show notes: Check out the AI Livestream Replay: https://streamyard.com/watch/9GTfDMQ8GeTE See the show archives and sign up for episode updates

In this episode, Ben sits down with Nicole Eisdorfer to uncover how curiosity, courage, and creativity can reshape the world of HR. From breaking out of the “HR Matrix” to asking better questions, Nicole shares her journey from traditional reporting into human-centered, impactful work. Together, they explore how technology and data can empower—not replace—HR professionals, and why cultivating curiosity is the most critical skill for the future. You’ll hear stories from Nicole’s experience, insights into making data meaningful, and practical guidance for rethinking how HR operates today. If you’ve ever felt stuck in dashboards, metrics, or endless processes, this episode will inspire you to step back, reimagine, and lead with curiosity. Read Nicole's Substack: https://nicoleeisdorfer.substack.com/ Connect with Nicole on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neisdorfer/ Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Episode Setup 04:12 Nicole’s Background and HR Journey 08:47 Escaping the “HR Matrix” 13:25 Why Curiosity Is the #1 Skill for HR Professionals 17:41 From Reports to Real Impact: Making Data Useful 22:09 Technology’s Role in Supporting (Not Replacing) HR 26:55 Asking Better Questions and Driving Change 30:18 Courage and Creativity in HR Leadership 33:42 Final Takeaways and Closing Thoughts See the show archives and sign up for episode updates

In this episode of We're Only Human, host Ben Eubanks talks with Kelly Burlage, Vice President of Global Talent Acquisition at Lineage. They discuss strategies for improving the recruitment process, creating better impacts for candidates, and the challenges faced by TA leaders today. Kelly shares insights on the role of artificial intelligence in recruitment, the importance of focusing on people, and the value of internal mobility. They also explore practical advice for leaders receiving pressure to adopt AI and the significance of building strong business partnerships within HR. Additionally, Kelly highlights the achievements of her team in transforming their reputation from order takers to valued business partners. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:09 Kelly Burlage's Background and Role at Lineage02:32 The Importance of Talent Acquisition04:15 Challenges Facing TA Leaders: AI and Innovation05:53 AI's Role in Enhancing Human Skills16:30 Internal Mobility and Talent Development23:43 Proud Achievements and Team Success26:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts See the show archives and sign up for episode updates

In this episode of We're Only Human, host Ben Eubanks chats with Matt Leitzman, VP of Talent Acquisition at MasterCard, and Craig Drysdale, VP of Talent and Engagement at Leonardo. The discussion delves into the role of AI in hiring, effective candidate screening techniques, and the evolving landscape of talent acquisition. Both guests highlight their organizations' experiences with AI-driven tools for screening, such as automated interview scheduling and video assessments, and emphasize the importance of testing, human connection, and strategic alignment with hiring managers. The episode provides valuable insights for improving candidate experience, recruiter efficiency, and making data-driven hiring decisions. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:26 Guest Introductions and Backgrounds02:39 The Evolution of Candidate Screening07:04 High Volume and Early Career Hiring Challenges10:10 Technology and Screening Tools20:50 Data-Driven Talent Acquisition32:48 AI in Recruitment: Opportunities and Cautions39:23 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways Connect with Matt on LinkedIn Connect with Craig on LinkedIn Thanks to Phenom for connecting us for this episode See the show archives and sign up for episode updates

In this episode of We're Only Human, host Ben Eubanks sits down with Michael Cleavely, founder of CoComply, to discuss the complexities of compliance in contingent workforce management. Michael shares the journey of CoComply, a platform that assists organizations in classifying, managing, and discovering their contingent and non-permanent workforce. The conversation delves into the challenges companies face with worker classification, common compliance risks, and the two-fold benefits of leveraging AI in compliance tools for both risk mitigation and strategic workforce optimization. They also explore the broader implications of having a total workforce view, encompassing all talent acquisition channels. Michael provides practical insights and suggests how firms can better manage compliance and make informed workforce decisions. This episode offers valuable perspectives for HR leaders and procurement professionals looking to enhance compliance and workforce efficiency. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:57 Michael Cleavely's Background and CoComply's Mission02:31 The Importance of Compliance04:02 Common Compliance Challenges15:44 AI in Compliance Management21:18 Strategic Benefits of Compliance24:50 Conclusion and Contact Information Connect with Michael on LinkedIn See the show archives and sign up for episode updates

In this episode of 'We're Only Human,' host Ben Eubanks engages in a dynamic conversation with Ryan Faught, HR leader at Milo's Tea Company. Ryan shares insights into Milo's unique culture, emphasizing values like safety, responsibility, and integrity, along with their 'HAT' values: Hungry, Agile, and Together. The discussion delves into how Milo's fosters cross-departmental collaboration, continuous improvement, and leadership development through authentic leadership pillars and comprehensive feedback mechanisms. Ryan highlights the importance of having a 'teachable spirit,' celebrating wins, and maintaining humility while growing both personally and professionally within the company. Whether discussing the joy of discovering hidden talents or the power of genuine care and concern for team members, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for creating a people-centric workplace that drives both individual and company success. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:45 Milo's Tea Company Culture and Values02:21 Employee Growth and Cross-Departmental Opportunities05:50 Discovering and Nurturing Talent12:48 Leadership and Teachable Spirit19:26 Authentic Leadership and Feedback Culture34:26 Celebrating Wins and Continuous Improvement38:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts This episode is part of the Insperity SMB HR Challenges podcast series. Learn more about our research with Insperity on SMB HR challenges Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn See the show archives and sign up for episode updates

In this episode of 'We're Only Human,' host Ben Eubanks welcomes Nikhil Arora, CEO of Epignosis, the parent company of TalentLMS. They explore various facets of learning and development, focusing on mindsets, supporting employee growth, and the impact of AI. Nikhil shares insights from TalentLMS's data, revealing that over 50% of employees prioritize growth opportunities and discusses the importance of transitioning from fixed to growth mindsets. Additionally, they discuss strategies for incorporating soft skills training, leveraging AI ethically, and maintaining employee mental wellness in a hybrid work environment. The episode offers practical advice for leaders aiming to enhance their organization's learning culture and technological adaptation. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:34 Nikhil's Background and Mission01:45 Challenges in Learning and Growth Mindset05:10 Strategies for Transitioning to a Growth Mindset10:31 The Role of AI in Learning and Development16:15 Soft Skills and the Future of Work20:03 Mental Wellness and Learning22:12 Conclusion and Contact Information Learn more about TalentLMS See the show archives and sign up for episode updates