HR Data Labs

The host catches up with Teri, an old friend, at HR Technology in Las Vegas. They look back at 2026 and ahead to 2027 for HR technology and AI. Teri says nearly everyone is using AI now, but companies still aren't seeing the bottom-line results. They also discuss rising AI costs, how hard it is to measure return on investment, and whether AI will give us more free time or just more work.  Key...

David talks with Dr. Robyn Short about a Workplace Peace Institute study on what conflict costs US workplaces: about $3,200 per employee per year. They cover why emotions can't be left at the door, how curiosity leads to compassion, and why trust is hard when roles are unclear and AI is changing work. Robyn argues that the most valuable skills now are deeply human ones.  Key topics and takeaw...

David Turetsky talks with Nikki Stone, author of Architecting Resilience, about what it takes to build teams, leaders, and organizations that can handle relentless change without falling apart. Nikki shares how her work in startup and large holding-company environments shaped her thinking on resilience, communication, and the real skills managers need to lead humans well.  Key topics  Ni...

This episode looks at where HR technology is today and where it may be heading by 2027, with a focus on AI’s real impact on HR teams. David Turetsky is joined by Jay Polaki, CEO of HR Geckos, to unpack why so many organizations have access to AI tools but still lack the data, governance, and skills to use them well. We discuss the growing gap between AI enthusiasm and operational readiness, why HR...

David Turetsky interviews Gabriella Garcia, COO and Chief People Officer at Warp, about how AI is reshaping the build versus buy decision in HR and people operations. They dig into why this question is changing now, what guardrails matter for sensitive data, and why people leaders need to take a more strategic role in technology decisions. Gabby shares how her engineering background informs her vi...

David Turetsky speaks with IBEJesus Prince from HR Data Labs Consulting about their time at the NACO conference and what stood out most. The conversation is short but clear: the event brought together people who were focused on finding practical solutions, and even attendees outside the immediate decision-making circle were willing to help connect the dots.  Key topics  In this episode,...

David Turetsky and Sushma Tripathi discuss where human capital management is headed, why HR modernization is harder than simply adding new software, and what leaders need to fix first. Sushma brings more than 25 years of HCM strategy experience across product, operations, staffing software, and advisory work, so the conversation stays grounded in what organizations are actually facing. In this epi...

Jennifer McClure joins David Turetsky to unpack how her career in HR, executive search, speaking, and coaching led to Disrupt HR. The conversation focuses on why HR gets blamed for business problems, how leaders can stop using HR as a scapegoat, and why true disruption means rethinking both broken processes and the ones that only seem fine.  Jennifer McClure shares a practical case for moving...

In this episode of HR Data Labs Podcast, host David Turetsky is joined by Betsy Irizarry, CEO and founder of HR Contempo, to unpack one of the most overlooked compensation risks in modern organizations: pay compression. They also discuss how AI, labor market pressure, mergers and acquisitions, and communication gaps are reshaping workforce strategy and employee trust. Betsy brings 25-plu...

In this episode, host David Turetsky speaks with Denise Triba, CHRO at Ingenovis Health, about how her HR team is using workflow mapping, ticketing data, and AI to improve service for clinicians and internal teams. The conversation centers on a practical, human-in-the-loop approach to AI, with Freddie, their internal AI tool, trained to handle repetitive HR questions faster and more&nbsp...

David Turetsky talks with Nicole Ward of Aon about her concept of the executive athlete and why leadership performance is built on physiology, recovery, and sustainable habits. They explore how burnout shows up in executives and sales teams, and why HR can play a major role in reframing wellness as a business performance issue. Nicole shares her own wake-up call, the accident that pushed...

In this episode, we reflect on the most impactful themes from season eleven of the HR Data Labs Podcast, emphasizing the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the world of work. Host David Turetsky discusses how AI has become a central focus across industries, influencing regulation, data governance, organizational change, and HR practices. Tune in for a comprehensive summary of t...

In this episode, we explore the complex issue of burnout within organizations, its predictors, and how HR leaders can proactively address systemic risks that impact employee well-being and productivity. Alison Campbell, founder of Unburnt, shares her extensive research and practical strategies to recognize and mitigate burnout at every level of the organization.  Key Topics Covered:  Ali...

In this episode, HR thought leader Tim Sackett joins host David Turetsky to explore the current landscape of artificial intelligence in HR, talent acquisition, and broader workforce management. They discuss the gap between technological potential and real-world application, legal and ethical challenges, and how government regulation could shape the future of AI in HR.  In this episode: ...

Are we staring into the abyss of a hiring chaos or on the brink of a revolution? Join us as we dive deep into the messy truth behind current job boards, AI's role in hiring, and how the market is reshaping the talent game. This is raw, real, and everything you need to understand where work is headed today.  In this episode:  The turbulence in the job board market and decli...

Imagine a world where AI is not just a tool but a partner that elevates human judgment, responsibility, and ethics. That’s exactly what Helena Almeida, VP of Ethics at ADP, reveals in this electrifying episode, a true call to action for every HR leader and business executive. Dive into the real talk about AI governance, responsible use, and how to stay human in a tech-driven world. Your...

An Intimate Conversation with Mark Stelzner Delves into a candid, passionate exploration of how the landscape of HR, business, and leadership has transformed over two decades. Mark Stelzner shares raw insights about the accelerating pace of change, the rise of AI, and the shifting dynamics of organizational survival.  In this episode:  The relentless acceleration of business change and its impact...

This episode dives deep into the transformative power of AI in bridging the communication chasm between HR leaders and frontline employees. Brodie Meyer shares candid insights on how a simple SMS strategy turned into a revolutionary tool that improves engagement, safety, and retention, proven among industries that most need it. In this episode:  Brodie's journey from blue-collar roots to HR tech i...

Dive deep into the messy truth about recruiting today, where human laziness, outdated systems, and misguided AI tools collide. Find out how smarter strategies and better incentives could revolutionize talent acquisition and HR. In this episode:  How AI amplifies bias and noise in recruiting, not fixes it  The pitfalls of traditional assessment methods and the rise of work trials  Why incentive str...

Hold tight. Today’s episode? It’s a wild ride through the chaos and clarity of AI in the workplace. We’re digging into how HR and leaders can embrace innovation without shooting themselves in the foot. If you're feeling overwhelmed or skeptical about AI boundaries, this is your reality check and rally cry all in one. In this episode:  The true impact of hotels on community and human experiences  T...

Get ready to unleash a surge of passion, truth, and bold insights on how AI is revolutionizing people analytics. Cole Napper, a true luminary in the space, shares the raw reality of data's power, pitfalls, and the brave new world ahead. Buckle up, this isn’t just a podcast; it’s a rallying cry for HR and analytics pros to lead with purpose.  In this episode:  How far has people analytics come sinc...

Get ready to have your perspectives shattered. Peter Laughter, a visionary in leadership and organizational strategy, dives deep into why traditional command-and-control models are crumbling and what leaders, especially in HR must do to adapt. This isn't just theory, it's a call to action, a blueprint for survival in the chaos of modern business.   In this episode:  The fundamental flaws of comman...

Hold onto your seats, this episode cracks open the truth about AI and the workforce like never before! Mike Ohata shares his bold insights on how AI isn’t here to replace us but to transform how we lead, learn, and live. This isn’t just about automation; it's about human capability, culture, and daring to rethink everything. In this episode:  Why AI’s doom-and-gloom narrative is superficial and ho...

Are you tired of outdated, ineffective performance reviews? Want your organization to thrive with motivated, aligned employees? This episode dives deep into transforming your performance management process into a powerhouse that drives results and engagement. Join us as Bruce Cohen, a seasoned HR leader, shares decades of insights from goal-setting to AI-driven tools and how to implement a system...

Are women stepping into leadership roles with the respect, tools, and support they deserve? This episode dives deep into the critical challenges female CEOs face in 2026, from societal biases to systemic barriers, and how we can change the narrative for future generations. In this episode: Christy Brown shares her inspiring journey from corporate to entrepreneur, and her mission of empowering wome...