AI-volution: Redefining HR

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 th...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 fo...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...