Kyle Lagunas, founder and principal analyst at Kyle & Co, explores the real state of AI in HR, the pressures leaders face, and what it takes to build resilient, people-centric organizations in a rapidly shifting landscape. He shares insights on navigating hype cycles, strengthening HR credibility, and choosing AI tools with intention, rather than reacting to market buzz.

Key takeaways:

00:00 Introduction

02:45 AI in HR touches every function, increasing both opportunity and confusion

05:21 AI efforts work best when anchored in clear business problem statements

08:09 Previous tech waves show the value of literacy and practical best practices

10:09 Change resilience and transformation skills become core capabilities for HR teams

13:27 Vendor ethos and credibility matter when selecting AI partners and platforms

18:15 Pilots should measure how AI changes daily work, not just tool metrics

23:57 Cross-functional coalitions help AI initiatives move beyond stalled experiments

28:38 Mapping processes and experiences ensures AI improves HR journeys, not weakens them

Resources mentioned:

Kyle Lagunas

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylelagunas/

Kyle & Co | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/kyle-co

Kyle & Co | Website

http://kyleandco.com

HiBob | Website

https://www.hibob.com/

Human-Centric AI Council

https://kyleandco.com/hcaic/

UNLEASH World

https://www.unleash.ai/unleashworld/

Thank you for listening to the People Proud podcast. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a five-star review and subscribe to our channel so you never miss an episode.

The People Proud podcast is brought to you by HiBob.

#PeopleProud #CorporateCulture #HumanResourceManagement

Cara Hunter, principal consultant at livingHR, Inc., joins us to discuss how companies make intentional decisions about when to grow talent from within and when to hire externally. Cara shares practical guidance on mapping skills, understanding future capability needs, and aligning people's decisions with long-term strategy.

She also discusses how organizations can rethink entry-level roles, use AI and globalization as amplifiers for human work, and build transparent, data-informed talent practices that strengthen culture, engagement, and retention.

Key takeaways:

00:00 Introduction

02:19 Balancing internal development with external hiring to support future needs

03:33 Strengthening culture and retention through clear career paths and mobility

07:25 Guiding internal candidates who are not yet ready for advancement

10:57 Applying compensation structures and pay transparency to career decisions

16:08 Reimagining entry-level work as AI and globalization reshape early roles

18:25 Elevating retention strategies as entry-level hiring volumes decrease

23:18 Leveraging people data to influence executive decision-making and talent strategy

27:18 Treating every open role as a strategic opportunity rather than a replacement exercise

Resources mentioned:

Cara Hunter

https://www.linkedin.com/in/carahunter1/

livingHR, Inc. | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/livinghr/

livingHR, Inc. | Website

https://livinghr.com/

HiBob | Website

https://www.hibob.com/hris-bb-uk/?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=emea_uki_en_search_conv_bing_brand_gen_on_m_d_bofu_other_exact_phrase_&utm_campaignid=579836525&utm_adgroupid=1275435135537102&utm_adid=&utm_matchtype=e&utm_device=c&utm_term=hibob&utm_content=79714800339642&utm_obj=mql_Conversion&utm_funnel=branding&msclkid=f0932be1489618876c9b42f74b571478

Thank you for listening to the People Proud podcast. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a five-star review and subscribe to our channel so you never miss an episode.

The People Proud podcast is brought to you by HiBob.

#PeopleProud #CorporateCulture #HumanResourceManagement #EmployeeEngagement

In this episode, Kenneth Matos, director of market insights at HiBob, explores how organizations can stay ahead of shifting workplace trends, focusing on AI adoption, flexible work models, and employee wellbeing. Using fresh data and behavioral insights, Ken and Tali revisit 2025’s predictions to uncover what hit the mark, what didn’t, and what it all means for HR and business leaders planning the year ahead.

Key takeaways:

00:00 Introduction

03:07 Organizations jumped into AI without a clear strategy

07:35 Distinguishing between AI’s 2025 potential and its 2030 promise

15:39 Reframing AI’s role as a creative collaborator instead of a content creator

19:56 Flexibility remains a stronger retention driver than compensation

30:03 Digital communication norms continue to reshape workplace culture

34:56 Flexibility, control, and clear processes reduce stress across teams

37:01 AI tools simplify access to HR benefits and policy information

43:04 Slowing down to move faster

Resources mentioned:

Kenneth Matos

https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkenmatos/

HiBob | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/hibob/

HiBob | Website

https://hibobl.ink/main_page

RAND Corporation

https://www.rand.org/

HR Dive

https://www.hrdive.com/

McKinsey & Company

https://www.mckinsey.com/

Thank you for listening to the People Proud Podcast. If you enjoyed the show, please leave us a five-star review and subscribe to our channel so you never miss an episode.

The People Proud Podcast is brought to you by HiBob.

#PeopleProud #CorporateCulture #HumanResourceManagement #EmployeeEngagement