In this episode of The HumAIn Workforce Podcast, I’m joined by David Arnold, a Strategic Change Advisor who supports people through change by utilising the latest evidence-based research on emotional agility, positive psychology and wellbeing. Together, we explore how AI is reshaping job design, the emotional toll of transformation and how change professionals and HR leaders can build truly human-centred organisations in the age of artificial intelligence.

Guest Bio:

Recognised nationally for his innovative and creative change engagements, David has come to realise that without the people affected by change building their emotional agility, it’s unlikely that any change will be truly successful. In a world where change is already constant and relentless, he believes the acceleration of AI means that we’re all likely to experience increased and more rapid change in the near future.

David also co-hosts the Coffee with Fleur podcast alongside Fleur Mouchemore, where they help people leverage positive emotions, build engagement, deepen the meaning in their work, foster strong relationships, and reach personal and professional goals—all vital in a world of inevitable change.

5 Key Points from the Episode:

1. Change Fatigue in the AI Era (02:40)

David unpacks alarming statistics on employee change fatigue and shares insight on how stacked, relentless change, including from AI, impacts personal and professional wellbeing.

2. Curiosity & Caution: The Emotional Response to AI (08:21)

Two powerful emotions—curiosity and caution—frame the human experience of AI. Sarah and David explore how leaders can strike a healthy balance when bringing AI into the organisation.

3. Strategic Role of Change in AI Adoption (13:16)

Why change professionals must be at the decision-making table from the start. David shares insights on strategic advisory roles, the courage required of leaders, and what HR and tech teams must co-create.

4. AI as a Skilled Intern: Tools & Tech for Good (23:31)

From AI-generated transcripts and summaries to communication support, David shares how change professionals are already using AI for good and what that means for productivity and impact.

5. Resilience & Wellbeing for Change Professionals (31:56)

With so much focus on supporting others, who supports the change professionals? David introduces the Broaden-and-Build model developed by Dr. Barbara Fredrickson and explains how to build intellectual, psychological, social and physical capacity to stay strong and effective.

Links:

Connect with David Arnold:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arnolddj

Coffee with Fleur Podcast: https://www.coffeewithfleurpodcast.au/

Connect with Your Host – Sarah Lawrence:

To connect or provide feedback, questions, or topic suggestions, you can contact Sarah Lawrence on linkedin.com/in/sarah-lawrence-24b03b127 or email her at thehumainworkforce@gmail.com

Website: https://practicalworkforceplanning.com/

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In this episode, I’m joined by Annie Johnson, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer of Humaneer, to discuss how artificial intelligence is reshaping human resources and job design. We explore the purpose and power behind Mak, Humaneer’s AI productivity partner and how it’s changing the way HR practitioners work - from reducing admin to increasing strategic capacity.

Guest Bio:

With over two decades of experience in HR across domestic and international markets, Annie Johnson has been at the forefront of People & Culture strategy, partnering with business leaders to drive meaningful growth. She has dedicated her career to repositioning HR - not as an administrative function, but as a force for unlocking human potential and shaping the future of work.

As Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer of Humaneer, Annie is leading the charge in redefining AI’s role in HR. She understands the paradox of applying artificial intelligence to the most human-centric function in business and sees it not as a zero-sum game, but as an opportunity to elevate HR’s strategic impact.

5 Key Points from the Episode:

1. Annie’s HR Origin Story & Why AI Sparked a Pivot (01:30)

From climbing the corporate ladder to launching tech platforms — Annie shares her journey from traditional HR into innovation.

2. Why HR Tech Feels Broken and What Mak Does Differently (08:15)

Annie unpacks the common frustrations with current HR tools and how Mak was designed to simplify, not complicate the HR workflow.

3. Ask Mak: HR Answers at Your Fingertips (15:52)

Mak delivers HR-compliant answers, templates, and guidance tailored specifically for HR practitioners - fast and fuss-free.

4. Using Voice as Data: The AI-Powered Note-Taker for HR (23:33)

How Mak captures meeting insights and generates accurate, unbiased documentation to support decision-making.

5. Advice for the Tech-Cautious HR Professional (31:02)

Annie’s practical tips for getting started with AI, overcoming overwhelm and experimenting safely and confidently.

Links:

Connect with Annie Johnson:

Humaneer.app : https://www.humaneer.app/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-johnson-622540161

Connect with Your Host – Sarah Lawrence:

To connect or provide feedback, questions, or topic suggestions, you can contact Sarah Lawrence on linkedin.com/in/sarah-lawrence-24b03b127 or email her at thehumainworkforce@gmail.com

Website: https://practicalworkforceplanning.com/

Help Grow the Podcast!

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it with your network, and leave us a review on your favourite podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more listeners and bring inspiring conversations to light! Thank you for being part of the journey!

Disclaimer For Podcast:

For details click the link below:

In this episode of the HumAIn Workforce Podcast, we dive into HR’s role in Ethical AI adoption, exploring the opportunities, risks, and responsibilities that come with AI-driven workplaces. Dr. Emily Cook shares insights from her white paper, Ethical AI in the World of Work: A Framework for Success, presenting HR professionals with an Ethical AI framework built on three foundational pillars: human-centric, evidence-backed and long-term lens, to assist with AI adoption.

Guest Bio:

Dr. Emily Cook is a Senior Organisational Psychologist with extensive experience in advancing HR strategy through psychological insights and data-driven solutions. Her work focuses on translating cutting-edge psychological science into actionable strategies for the workplace, as well as, helping organisations navigate the challenges of the modern workforce. Emily holds a PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience from the University of London and is an active researcher and thought leader. Emily’s work has been featured in peer-reviewed journals and highlighted in international media outlets, including The Independent and The Financial Times.

5 Key Points from the Episode:

1. The Rise of Ethical AI in HR (03:45)

AI is transforming the workplace, and HR must take a proactive role in ensuring its ethical and responsible implementation. AI can drive business success while respecting employees and broader society.

2. HR’s Critical Role in AI Adoption (08:30)

HR professionals don’t need to be AI experts but must act as Thought Leaders, Value Keepers, and Storytellers to shape ethical AI policies. HR’s influence is essential in ensuring AI aligns with organisational values and workplace fairness.

3. The 3 Pillars of Ethical AI (14:15)

Human-Centric – AI should enhance employee well-being, job security, and workplace experience.

Evidence-Backed – AI decisions must be backed by data, research, and best practices.

Long-Term Lens – Organisations need to plan for AI’s long-term impact on job design and work structure.

4. Practical Steps for HR to Get Started (22:00)

HR should test AI within their own function first before organisation-wide adoption.

Partnering with leadership ensures AI aligns with company culture and strategic goals.

Engage with external experts and organisations to stay ahead in AI education and ethics.

5. AI is About Work Redesign, Not Job Replacement (28:30)

AI should be seen as a tool for redesigning work, not eliminating jobs.

HR has an opportunity to lead AI adoption in a way that enhances human potential and fosters a thriving workforce.

Links:

Connect with Dr Emily Cook:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dr-emily-cook

Whitepaper - Ethical AI in the World of Work: A Framework for Success:

https://www.top-employers.com/blog/ethical-ai-world-work/

Connect with Your Host – Sarah Lawrence:

To connect or provide feedback, questions, or topic suggestions, you can contact Sarah Lawrence on linkedin.com/in/sarah-lawrence-24b03b127 or email her at

In this episode of the HumAIn Workforce Podcast, host Sarah Lawrence dives into the challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace with guest Simone Garrad, co-founder and director of Nine Yards, a Melbourne-based people and culture consultancy. In this insightful conversation, Simone shares her expertise on navigating AI’s rapid evolution, its impact on productivity, job design, and how HR professionals can adapt to support their organisations effectively.

Guest Bio:

Simone Garrad is the co-founder and director of Nine Yards, a consultancy specialising in people and culture. With over 20 years of experience across industries, Simone helps businesses navigate complex HR challenges, from startup recruitment to large-scale organisational projects. Simone is passionate about equipping HR professionals with practical tools and strategies to create impactful workplace cultures.

5 Key Points from the Episode:

1. AI's Widespread Impact on Work and Society (03:00)

Simone discusses the increasing prevalence of AI, from tools like ChatGPT to advanced platforms like Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini, and its use by individuals and organisations alike.

2. Ethical Considerations and AI Policies (08:00)

The importance of setting clear policies and guardrails around AI use in organisations to mitigate risks such as data privacy breaches and misuse.

3. AI's Role in Productivity and Job Design (14:00)

How AI can augment roles by automating repetitive tasks, allowing employees to focus on high-value, innovative work, and reshaping job responsibilities for the better.

4. HR’s Role in Managing Change (21:00)

Practical advice for HR teams to support leadership and employees through AI-driven changes, including workforce segmentation, identifying impacted roles, and reskilling/upskilling strategies.

5. Starting with AI: Tips for HR Professionals (27:00)

Simone highlights the importance of HR professionals understanding AI tools, experimenting with them, and seeking expertise to drive informed decisions and innovation.

Links:

Connect with Simone Garrad:

Website: https://www.nine-yards.com.au/

Connect with Your Host – Sarah Lawrence:

To connect or provide feedback, questions, or topic suggestions, you can contact Sarah

Lawrence on linkedin.com/in/sarah-lawrence-24b03b127 or email her at thehumainworkforce@gmail.com

Website: https://practicalworkforceplanning.com/

Help Grow the Podcast!

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it with your network, and leave us a review on your favourite podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more listeners and bring inspiring conversations to light! Thank you for being part of the journey!

Disclaimer For Podcast:

For details click the link below:

https://practicalworkforceplanning.com/podcast-disclaimer/

In this episode of the HumAIn Workforce Podcast, host Sarah Lawrence explores the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI), work design, and employee wellbeing with expert guest Fleur Mouchemore. Fleur shares practical insights from her extensive experience in learning and organisational development, focusing on the Smart Work Design Model, created by Professor Sharon Parker of Curtin University. This evidence-based framework provides organisations with tools to foster employee wellbeing and productivity in the evolving world of AI.

Guest Bio:

Fleur Mouchemore is a consultant specializing in learning, organisational development, and employee wellbeing. With a focus on resilience, leadership, and workplace mental health, Fleur integrates frameworks like the Smart Work Design Model, developed by Professor Sharon Parker, into her practice. Fleur co-hosts the Coffee with Fleur podcast, exploring diverse topics in workplace wellbeing.

5 Key Points from the Episode:

1. Introduction to the Smart Work Design Model (05:30)

Fleur explains the foundation of the Smart Work Design Model, developed by Professor Sharon Parker at Curtin University, which emphasises five key principles: stimulating work, mastery, autonomy, relationships, and tolerable demands.

2. The Role of AI in Job and Work Design (08:15)

AI is reshaping jobs rather than replacing them. Fleur discusses how organisations can proactively design roles that integrate AI while enhancing human contributions.

3. Addressing Employee Concerns About AI (12:45)

With fears of job loss and resistance to change, Fleur highlights the importance of involving employees in work design to alleviate anxiety and build trust.

4. Proactive Wellbeing: Moving Beyond Quick Fixes (16:20)

Fleur critiques common wellbeing initiatives like wellness apps, advocating for proactive, evidence-based work design to enhance mental health and engagement.

5. Practical Tips for HR Professionals to Adapt (22:45)

From understanding AI’s potential to using the Smart Work Design Model in job descriptions, Fleur provides actionable advice for HR leaders to manage AI-driven changes effectively.

Links:

Connect with Fleur Mouchemore:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/fleurmouchemore

Coffee with Fleur podcast: https://www.coffeewithfleurpodcast.au

Connect with your Host - Sarah Lawrence:

To connect or provide feedback, questions, or topic suggestions, you can contact Sarah

Lawrence on linkedin.com/in/sarah-lawrence-24b03b127 or email her at thehumainworkforce@gmail.com

Website:

https://practicalworkforceplanning.com/

Help Grow the Podcast!

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it with your network, and leave us a review on your favourite podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more listeners and bring inspiring conversations to light! Thank you for being part of the journey!

Disclaimer For Podcast:

For details click the link below:

Welcome To The HumAIn Workforce Podcast with Sarah Lawrence

In the first episode of The HumAIn Workforce Podcast, host Sarah Lawrence sets the stage for an informative journey into the future of work where humans and AI thrive together. With over two decades of HR experience and a passion for workforce planning, Sarah introduces her mission to empower HR professionals, business leaders, and tech enthusiasts to navigate the transformative impact of AI on work design, workforce planning, and job creation.

Key Topics Covered:

The Podcast’s Mission: Redefining the workforce to foster collaboration between humans and AI, while ensuring inclusivity and ethical AI deployment.

The HR Perspective: Tackling workforce challenges and empowering HR professionals to adapt to AI’s rapid evolution.

Inspiration from "Scary Smart" by Mo Gawdat: A thought-provoking exploration of AI’s potential, the ethics surrounding it, and realisation of the importance of designing jobs to integrate AI effectively.

The Future of Work Design: How HR professionals can rethink job roles, upskill employees, and view AI as a collaborative virtual employee rather than a replacement.

Upcoming Topics:

• Redesigning work in the age of AI.
• Managing AI’s rapid evolution and its impact on productivity.
• Practical steps for HR professionals to adapt and lead organisational transformation.

Connect with your Host - Sarah Lawrence:

To connect or provide feedback, questions, or topic suggestions, you can contact Sarah

Lawrence on linkedin.com/in/sarah-lawrence-24b03b127 or email at thehumainworkforce@gmail.com

Website: https://practicalworkforceplanning.com/

Help Grow the Podcast!

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it with your network, and leave us a review on your favourite podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more listeners and bring inspiring conversations to light! Thank you for being part of the journey!

Disclaimer For Podcast:

For details click the link below:

https://practicalworkforceplanning.com/podcast-disclaimer/