In this thought-provoking episode, Mel, Michelle, and Erika discuss the intersection of human resources (HR) and artificial intelligence (AI), exploring the implications, opportunities, and challenges that HR professionals face in the era of AI-driven automation and decision-making. As organizations globally adopt AI technologies to enhance hiring processes and operational efficiency, the trio sheds light on the necessity for HR to evolve, the fears surrounding job replacement, and the critical need for strategic, informed decision-making within HR departments.

Episode Highlights:

• AI in Hiring: Reflection on the widespread use of automation and AI in hiring processes among Fortune 500 companies, including robot avatars and resume scanning algorithms.
• The HR Fear Factor: Erika discusses the anxiety within HR communities about AI potentially replacing human jobs, highlighting a general lack of analytics and technology training within traditional HR roles.
• The Need for HR Upskilling: Both Erika and Michelle emphasize the urgency for HR professionals to acquire technology and analytics skills, not only for job security but also to ensure they can contribute strategically to organizational growth and ethics in AI usage.
• Generative AI and Bias Concerns: The conversation touches on the risks associated with generative AI, such as biased algorithms influencing hiring decisions, underscoring the importance of knowledge and ethical considerations in AI deployment.
• Strategic Role of HR in AI Era: Michelle stresses the potential for HR to act as a conduit for upskilling the broader organization in AI literacy, while also advocating for HR itself to undergo significant upskilling.
• Legal and Ethical Implications: Erika warns of the increasing likelihood of lawsuits arising from misapplications of AI in HR, pointing to a crucial need for bespoke, organization-specific AI solutions to mitigate risk.
• Cultural and Organizational Transformation: The discussion extends to the role of HR in driving cultural and organizational change, advocating for a transformational approach to HR that leverages AI for strategic advantage rather than mere cost-cutting.

Leadership Call to Action

• For HR Professionals: Embrace technology and analytics training. Engage with AI tools critically and ethically. Innovate in your role to become a strategic partner in your organization.
• For Organizations: Invest in upskilling HR teams. Consider the development of bespoke AI solutions that align with company policies and ethical standards. Promote a culture of continuous learning and adaptation.

Lead to Soar is a global online network for businesswomen, a podcast, and we host live-streaming and in person events to help women have a career that soars! The podcast is hosted by Mel Butcher (melbutcher.com) and Michelle Redfern (michelleredfern.com)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this insightful episode, Mel Butcher and Michelle Redfern tackle the often overlooked yet critical aspect of leadership—succession planning. They explore why leaders tend to shy away from this responsibility and provide a roadmap for effective succession planning that prepares organizations for future challenges. This episode is a must-listen for anyone in a leadership position, offering practical strategies for cultivating the next generation of leaders.

Episode Highlights:

• The Importance of Succession Planning: An exploration of why succession planning is essential for sustainable organizational growth and leadership transition.
• Overcoming Avoidance: Michelle shares insights on the common reasons leaders avoid succession planning and how to overcome these hurdles.
• Evaluating Talent: Strategies for evaluating in-house versus outside talent, emphasizing the importance of knowing potential successors' capabilities and developmental needs.
• Developing Talent: Discussion on the necessity of grooming potential candidates through mentoring, coaching, and training to prepare them for leadership roles.
• Continuous Planning: The significance of continuously updating succession plans to ensure the organization's readiness for future leadership needs.
• Transparent Communication: The value of clear and transparent communication about succession planning processes within the organization.

Leadership Call to Action

• Start the succession planning process by evaluating your organization's future leadership needs.
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of potential candidates' strengths and areas for growth.
• Create a culture of continuous professional development and open communication about career paths and leadership opportunities.

Lead to Soar is a global online network for businesswomen, a podcast, and we host live-streaming and in person events to help women have a career that soars! The podcast is hosted by Mel Butcher (melbutcher.com) and Michelle Redfern (michelleredfern.com)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Lead to Soar, Mel Butcher and Michelle Redfern discuss the importance of creating a strategic mentoring program. They challenge the traditional, often questionable effectiveness of mentoring programs and present a strategic approach that promises to elevate these initiatives from good to great. Targeted at leaders, HR professionals, and decision-makers, this episode is a masterclass on designing mentoring programs that genuinely advance women's careers.

Episode Highlights:

• The Strategic Importance of Mentoring: Michelle Redfern highlights the need for mentoring programs to be strategic, aligning with organizational goals and the advancement of women.
• Organizational Goals Alignment: The episode discusses how strategic mentoring programs are essential components of talent management strategies, emphasizing the alignment with organizational goals for true effectiveness.
• Selection of Mentors: A critical examination of mentor selection processes, pointing out that not every high-level executive is naturally equipped to mentor effectively.
• Mentor Training: Insights into the necessity of providing mentors with the training and development they need to guide their mentees successfully.
• Beyond Confidence: The conversation moves beyond the conventional focus on boosting confidence, advocating for mentoring that focuses on critical skill development, especially for women.
• Strategic Mentoring’s Impact: The episode wraps up by underlining the significant impact strategic mentoring can have on closing the leadership gender gap within organizations.

Actionable Advice:

• Assess and align your mentoring program with the broader goals of your organization.
• Be thoughtful and strategic in selecting mentors, recognizing that not all are suited for this role.
• Invest in mentor training to ensure they are equipped to provide valuable guidance.
• Focus mentoring efforts on skill development rather than just confidence building.

Lead to Soar is a global online network for businesswomen, a podcast, and we host live-streaming and in person events to help women have a career that soars! The podcast is hosted by Mel Butcher (melbutcher.com) and Michelle Redfern (michelleredfern.com)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.