Why AI Should Be the No.1 Topic for CHROs in 2025

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In today's episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we welcome Parker Mitchell, CEO of Valence. Parker shares his insights on how generative AI is transforming the workforce and HR functions, discussing how companies can leverage AI to systematize management, enhance team dynamics, and improve leadership development at scale.

He also explores the future of AI-powered tools in HR, including the rise of AI coaching and its potential to reshape management.

Watch the full episode by clicking below ⬇️

In this episode, Parker discusses:

💼 Generative AI’s Impact on Job Roles

→ Parker explains how AI will transform job categories and reshape functions across businesses.

🧠 Boosting Team Dynamics with AI

→ Discover how AI is enhancing team collaboration and building stronger workplace connections.

🚀 CHROs Leading the AI Revolution

→ Parker shares why HR leaders must champion AI adoption to stay ahead in the evolving landscape.

🤖 AI Coaching for Managers

→ Learn how Valence’s AI coach offers personalized, real-time support for leadership growth.

🔮 What advice Parker had for future HR leaders:

"CHROs need to partner with their businesses to understand how generative AI will affect staffing, compensation, and team dynamics. AI is a chance to rethink talent development from the ground up."

"CHROs should create a portfolio of AI experiments, balancing small, incremental changes with bigger, transformative bets. This approach allows HR leaders to identify what works best while staying ahead in the fast-evolving AI landscape."

📚 Additional Insights: Why AI Must Be the Top Priority for CHROs in 2025

1. Why AI Should Be the No. 1 Topic for CHROs in 2025 → By 2025, the use of generative AI in HR will be critical for competitive advantage, with 76% of HR leaders stating that not adopting AI would cause organizations to lag behind their competitors. AI will transform recruitment, talent management, and workforce planning, automating routine tasks and allowing HR to focus on strategic initiatives. CHROs must lead AI adoption to reshape the workforce and drive better decision-making through data

2. Key Trends for AI in HR → As AI and automation take over routine tasks like payroll, benefits management, and employee queries, HR will shift focus to higher-value activities like talent development, employee engagement, and leadership coaching. Generative AI, in particular, will enable HR professionals to provide personalized learning and development experiences, helping employees navigate career growth more efficiently.

3. Overcoming Barriers to AI Adoption → One of the biggest challenges in AI adoption is fear of job displacement and a lack of understanding among employees and leaders. CHROs must champion a culture of growth and learning to ensure their teams are prepared for AI. This includes educating employees on how AI can enhance—not replace—their roles, and ensuring that ethical guidelines and transparency are upheld during AI deployment.

4. Case Study: IBM’s Strategy for AI in HR → IBM has been at the forefront of integrating AI into HR by focusing on upskilling employees to work alongside AI tools. Their AI-powered systems are designed to enhance employee engagement and productivity by using generative AI to assist in performance reviews, skill development, and even project management, allowing HR to focus on strategic initiatives rather than administrative work.

5. The Role of AI in Hybrid Work Models → AI is playing a crucial role in maintaining engagement in hybrid work environments. Tools powered by AI are helping HR track employee performance, wellness, and productivity across remote and in-office settings, ensuring a connected and supportive workforce. This is vital as companies increasingly adopt flexible work policies, and HR must leverage AI to maintain cohesion and productivity.

📚 You might be interested in:

This episode covered so many important topics, here's an additional resource for you to dive a bit deeper:

• Get proven ROI at every stage with the all-together hiring platform.

• (Start for FREE) Get instant answers to any HR questions with the world's AI copilot for HR

• A recent episode of the HR Leaders podcast covering "What Every Leader Must Know about AI in HR"

🙏 We couldn't do it without you!

Thank you to Parker Mitchell for sharing his time, expertise, and vision with our listeners.

Also our episode and series sponsor, Greenhouse and their brilliant team Daniel Chait, Carin Van Vuuren (she/her), Trenton Kenagy, and Robin Cornuelle and Kelsey Bernert at Daybreak Studio.

None of this would be possible without Shane Kemp, James Elwell, Rio André, Kenneth Browne and the team at HR Leaders and atlas copilot for bringing the podcast to life.

Thank you to our previous guests: Nicole Peace, Bill Agostini, Joelle Emerson, Paaras Parker, Luke Wynne, Jon Stross, Larry Emond, Tony Buffum, Jennifer Moore, Matthew Hamilton, Debra Corey, Kalifa Oliver, and many more.

⏭️ Join us at our next event:

1. HR Leaders Innovation Roundtable at Merck - 21 October

2. How to Build a Human-Centred Workplace That Thrives Through Feedback and Recognition - 7 November

3. How to Navigate Workforce Transformation at Scale: Empowering Leadership and Employees - 14 November

P.S. If you like the HR Leaders podcast, help us grow the show by rating us on Apple or Spotify ⭐️, or share this with a friend or colleague ♻️.