#12 - Workforce Transformation & Talent
Episode 12 Recap: “AI and the Workforce — Leading Through Disruption”
Angela Schultz and Loren Horsager dive into how AI is reshaping the workplace and what leaders can do to respond. They discuss employee fears, leadership approaches, and how to unlock the empowering side of AI adoption.
Key Insights:
- Fear of disruption is natural, but adoption opens doors to innovation
- Reskilling and hands-on training are critical to long-term success
- Accessible tools like ChatGPT and Copilot can be the best place to start
- AI adoption isn’t about replacing people—it’s about helping them succeed
The future of work isn’t about AI replacing humans, but humans learning to thrive with AI as a partner. Start small, build momentum, and create a culture where every employee feels empowered.
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Episode 12 - Workforce Transformation & Talent
AI and the Workforce: Leading Through Disruption
The conversation around AI in the workplace often starts with fear. Employees worry about job loss, leaders worry about disruption, and organizations hesitate to act. But as Angela Schultz and Loren Horsager emphasize in this episode, the story doesn’t end with fear. The story of AI is one of empowerment, reskilling, and future opportunity.
Facing the Fear of Job Loss
It’s natural for employees to worry that AI will replace their roles. However, as Loren notes, the data shows that more jobs are likely to be created than lost. The real challenge is the transition—helping today’s workforce adapt to tomorrow’s opportunities. Hands-on training and open conversations are the key to moving past fear.
Reskilling and Upskilling for the Future
Angela highlights the importance of meeting employees where they are. Not everyone is an early adopter, and that’s okay. Leaders who provide accessible entry points—like AI 101 sessions—create the conditions for curiosity, experimentation, and eventual mastery. Those first 'aha moments' spark confidence that grows across the team.
The Empowerment of AI
AI doesn’t just improve efficiency—it makes people feel capable. Angela has seen firsthand how employees leave training sessions with a new sense of empowerment. Suddenly, roadblocks that used to stall progress are solvable. AI gives teams tools to accomplish more, and that momentum can change a culture.
The Leadership Response
Leaders set the tone. Successful adoption isn’t just about mandating AI use—it’s about encouraging exploration, building shared experiences, and creating momentum. Loren recommends sending groups of employees to training rather than individuals. Momentum grows when teams learn together, share discoveries, and inspire each other.
Looking Ahead
The future of work with AI is not a technology project—it’s a communication and process revolution. As Loren emphasizes, leaders should expect some projects to fail, but those failures are valuable learning opportunities. By embracing experimentation, leaders build resilient teams ready to adapt to what’s next.
Final Thoughts
At the heart of this episode is a powerful reminder: AI is not about replacing people. It’s about helping people succeed. Organizations that create a culture of empowerment, reskilling, and experimentation will be the ones that thrive in the AI-powered future.