Navigating AI with Rich Wilson

About Navigating AI with Rich Wilson

Welcome to Navigating AI, where we guide business and HR leaders through Navigating AI is the show for CEOs, CFOs, and HR leaders who want the truth about what AI means for their business and their people. We translate the “new intelligence era” into practical moves: smarter productivity, clearer communication, better talent decisions, and modern workforce strategy. Expect candid conversations with operators, HR leaders, and experts, plus frameworks and takeaways you can use the same weekthe new intelligence era.

Publisher

Rich Wilson

Category

business · technology

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

16 Feb 2026

Latest episode

18 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

19 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   18 Sept 2026

   The Nucleus of AI: What Leaders Can Learn from the First Artificial

   AI did not begin with ChatGPT. In this episode of Navigating AI, Rich Wilson continues the conversation with Vrat Jerabek of PsychTests and Dr. Ilona Jerabek to explore the deeper history of artificial intelligence, from the first artificial neuron to expert systems, fuzzy logic, neural networks, Hidden Markov Models, and modern large language models. Together, they connect AI’s history to today’s leadership decisions, showing why every wave of AI brings both new capability and new responsibility. The conversation also explores why leaders should not confuse impressive output with trustworthy judgment, especially when AI is used in business, assessments, analytics, or people decisions. This episode is for leaders who want to move beyond AI hype and use the technology with more clarity, context, and accountability.

2. 

   9 Sept 2026

   Practice What You Preach: How AI Can Help Build Better Managers

   What if AI could help managers become better at the most human parts of leadership? In this episode of Navigating AI, Rich Wilson sits down with Hana Zacay, Founder of RiseBud, Director of HR at Stellar Blu Solutions, and Founder of LEADERIS Consulting, to explore a very different way of thinking about artificial intelligence. While much of the AI conversation centers on automation, efficiency, and reducing workloads, Hana is using AI to help managers practice. Through RiseBud what she describes as a “mindset gym” for managers, leaders can prepare for real workplace situations such as giving feedback, handling difficult conversations, improving communication, and building confidence before the stakes are real. Hana also shares lessons from building HR inside a fast-changing technology company, why traditional manager training often fails to translate into behavior, and where the line should remain between AI assistance and human leadership. The conversation ultimately comes back to a simple idea: great managers aren’t built by consuming more content. They’re built through practice. If you’re an HR or business leader thinking about how AI can develop people, not just automate their work. This episode offers a compelling look at what may be next for leadership development.

3. 

   8 Sept 2026

   Recruiting Across Languages, Cultures, and Job Sites

   In this episode of Navigating AI, Rich Wilson sits down with Nicole P., an HR and talent acquisition professional supporting The Beck Group’s self-perform environment, for a grounded conversation about AI, recruiting, language, culture, and the human judgment technology still cannot replace. Nicole brings a unique perspective shaped by her work across HR, talent acquisition, employee relations, multilingual communication, psychology, and operational recruiting. She shares how AI tools can help recruiters prepare for interviews, learn unfamiliar roles, automate parts of the process, and move faster, while also explaining why AI still struggles with the human side of the work. Together, Rich and Nicole explore what AI can and cannot understand about people, especially in environments where language barriers, cultural nuance, job-site realities, trust, exhaustion, and emotional context all matter. Nicole makes a clear case for using AI as a powerful assistant, not a replacement for empathy, judgment, and real human connection. This episode is a practical conversation for HR leaders, recruiters, and business leaders trying to adopt AI without losing the human side of work.

4. 

   31 Jul 2026

   Sharpening the Axe

   Sharpening the Axe: How Marcus Ludwig Uses AI Without Losing the Human Side of HR Artificial intelligence is changing the workplace at an incredible pace, but how do leaders embrace AI without losing the very thing that makes organizations successful: people? In this episode of Navigating AI, Rich Wilson sits down with Marcus Ludwig, Director of Human Resources and AI Strategist at Building Controls & Solutions, to explore how AI can become a force multiplier rather than a replacement for human judgment. Drawing on more than three decades of leadership experience, including 22 years with Walmart and executive HR roles across multiple industries, Marcus shares why the best leaders don’t use AI to think for them. They use it to think better. Together, they discuss how AI is helping organizations preserve decades of institutional knowledge, accelerate workforce development, and improve business performance, while also examining the areas where technology can never replace empathy, trust, accountability, and human connection. Marcus also shares his philosophy of servant leadership, the difference between being kind and being nice, why HR must understand the business beyond policies and compliance, and how leaders can prepare their organizations for an AI-enabled future without losing sight of the people they serve. Whether you’re an HR executive, business leader, or simply trying to understand how AI fits into the future of work, this conversation offers practical insights for leading with both innovation and humanity. In this episode you’ll learn: Why Marcus calls AI a force multiplier, not a dependency How organizations can preserve institutional knowledge before it walks out the door The role AI plays in accelerating learning and workforce development Why HR leaders must become strategic business partners The leadership difference between being kind and being nice Where AI creates value, and where human judgment remains irreplaceable Because in the end, AI may sharpen the axe, but people are still the ones who build the future.

5. 

   13 Jul 2026

   A Science Girl in an HR World

   A Science Girl in an HR World: Shayla Thomas on Carbon Capture, Culture, and AI in HR Shayla Thomas did not take the traditional path into human resources. With bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biology, she came to Texas on a medical school track, moved into medical scribing, stepped into team leadership, and eventually found herself building an HR career inside one of the most fascinating clean-tech companies in the country. In this episode of Navigating AI, Rich Wilson sits down with Shayla, Human Resources Manager at CarbonFree, a San Antonio-based company converting industrial carbon emissions into useful minerals and products. Shayla shares how her scientific mindset shapes the way she leads HR, why curiosity and trust matter inside a growing technical workforce, and what it means to build people systems at a company moving from early-stage innovation into commercial scale. The conversation also explores Shayla’s practical use of AI in HR, including tools like ChatGPT and Claude for communications, workflow support, and policy research. But Shayla is clear-eyed about the risks: AI can be helpful, but HR leaders still need accuracy, context, judgment, and a strong understanding of people. This episode is a conversation about science, culture, trust, benefits, and the future of HR in an AI-enabled workplace.

6. 

   2 Jul 2026

   AI Without Hype

   In this episode of Navigating AI, Rich Wilson sits down with Yoonki Na, Vice President of People & Culture at Jefferson Dental & Orthodontics, to explore what practical AI adoption looks like inside a real HR function. Yoonki leads people strategy for a distributed healthcare workforce across more than 60 Jefferson Dental locations. In a business where communication, consistency, and employee engagement are critical, his team has been using ChangeEngine to create more timely, personalized, and scalable HR communications. Yoonki shares how AI-enabled tools have helped his team reduce manual communication work, improve employee feedback, automate key touchpoints, and strengthen connection across a multi-location workforce. He also discusses how HR leaders should evaluate new technology without getting distracted by polished demos or AI hype. This conversation is a grounded look at how AI can help HR teams create more capacity and consistency while keeping human judgment, empathy, and trust at the center of the work.

7. 

   2 Jul 2026

   From Psychology to People Strategy

   In this episode of Navigating AI, Rich Wilson sits down with Steffi Thomas, owner of Tulloch Consulting, to explore her journey from psychology to people strategy and what it takes to lead a modern HR consulting firm. Steffi shares how her background in human behavior, executive leadership, and HR shaped her approach to helping organizations build stronger people operations across industries. The conversation covers the shift from traditional HR to true people strategy, the common challenges organizations face when they outgrow “lightweight HR,” and what leaders can do to create more clarity, consistency, and trust inside their teams. Rich and Steffi also discuss the future of AI in HR, where it can genuinely help people teams, and the guardrails leaders need to keep the work ethical, compliant, and human. This episode is for leaders who want practical insight into scaling people strategy without losing the human side of the business.

8. 

   16 Jun 2026

   From School Culture to Family Preservation: How Christine Simpson Is Building People-First Change

   In this episode of Navigating AI with Rich Wilson, Rich sits down with Christine Simpson, Vice President of People and Culture at STARRY, a Central Texas nonprofit helping children and families access support before they ever reach the foster care system. Christine shares her journey from nearly three decades in education, where she served as a teacher, principal, and area superintendent, into nonprofit leadership focused on culture, coaching, and family preservation. She talks about what it takes to build a people-first organization in a mission-driven environment, how STARRY has expanded its reach across Central Texas, and why real change starts upstream by strengthening families before crisis hits. The conversation also explores how Christine is thinking about AI in a practical, human-centered way. Rather than treating it as hype, she explains how AI can help lean teams cover more ground, support leadership development, preserve knowledge, and improve efficiency without losing the human touch that matters most. This is a conversation about leadership, culture, innovation, and the kind of systems change that can transform lives.

9. 

   5 Jun 2026

   What Large Language Models Actually Are

   Large language models are everywhere now, but most leaders are still unclear on what they actually are, what they can do well, and where the risks begin. In this episode of Navigating AI, Rich Wilson is joined by Vrat Jerabek of PsychTests, along with returning guest Dr. Ilona Jerabek, for a practical conversation about what large language models really are. Vrat has been building and studying AI systems for more than 30 years, and his message is clear: these tools are powerful, useful, and impressive, but they are not thinking the way people think. The conversation breaks down why fluent language is often mistaken for real understanding, how LLMs recognize patterns and generate responses, and why leaders should be careful before trusting AI with business decisions. Rich, Vrat, and Ilona also explore black-box risk, hallucinations, bias, drift, explainability, and the practical guardrails organizations need before using AI at scale. This episode is for CEOs, CFOs, HR leaders, and anyone trying to use AI responsibly without getting caught up in hype or fear.

10. 

    20 Apr 2026

    The HR Tune-Up Playbook

    Dr. Tiffany Slater shares insights on rejecting traditional HR, implementing quarterly sprints, leveraging AI in HR, and optimizing benefits for small employers. She also discusses the value of fractional HR and compassionate candor, as well as the importance of HR model value and outcomes. Takeaways Rejecting traditional HR Quarterly sprints for HR AI in HR Chapters 00:00 Structure and Compliance Checkpoints 14:04 AI in HR and Real Gains 19:29 HR Model Value and Outcomes 26:37 Benefits Change for Small Employers

11. 

    9 Apr 2026

    Magnetic Leadership

    In this episode, Dr. Ilona Jarebek discusses the concept of magnetic leadership and the impact of unconscious patterns on leadership effectiveness. She explores the cost of unconscious patterns, the role of empathy in leadership, the 360-degree leadership MRI, the use of AI in leadership development, readiness and transformation in leadership, and marketing and visibility strategies for leadership development services. Takeaways Magnetic leadership is about the energy and presence a leader brings into a room Unconscious patterns and behaviors can significantly impact leadership effectiveness Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Magnetic Leadership 09:08 Leadership Challenges and Unconscious Patterns 15:16 The 360 Degree Leadership MRI 26:23 Readiness and Transformation in Leadership 32:31 Marketing and Visibility

12. 

    9 Apr 2026

    From Hype to Helpful

    Meredith Campbell-Jess, a senior HR associate, shares insights on using AI in HR, addressing AI fatigue, and building trust with clients. She emphasizes the importance of context in AI interactions and encourages HR professionals to embrace AI with a playful and experimental mindset. Takeaways AI in HR requires context and prompts for better results. HR professionals should embrace AI with a playful and experimental mindset. Building trust with clients involves transparency about AI use and its impact on efficiency and value. AI can be used as an assistant, not a replacement, in HR tasks, allowing for more time for meaningful conversations and relationship-building. Chapters 00:00 Introducing Meredith Campbell-Jess 07:22 AI Questions and Concerns in HR 15:42 Transparency and Trust in AI Use 20:48 Practical Tips for Using AI in HR 25:51 Marketing and Client Referrals 42:26 Connecting with Tall Sky Consulting Group

13. 

    8 Apr 2026

    From Wrenches to Workforce: A Veteran’s Shift into Ops-Minded HR and AI

    Chad Allen shares his journey from military service to HR leadership at Wichita Kenworth, highlighting the challenges and successes of transitioning from a mechanic to an HR professional. He also discusses the practical application of AI in HR operations and the leadership and culture at Wichita Kenworth. Takeaways Transitioning from military to civilian life requires leveraging networks and seeking mentorship for a smooth transition. AI can be used to streamline HR operations, improve communication, and enhance policy documentation. A family-oriented work culture at Wichita Kenworth emphasizes hard work, celebration, and recognition of employees. Chapters 00:00 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life 06:15 The Journey from Mechanic to HR 18:08 Leveraging AI in HR Operations 30:48 Leadership and Culture at Wichita Kenworth

14. 

    18 Mar 2026

    Two States, One Standard

    The conversation covers Wes Long Feather's journey in rebuilding HR systems, standardizing processes for AI readiness, reducing turnover, improving workers comp and incident handling, implementing AI, addressing misconceptions about frontline turnover, and stabilizing and rebuilding operations. The key takeaways include the importance of standardization for automation and the significance of building trust and relationships in HR leadership. Takeaways Standardization for Automation Building Trust and Relationships Chapters 00:00 Rebuilding HR Systems 10:32 Workers Comp and Incident Handling 18:50 AI Implementation and Impact

15. 

    17 Mar 2026

    Hot Mess HR

    The conversation explores the impact of people problems on organizations, the importance of building high-retention workplaces, the connection between writing and coaching, the employee experience blueprint, self-check for leaders, off-boarding and layoffs, preventing termination surprises, the seven habits of high retention managers, AI in leadership and retention, using AI in leadership communication, supporting HR professionals, the employee experience blueprint, engaging with Influence HR, and strategies for business growth. Takeaways Employee experience is crucial Leadership habits impact retention Chapters 00:00 The Impact of People Problems 07:03 The Connection Between Writing and Coaching 14:05 Preventing Termination Surprises 20:10 AI in Leadership and Retention 26:21 Supporting HR Professionals 31:47 Engaging with Influence HR

16. 

    4 Mar 2026

    There’s Nothing We Can’t Handle

    Aspasia Kalapothakos, a seasoned HR leader, shares her journey from a summer job in HR to becoming the director of business partnerships at Rising Tide. She discusses the shift from transactional HR to strategic business partnering, the role of HR in employee engagement, the responsible use of AI in HR, and the importance of delegation and staying current in the HR world. Takeaways HR has evolved from transactional execution to problem-solving and strategic business partnership. AI in HR should be used responsibly, with human judgment and oversight, and should not replace human decision-making. Delegation is essential for HR leaders to free up time, build trust with their team, and focus on strategic tasks. Staying current in the HR world requires leveraging resources, trusted peers, and staying informed about regulatory changes. Chapters 00:00 The Journey to HR Leadership 06:31 HR's Role in Employee Engagement 20:47 Delegation and Leadership in HR 33:32 Staying Current in the HR World 39:04 Referrals and Ideal Clients

17. 

    26 Feb 2026

    Simple, Compliant, Human

    The conversation with Wendy Jufri covers the topics of simplifying HR processes, handling HR as the company grows, compliance and AI in HR, and marketing and referrals. Wendy shares insights on simplifying paperwork, handling HR as companies grow, the role of AI in HR, and strategic networking for business growth. Takeaways Simplifying HR processes Strategic networking for business growth Chapters 00:00 Simplifying HR Processes 09:36 Compliance and AI in HR 18:45 Marketing and Referrals

18. 

    20 Feb 2026

    From Oh Shit to Sorted

    Julie Sumner, founder of Monarch Endeavors, shares insights on proactive HR, crisis management, manager training, investigations, AI in HR, and rebuilding trust post-incident. Key takeaways include the importance of proactive HR and effective communication in rebuilding trust and managing crises effectively. Takeaways Proactive HR Effective Communication Chapters 00:00 Transition from Litigator to Founder 07:08 Crisis Management for Small HR Teams 12:53 Documentation and Communication in Investigations 17:57 AI in HR: Upsides, Pitfalls, and Trust Verification 25:56 Rebuilding Trust Post-Incident

19. 

    16 Feb 2026

    Practical AI and the Future of Fractional HR

    The conversation explores the intersection of AI and Fractional HR, covering topics such as the transition to fractional HR, mindset shifts, value and impact, AI applications in HR, compensation management, AI in hiring and recruitment, the future of fractional HR and AI, AI training for HR students, adopting AI for HR professionals, marketing channels for fractional HR, referral conversations, and reaching out to Texas HR Team. Takeaways Fractional HR Model AI in HR Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Practical AI and Fractional HR 06:05 Value and Impact in Fractional HR 12:10 Performance Management and AI 18:12 Future of Fractional HR and AI 24:36 AI Training for HR Students 29:50 Referral Conversations and Client Fit

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