How to Build a Human-First AI Strategy That Actually Works

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, I had an inspiring conversation with Lisa Yankie, Chief HR Officer at Odyssey Logistics, to unpack why the future of HR is not just about AI, technology, or transformation. It is about solving the right problems with the right people in the room.

Lisa shares how her own journey, from humble beginnings to leadership across manufacturing, financial services, and mid-sized companies, shaped the way she leads today. Her experience gave her a broader lens on business, resilience, empathy, courage, and the value of taking chances when others open the door.

Most importantly, Lisa explains why HR must stop acting like an afterthought. In her words, human capital is the business. As AI changes work, HR has a bigger role to play as the glue across functions, the challenger of old assumptions, and the function that helps organizations stay human while moving faster.

🎓 In this episode, Lisa discusses:

1. Why leaders should focus on outcomes, not busy work
2. How values help teams make better decisions during change
3. Why human-forward AI matters more than technology-first transformation
4. How HR can become the glue that connects functions around business problems
5. Why curiosity, courage, and asking better questions may become the real future skills

🙏 Thank you to our series partner, 365 Talents

Download the free toolkit and get your 2026 skills strategy moving faster → https://365talents.com/en/lp/hr-skills-strategy-toolkit/?utm_source=hr_leaders&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=july_2026

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