In this episode of the HR Bytes podcast, host Jay Polaki interviews Mary Williams, an HR influencer, about her journey within the HR field and the impact of technology on HR practices. Mary shares her insights on the evolution of HR, the role of AI and automation in improving work processes, and the importance of maintaining a human touch in a tech-driven environment. She provides practical examples of how AI can enhance HR functions, such as employee engagement and candidate review processes. The discussion also touches on the future of HR, challenges like burnout, and the importance of a proactive approach to change management. Mary offers valuable advice for HR professionals on adapting to new technologies and emphasizes the benefits of a hybrid work model. The episode concludes with Mary sharing her favorite HR resources and expressing her passion for giving back to the HR community.

Tune into more insightful #HRBytes at https://hrgeckos.com/podcast.html.

Reach Mary on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marykwilliams1743/

Mary’s HR Podcast recommendation: Cy Wakeman’s No Ego / Reality Based Leadership;

Mary’s HR Playlist recommendation: Don’t Stop Believing (Journey)

Give our work from anywhere Spotify HR Music Playlist, Geckos Grooves, a listen: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3cgLqXsUutUyfBha9ICNFT?si=06dd8ea87f0a4810

Visit #HRBytes' Web Home at https://hrgeckos.com/podcast.html

Copyright @HRGeckos 2026

Jay Polaki, Founder and CEO of HR Geckos (https://hrgeckos.com/), sits with Jon-Paul Ales-Barnicoat, CHRO at AliveCor, a global health tech startup, where, as CHRO, he set the stage for next-stage growth. We cover why AI is best used to enhance—not replace—your unique leadership voice, how to truly map career journeys with tech, and what it means to keep the “human” at the center of human resources. Jon-Paul’s take: “Use AI for qualification, not disqualification, and let recruiters build real relationships.” Plus, why Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” is the perfect soundtrack for change.

HR Bytes is powered by HR Geckos; check out our copilot for HR Operations at https://hrgeckos.com.

Tune into more insightful #HRBytes at https://hrgeckos.com/podcast.html.

Reach Jon-Paul AlesBarnicoat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonpaul/

Jon-Paul’s connection recommendations: Emel Kott

Jon-Paul’s HR Book recommendation: Zero to IPO by Frederic Kerrest

Jon-Paul’s HR Playlist recommendation: Shake it Off (Taylor Swift)

📣Give our work from anywhere Spotify HR Music Playlist, Geckos Grooves, a listen: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3cgLqXsUutUyfBha9ICNFT?si=06dd8ea87f0a4810

SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/7lijLCy4lnkCxrSg89uU4H?si=j8EktqZgSjC6hUJnYe7quQ

Visit #HRBytes' Web Home at https://hrgeckos.com/podcast.html

Copyright @HRGeckos 2025

Jay Polaki, Founder and CEO of HR Geckos (https://hrgeckos.com/), sits with Kandi Gongora—Chief Transformation and People Officer at Goodway Group and now CHRO at The Car Group, a visionary HR leader with over 20 years of global experience.

In this episode, Kandi shares a practical approach to embracing AI in HR: start with curiosity, experiment with small processes, and seek learning opportunities from mentors and digital forums.

Key takeaways:

• Being open and adaptable is critical—yesterday’s best practices may not solve tomorrow’s problems.
• Human-AI collaboration is essential; tools like “Ruby” enable strategic impact while keeping the human touch at the core of performance management.
• AI empowers HR to move faster, become more strategic partners to the business, and focus on high-value work.
• Start experimenting on a personal level, remain proactive about new tech, and always align technology adoption with business objectives

HR Bytes is powered by HR Geckos; check out our copilot for HR Operations at https://hrgeckos.com.

Tune into more insightful #HRBytes at https://hrgeckos.com/podcast.html.

Kandi’s connection recommendations: Eva Feng

Kandi’s Podcast recommendation: The Ready

Kandi’s HR Playlist recommendation: Love Shack

Give our work from anywhere Spotify HR Music Playlist, Geckos Grooves, a listen: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3cgLqXsUutUyfBha9ICNFT?si=06dd8ea87f0a4810

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Visit #HRBytes' Web Home at https://hrgeckos.com/podcast.html

Copyright @HRGeckos 2025