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The Divide Is Real: Why Some HR Teams Embrace AI Change and Others Stay Stuck
About this episode
Transcript
About this episode
In this episode of Future Proof HR Podcast, Thomas Kunjappu sits down with Preston Lewis, SVP, Communications and Consultant at Segal Benz, to explore the widening gap in how HR teams approach AI adoption. Some are leaning in with strategy, structure, and reskilling. Others are holding back, risking inefficiency, wasted resources, and talent loss.
With over 25 years advising some of the world’s most recognized brands, Preston shares why communications leaders are often asked to lead AI change, the mindset shifts that separate innovators from laggards, and how to prepare HR and comms teams for rapid transformation without losing the human connection.
Topics Discussed
Why some HR teams embrace AI while others stall
The role of communication leaders in driving AI transformation
Navigating shadow AI and employee use of unsanctioned tools
Building trust, feedback loops, and psychological safety for change
New roles emerging in HR and comms for the AI era
A four-lens framework: Strategy & planning, systems & process, skills & capabilities, platforms & technology
Balancing in-house skill-building with outside expertise
Preparing for faster rates of change and evolving roles
If your HR or comms team is struggling to bridge the AI adoption gap, this episode offers a roadmap for closing it — while keeping people, trust, and strategy at the center.
Additional Resources:
About this episode
Transcript
About this episode
In this episode of Future Proof HR Podcast, Thomas Kunjappu sits down with Preston Lewis, SVP, Communications and Consultant at Segal Benz, to explore the widening gap in how HR teams approach AI adoption. Some are leaning in with strategy, structure, and reskilling. Others are holding back, risking inefficiency, wasted resources, and talent loss.
With over 25 years advising some of the world’s most recognized brands, Preston shares why communications leaders are often asked to lead AI change, the mindset shifts that separate innovators from laggards, and how to prepare HR and comms teams for rapid transformation without losing the human connection.
Topics Discussed
Why some HR teams embrace AI while others stall
The role of communication leaders in driving AI transformation
Navigating shadow AI and employee use of unsanctioned tools
Building trust, feedback loops, and psychological safety for change
New roles emerging in HR and comms for the AI era
A four-lens framework: Strategy & planning, systems & process, skills & capabilities, platforms & technology
Balancing in-house skill-building with outside expertise
Preparing for faster rates of change and evolving roles
If your HR or comms team is struggling to bridge the AI adoption gap, this episode offers a roadmap for closing it — while keeping people, trust, and strategy at the center.
Additional Resources:
About this episode
Transcript
About this episode
In this episode of Future Proof HR Podcast, Thomas Kunjappu sits down with Preston Lewis, SVP, Communications and Consultant at Segal Benz, to explore the widening gap in how HR teams approach AI adoption. Some are leaning in with strategy, structure, and reskilling. Others are holding back, risking inefficiency, wasted resources, and talent loss.
With over 25 years advising some of the world’s most recognized brands, Preston shares why communications leaders are often asked to lead AI change, the mindset shifts that separate innovators from laggards, and how to prepare HR and comms teams for rapid transformation without losing the human connection.
Topics Discussed
Why some HR teams embrace AI while others stall
The role of communication leaders in driving AI transformation
Navigating shadow AI and employee use of unsanctioned tools
Building trust, feedback loops, and psychological safety for change
New roles emerging in HR and comms for the AI era
A four-lens framework: Strategy & planning, systems & process, skills & capabilities, platforms & technology
Balancing in-house skill-building with outside expertise
Preparing for faster rates of change and evolving roles
If your HR or comms team is struggling to bridge the AI adoption gap, this episode offers a roadmap for closing it — while keeping people, trust, and strategy at the center.
Additional Resources:
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About the guest
About the guest
Preston Lewis
Preston Lewis is an energetic and creative leader who helps organizations solve complex challenges through the power of communication, design, and human-centered strategy. As Senior Vice President of Communications at Segal Benz and founder of multiple successful communications ventures, Preston brings more than 25 years of experience guiding enterprise transformation, driving employee engagement, and shaping award-winning internal and external brand experiences.
His expertise spans branding, digital workplace design, internal communications, change management, and employee experience — with a focus on aligning leadership, culture, and technology to achieve meaningful results. Preston has partnered with some of the world’s most recognizable brands, including Starbucks, Intel, Genentech, Roche, CHANEL, Okta, Patreon, MolsonCoors, NASDAQ, GE, HP, and many more, helping them modernize the way they connect with employees and customers alike. A sought-after speaker and advisor, Preston has delivered talks and workshops on designing modern employee experiences, cracking the engagement code, and empowering the future of work. Whether working with startups or global enterprises, he’s known for his ability to bridge strategy and creativity, turning complex transformations into opportunities for growth and innovation.
Preston Lewis is an energetic and creative leader who helps organizations solve complex challenges through the power of communication, design, and human-centered strategy. As Senior Vice President of Communications at Segal Benz and founder of multiple successful communications ventures, Preston brings more than 25 years of experience guiding enterprise transformation, driving employee engagement, and shaping award-winning internal and external brand experiences.
His expertise spans branding, digital workplace design, internal communications, change management, and employee experience — with a focus on aligning leadership, culture, and technology to achieve meaningful results. Preston has partnered with some of the world’s most recognizable brands, including Starbucks, Intel, Genentech, Roche, CHANEL, Okta, Patreon, MolsonCoors, NASDAQ, GE, HP, and many more, helping them modernize the way they connect with employees and customers alike. A sought-after speaker and advisor, Preston has delivered talks and workshops on designing modern employee experiences, cracking the engagement code, and empowering the future of work. Whether working with startups or global enterprises, he’s known for his ability to bridge strategy and creativity, turning complex transformations into opportunities for growth and innovation.
Preston Lewis is an energetic and creative leader who helps organizations solve complex challenges through the power of communication, design, and human-centered strategy. As Senior Vice President of Communications at Segal Benz and founder of multiple successful communications ventures, Preston brings more than 25 years of experience guiding enterprise transformation, driving employee engagement, and shaping award-winning internal and external brand experiences.
His expertise spans branding, digital workplace design, internal communications, change management, and employee experience — with a focus on aligning leadership, culture, and technology to achieve meaningful results. Preston has partnered with some of the world’s most recognizable brands, including Starbucks, Intel, Genentech, Roche, CHANEL, Okta, Patreon, MolsonCoors, NASDAQ, GE, HP, and many more, helping them modernize the way they connect with employees and customers alike. A sought-after speaker and advisor, Preston has delivered talks and workshops on designing modern employee experiences, cracking the engagement code, and empowering the future of work. Whether working with startups or global enterprises, he’s known for his ability to bridge strategy and creativity, turning complex transformations into opportunities for growth and innovation.
The leading podcast for the future of HR
The leading podcast for the future of HR
The leading podcast for the future of HR
The future of HR is being shaped by real operators doing the work.
If you’ve led change, navigated challenges, or learned valuable lessons in people operations, we’d love to hear your perspective.
Apply below to be considered as a guest on the show.
The future of HR is being shaped by real operators doing the work.
If you’ve led change, navigated challenges, or learned valuable lessons in people operations, we’d love to hear your perspective.
Apply below to be considered as a guest on the show.
The future of HR is being shaped by real operators doing the work.
If you’ve led change, navigated challenges, or learned valuable lessons in people operations, we’d love to hear your perspective.
Apply below to be considered as a guest on the show.