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Small Sessions, Big Shift: How L&D Scales AI Habits
About this episode
Transcript
About this episode
In this episode of the Future Proof HR podcast, Thomas Kunjappu sits down with Stephanie Leal, Director of HR, Learning and Development at Mission North. Stephanie is leading a company-wide initiative to build AI fluency, not just within HR but across client-facing teams serving some of the most innovative tech brands. What began with a simple usage survey has evolved into a structured learning program—Navigating AI—that combines show-and-tell sessions, AI principles embedded into onboarding, and ongoing cross-functional training.
Stephanie shares how she shifted from AI skeptic to champion, helping Mission North employees transform curiosity into practical skills while balancing excitement with caution around data privacy and security. Her story offers a model for how HR and L&D leaders can drive adoption without mandates, creating a culture of experimentation and trust.
Topics Discussed:
How a baseline AI survey revealed 73% of employees were already “explorers.”
Why mandates spread fear while experimentation spreads innovation.
Building Navigating AI, a cross-company learning journey with measurable outcomes.
Embedding AI principles into onboarding and company culture.
Using show-and-tell sessions and super users to drive grassroots adoption.
Balancing security, transparency, and responsible AI use.
How L&D can leverage AI to create more personalized and scalable learning experiences.
Why curiosity and continuous learning matter more than prior AI skills in hiring.
The future of L&D: moving from manual training tasks to AI-powered content creation and strategy.
If you’re looking for a practical guide to building AI fluency across your organization while keeping HR at the center of trust, learning, and culture, this conversation with Stephanie Leal is packed with insights you can use today.
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About the guest
Stephanie Leal
Stephanie is a Director of HR, Learning & Development at Mission North, a strategic communications agency serving innovative companies across the tech sector. With more than 10 years of experience as a people strategy leader, she is committed to driving business results through exceptional employee experiences and talent development. She is passionate about embedding learning and development throughout the employee lifecycle and is currently expanding the adoption of AI to empower her organization. Stephanie holds a degree in Culture and Communication from Ithaca College and is a volunteer member of New Yorkers United for Childcare.
Stephanie is a Director of HR, Learning & Development at Mission North, a strategic communications agency serving innovative companies across the tech sector. With more than 10 years of experience as a people strategy leader, she is committed to driving business results through exceptional employee experiences and talent development. She is passionate about embedding learning and development throughout the employee lifecycle and is currently expanding the adoption of AI to empower her organization. Stephanie holds a degree in Culture and Communication from Ithaca College and is a volunteer member of New Yorkers United for Childcare.
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Listen to the Episode
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Listen to the Episode
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Listen to the Episode
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Listen to the Episode
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Listen to the Episode
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Listen to the Episode
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Listen to the Episode
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Listen to the Episode
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Listen to the Episode
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Listen to the Episode
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Listen to the Episode
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Listen to the Episode
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Listen to the Episode
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Listen to the Episode
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Listen to the Episode
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Listen to the Episode
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Listen to the Episode
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Listen to the Episode
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Listen to the Episode
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Listen to the Episode
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Listen to the Episode
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Listen to the Episode
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Listen to the Episode
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Listen to the Episode
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Listen to the Episode
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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.