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People First, AI Forward: Rethinking HR for a Faster, Smarter Future
About this episode
Transcript
About this episode
In this episode of the Future Proof HR podcast, Thomas Kunjappu sits down with Julie Fonzo, Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Five Star Breaktime Solutions, to discuss how HR can move fast with AI while staying grounded in real human connection. With experience across startups, turnarounds, growth environments, and M&A, Julie brings a business operator mindset and a clear approach to using technology to elevate, not replace the employee experience.
Julie shares how her team supports thousands of frontline employees, why multiple communication channels matter, and how tech-enabled workflows free HR for more meaningful interactions. She also breaks down her build versus buy decisions, the closed-loop systems that safeguard data, and when she intentionally slows down because the risks outweigh the reward.
Throughout the conversation, she offers practical examples from using AI in job descriptions, communications, ER documentation, training, and early recruiting steps and explains how she brings her team along with confidence, clarity, and smart experimentation.
Topics Discussed:
Why HR can and should be the first function to ship AI
How to balance efficient answers with person-to-person interaction
What it takes to communicate with a large frontline workforce
How closed-loop systems and layered controls protect sensitive data
When to build internal tools instead of spending on external vendors
How AI helps with job descriptions, ER workflows, training modules, and internal communication
Why human touch still matters in onboarding and parts of recruiting
How to bring HR teams along through change and build confidence
The value of failing fast, learning quickly, and moving forward with intention
If you’re responsible for helping HR teams modernize, remove friction, and use technology to improve both operations and human connection, this episode gives you real examples, strategic clarity, and a mindset for leading in a world that isn’t slowing down.
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About the guest
Julie Fonzo
Julie Fonzo is the Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Five Star Breaktime Solutions, bringing more than 15 years of experience leading people strategy in high-growth and complex environments. She specializes in organizational growth, strategic talent management, and leadership development, with a strong focus on aligning HR strategy to business outcomes. Julie has led teams through start-ups, turnarounds, and M&A, consistently strengthening culture and operational effectiveness. Known for her business operator mindset, she builds cohesive teams, streamlines processes, and champions practical innovation. Her work centers on empowering organizations to grow with clarity, consistency, and confidence.
Julie Fonzo is the Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Five Star Breaktime Solutions, bringing more than 15 years of experience leading people strategy in high-growth and complex environments. She specializes in organizational growth, strategic talent management, and leadership development, with a strong focus on aligning HR strategy to business outcomes. Julie has led teams through start-ups, turnarounds, and M&A, consistently strengthening culture and operational effectiveness. Known for her business operator mindset, she builds cohesive teams, streamlines processes, and champions practical innovation. Her work centers on empowering organizations to grow with clarity, consistency, and confidence.
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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.