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Judgment Over Tools: Leading HR Through the AI Noise
About this episode
Transcript
About this episode
In this episode of the Future Proof HR podcast, Thomas Kunjappu sits down with Jamie Rivero, HR Director at MYCO Mechanical, Inc., to explore what disciplined HR leadership looks like in a rapidly changing environment. Drawing on nearly two decades of experience across manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, retail, and construction, Jamie shares how HR leaders can navigate AI adoption and major system decisions without losing credibility or trust.
Jamie explains why moving too fast on AI and HR technology often creates more problems than it solves. She unpacks the importance of understanding the business before evaluating tools, pressure-testing vendor claims, and building ROI cases that connect time saved to real business outcomes rather than surface-level efficiency metrics.
The conversation also examines where AI can support HR teams and where human judgment must remain central. Jamie outlines how HR leaders can reduce low-value work with technology while protecting high-stakes decisions like hiring, performance management, and employee relations, offering a grounded view of what it takes to lead HR through ongoing change.
Topics Discussed:
Why HR leadership today requires judgment, not just tools
Slowing down AI adoption to avoid costly implementation mistakes
Evaluating HR technology through a true business lens
Building credible ROI cases that executives trust
Lessons learned from failed or delayed HR system implementations
Negotiating vendor contracts and protecting leverage during implementation
Where AI belongs in HR and where humans must stay in the loop
Preparing HR teams for continuous change without eroding trust
If you are an HR leader, people strategist, or executive navigating AI, HR technology, and constant change, this episode offers practical insight into how experienced HR leaders make decisions that stand the test of time.
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About the guest
Jamie Rivero
Jamie Rivero is the Director of Human Resources at MYCO Mechanical in Telford, Pennsylvania, and a seasoned Global HR and Operations Executive with extensive experience in manufacturing and warehousing, healthcare, and construction. She has held senior leadership roles, including Chief People Officer and Vice President at a CPG company, where she aligned human capital strategies with business goals to drive performance. Jamie is passionate about building high-impact cultures, leading organizational transformation, and fostering resilience in dynamic environments. Known for her inspirational leadership and strategic vision, she brings integrity and expertise to every initiative. In recognition of her work, she was named Delaware Valley HR Person of the Year in 2019 and previously led an award-winning HR department honored in 2016. She also holds multiple certifications and specialty credentials through SHRM.
Jamie Rivero is the Director of Human Resources at MYCO Mechanical in Telford, Pennsylvania, and a seasoned Global HR and Operations Executive with extensive experience in manufacturing and warehousing, healthcare, and construction. She has held senior leadership roles, including Chief People Officer and Vice President at a CPG company, where she aligned human capital strategies with business goals to drive performance. Jamie is passionate about building high-impact cultures, leading organizational transformation, and fostering resilience in dynamic environments. Known for her inspirational leadership and strategic vision, she brings integrity and expertise to every initiative. In recognition of her work, she was named Delaware Valley HR Person of the Year in 2019 and previously led an award-winning HR department honored in 2016. She also holds multiple certifications and specialty credentials through SHRM.
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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.