Top HR leaders powering people-centered AI adoption

The way we work is fundamentally changing. AI is no longer a future concept - it’s here, reshaping how we hire, learn, grow, and lead.

This transformation comes with urgency and complexity. What’s at stake isn’t just productivity or automation — it’s how we develop talent, foster human connection, and prepare people for what’s next.

At the heart of this shift are HR and L&D leaders building the future - not by chasing every trend, but by asking the right questions.

To stay ahead, we need more than new tools. We need the right people to guide us - leaders who know how to make AI work for people, not against them.

In this category of “Shaping the Future of Work” — Lepaya’s campaign spotlighting visionary thinkers in HR and L&D — we highlight the leaders helping organizations unlock AI’s real value.

These AI Champions are advocating people-centered AI adoption.  Follow them to understand what’s changing, what’s possible, and how to lead through the noise.

Tiana Morgan
As HR Transformation Lead at Mercer UK, Tiana is pioneering a new era of Digital HR. She’s shaping what an AI-powered HR operating system can look like—one that streamlines processes, elevates decision-making, and enhances employee experience at scale. With a practical yet visionary approach, she champions the use of intelligent tools to reimagine the way HR operates. Her work bridges strategy and technology, making her a standout leader in driving AI adoption across the HR landscape.

Ross Stevenson
As Founder of Steal These Thoughts!, Ross Stevenson is helping L&D professionals cut through the AI hype and focus on what truly matters: solving real problems. With a practical, human-first approach, he’s showing teams how to use AI tools like ChatGPT to save time, boost productivity, and stay grounded in purpose—not trends. Ross’s curiosity-driven mindset and no-nonsense insights make him a leading voice for those looking to adopt AI thoughtfully, not blindly.

Egle Vinauskaite
Egle’s work as a Learning Strategist & Director at Nodes blends behavioural science with emerging tech, helping global organisations embed AI in meaningful, human-centered ways. Her deep understanding of human development, combined with a sharp focus on emerging technology, makes her a trusted voice for L&D leaders guiding AI adoption with purpose and precision. She emphasizes that true AI success relies on culture, readiness, and collaboration—not just technology.

Jessie Schofer
Jessie turned a major career challenge into momentum, building Stakkd into a powerful platform that transforms HR tech from a mere tool into the strategic backbone for people teams. She helps organisations cut admin, choose the right technology, and focus on what matters—the people. Jessie’s authentic, intentional approach to community-building and sharing expertise has made Stakkd a trusted guide for HR professionals navigating the complex tech landscape. Her leadership exemplifies how thoughtful AI and tech adoption can drive both operational efficiency and cultural success.

Marlene De Koning
As Director HR, Data & GenAI at PwC Nederland, Marlene empowers organisations to bridge technology and business, enhancing culture and performance through data-driven insights. She champions successful GenAI adoption, emphasizing engagement as the critical factor. Widely respected for her tailored, inclusive design approach, Marlene drives measurable business impact and helps organisations transform their workforce for the AI era.

Amit Shrivastava
AmitKumar Shrivastav is a global technology leader spearheading AI innovation and digital transformation. With deep expertise in AI, Generative AI, cloud computing, and middleware, he has led the development and deployment of scalable AI solutions that drive measurable business impact across industries. Amit works closely with government and industry bodies to shape AI skill frameworks and national standards, influencing AI education and workforce readiness on a large scale. His work bridges cutting-edge technology with practical applications, helping organizations leverage AI responsibly and effectively.

Simon Drinkwater
Simon Drinkwater, founder of The HR Partnership, is a HR strategist with 28+ years of experience guiding startups and SMEs through growth and culture challenges. He’s a specialist in seamlessly integrating AI into HR, ensuring technology boosts workflows and employee experience without losing the human touch. Known for his hands-on, practical approach, Simon empowers leaders to build scalable, future-ready people strategies.

Dr Dieter Veldsman
Dr Dieter Veldsman, Chief HR Scientist at AIHR, is a dynamic thought leader shaping the future of HR through cutting-edge research and practical insights. As host of the popular videocast "The HR Dialogues," he connects global HR experts to discuss transformative people strategies. Dieter drives innovation at the intersection of HR, organizational development, and the future of work. His work is recognized internationally for bridging academic rigor with real-world impact.

Sandra Loughlin
As Chief Learning Scientist at EPAM, Sandra Loughlin pioneers skills-based workforce transformation through AI-powered strategies. She drives business growth by integrating AI-enabled skills validation, data-driven talent management, and customized learning ecosystems. Sandra shapes the future of talent development by bridging education and work, fueling innovation in skills alignment, hiring, and employee enablement across industries.

Thomas Lybaek
Thomas is driving LEGO’s shift to a skills-based, AI-powered talent model. In 2024, he led the pilot of a third-party tech solution integrated with LEGO’s HCM system—now set to scale company-wide in 2025. Known for his sharp focus on aligning HR tech with business value, Thomas brings clarity and structure to one of the most ambitious skills transformations in Europe.

Know someone who’s raising the bar in HR or L&D? We’d love to hear from you. Send an email to: karolina.fesolowicz@lepaya.com and you will have a chance to win 2 tickets to the UNLEASH conference!

Let’s build the future of the workforce—together.

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