AI’s Not the Problem - It’s How You Use It, with Jeremy Broome of VISA
Most conversations about AI in the workplace get stuck on the surface - job loss fears, tech hype, and hand-wringing about what’s next. But in this episode, we flip the script. What if AI itself isn’t the problem? What if the real story is how organizations introduce, structure, and integrate it into the human fabric of work?Jeremy Broome, Global Head of Talent at Visa, shares how his team navigates AI with a surprisingly optimistic and deeply human approach. From scenario-based workforce planning to AI-powered feedback loops in sales training, Jeremy outlines how Visa empowers employees to experiment safely, learn organically, and ask better questions rather than just seek faster answers. Along the way, he introduces a simple but powerful framework, “one-way doors vs. two-way doors”, for evaluating risk, making bolder moves, and learning without losing trust.This conversation isn't just about tech adoption. It's about how thoughtful design, cultural muscle, and a focus on community can transform fear into fluency and uncertainty into innovation. Whether you're starting your AI journey or stuck in the middle of one, this episode shows you what people-first AI looks like. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...(0:00) Optimism, people-first AI, and two-way doors.(4:36) Jeremy’s background and Visa’s AI legacy.(9:06) GenAI as an opportunity and top-down momentum.(13:38) Real-world use cases: recruiting, learning, chatbots.(17:40) Future-back workforce planning and scenario design.(24:01) Learning shifts: community, context, and curiosity.Resources & People MentionedHighspot - AI coaching in sales trainingVisa University - Visa’s internal learning hubConnect with Jeremy BroomeConnect with Jeremy Broome on LinkedInConnect With Red Thread ResearchWebsite: Red Thread ResearchOn LinkedInOn FacebookOn TwitterSubscribe to WORKPLACE STORIES
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50:09
“Wait, We’re Still Guessing?” Why HR Needs Better Data - NOW
HR teams have more data than ever, but many still rely on guesswork when it comes to people decisions. In this episode, we unpack the rapid growth of the people analytics tech market, which ballooned from $1.7B in 2019 to $8.1B by last summer.Hosts Dani Johnson, Stacia Garr, and Priyanka Mehrotra walk through how this market has evolved, what’s driving investment, and why the demand for better-connected, more useful insights keeps rising.We also dig into what’s not working, like customer frustration, disappointing ROI, and the reality that AI in these tools often overpromises and underdelivers. Whether you’re brand new to people analytics or looking to uplevel your HR tech strategy, this episode will help you move from “hoping for the best” to truly leading with insight. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...(0:00) Setting the stage: Why people analytics tech is worth revisiting.(4:31) The market’s growth from $1.7B to $8.1B, and what’s fueling it.(8:31) Three big shifts: use cases, democratization, and ethics.(13:40) Pandemic-driven surge: Why execs finally cared about people data.(14:57) What vendors are getting right: Partnerships and practical AI.(23:25) Where vendors are falling short: UX, ROI, and unmet promises.(29:30) The near-term future: Middleware, consolidation, and embedded insights.(36:00) AI expectations vs. reality: Trust, risk, and what vendors still miss.Resources & People MentionedVisier – https://www.visier.comCulture Amp – https://www.cultureamp.comOne Model – https://www.onemodel.coConnect with Dani, Stacia, and PriyankaDani JohnsonStacia GarrPriyanka Mehrotra on LinkedInConnect With Red Thread ResearchWebsite: Red Thread ResearchOn LinkedInOn FacebookOn TwitterSubscribe to WORKPLACE STORIES
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42:58
L&D’s Identity Crisis: Why Supporting the Business Isn’t Enough Anymore, with Al Dea
Many L&D teams still see themselves as a support function—creating learning programs, responding to training requests, and advocating for development. But in a rapidly changing business landscape, is that enough? In this episode, Al Dea, founder of Edge of Work, challenges the traditional identity of L&D and makes the case for a more strategic role—one that positions learning as a core driver of business transformation, not just an enabler of it.We dive into the recurring struggle for L&D to "get a seat at the table" and why that framing might be holding teams back. Instead of waiting for an invitation, L&D leaders must shift their focus from delivering learning to solving real business problems.Al shares insights on how forward-thinking organizations are embedding learning into business strategy, leveraging skills data, and embracing new ways of working—such as agile methodologies and systems thinking—to drive real impact. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...(00:00) L&D’s Identity Crisis(05:10) Why L&D struggles for influence and how to fix it(12:40) The shift from support function to strategic problem-solver(20:50) The role of skills data in transforming L&D(32:00) Challenges and mindset shifts needed for L&D leaders(42:41) Final thoughts and why Al Dea does this workResources & People MentionedThe Edge of WorkJosh BersinConnect with Al DeaConnected with Al Dea on LinkedInConnect With Red Thread ResearchWebsite: Red Thread ResearchOn LinkedInOn FacebookOn TwitterSubscribe to WORKPLACE STORIES
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44:03
AI, Learning & Partnerships: How Bertelsmann is Future-Proofing Its Workforce with Steven Moran
AI is transforming work at an unprecedented pace, but many organizations still struggle to move beyond experimentation and into real implementation. In this episode, we sit down with Steven Moran, Chief Learning Officer and Chief Partnerships Officer at Bertelsmann, to explore how one of the world’s largest media, education, and services companies is tackling this challenge head-on. With 400 businesses and 80,000 employees worldwide, Bertelsmann is uniquely positioned at the intersection of AI, workforce learning, and industry partnerships—making its approach to AI adoption especially insightful.Steven shares how Bertelsmann strategically identifies which work AI should take over and which skills employees should double down on to stay competitive. He also unpacks why AI isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about fostering creativity, innovation, and business transformation.From collaborating with OpenAI to rethinking job structures, Steven offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Bertelsmann is future-proofing its workforce. Whether you’re an HR leader, a learning professional, or simply curious about AI’s role in the workplace, this episode provides a roadmap for navigating the next era of work.You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...(0:00) How Bertelsmann’s Chief Learning Officer also leads partnerships(1:10) AI’s shift from experimentation to real implementation in organizations(8:33) Bertelsmann’s strategic partnership with OpenAI and its goals(10:32) How AI is reshaping work and what skills employees should prioritize(16:40) The journey from AI experimentation to company-wide adoption(22:50) Balancing AI-driven efficiency with human creativity in the workplace(35:00) How Bertelsmann uses skill gap analysis to drive workforce strategyResources & People MentionedBertelsmannOpenAIEthan Bernstein & Job MovesConnect with Steven MoranConnect on LinkedInConnect With Red Thread ResearchWebsite: Red Thread ResearchOn LinkedInOn FacebookOn TwitterSubscribe to WORKPLACE STORIES
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44:45
Brenda Kowske: Strategic Workforce Planning in the Age of AI
Boston Scientific is looking at workforce planning in an entirely new way. We got the rare chance to hear all about it from Brenda Kowske, their Senior Director of Talent Analytics and Workforce Planning.With 50,000 employees worldwide and a rapidly growing footprint, they’re navigating big challenges with fresh approaches.We talked with Brenda about how her team is breaking down traditional HR silos, integrating workforce planning into business decisions, and staying ahead of the curve with AI and skills-based planning.She’s been in this space for over a decade and brings a sharp perspective on what works—and what doesn’t.From creating global talent pods to using unexpected data like happiness indexes, Brenda walked us through how Boston Scientific is balancing data, technology, and strategy to make workforce planning a true competitive advantage.You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...Intro [0:00]How AI is changing jobs, skills, and how teams are truly built [1:44]Using location and happiness data to make better workforce choices [2:29]The challenge of moving from job-based to skill-based planning [7:00]How to keep workforce data private while still using it smartly [21:00]Why Boston Scientific keeps workforce planning “always on” [24:30]How AI could make it easier to help employees grow their skills [33:20]Resources & People MentionedGDPR – General Data Protection Regulation OverviewCorporate Social Responsibility Directive (CSRD) – CSRD Information (European Commission)Anaplan – Anaplan Official WebsiteConnect with Brenda KowskeBrenda Kowske on LinkedInConnect With Red Thread ResearchWebsite: Red Thread ResearchOn LinkedInOn FacebookOn TwitterSubscribe to WORKPLACE STORIES
At RedThread, we love data—but we know stories are what stick. That’s why we bring together thinkers, writers, leaders, and practitioners to share real-world insights about what works in the workplace, what they’ve learned, and where the future of work is headed. We keep it insightful, thought-provoking, and maybe even a little irreverent.But we don’t stop at conversations. Our research, events, and community turn insights into action, helping organizations and individuals navigate the changing world of work.Want to be part of the conversation? Join our community for free and connect with others shaping the future of work.Learn more about RedThread Research here: https://redthreadresearch.com/home
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