Navigating AI with Rich Wilson

Rich Wilson

Welcome to Navigating AI, where we guide business and HR leaders through Navigating AI is the show for CEOs, CFOs, and HR leaders who want the truth about what AI means for their business and their people. We translate the “new intelligence era” into practical moves: smarter productivity, clearer communication, better talent decisions, and modern workforce strategy. Expect candid conversations with operators, HR leaders, and experts, plus frameworks and takeaways you can use the same weekthe new intelligence era.

Episodes

  1. What Large Language Models Actually Are

    2d ago

    What Large Language Models Actually Are

    Large language models are everywhere now, but most leaders are still unclear on what they actually are, what they can do well, and where the risks begin. In this episode of Navigating AI, Rich Wilson is joined by Vrat Jerabek of PsychTests, along with returning guest Dr. Ilona Jerabek, for a practical conversation about what large language models really are. Vrat has been building and studying AI systems for more than 30 years, and his message is clear: these tools are powerful, useful, and impressive, but they are not thinking the way people think. The conversation breaks down why fluent language is often mistaken for real understanding, how LLMs recognize patterns and generate responses, and why leaders should be careful before trusting AI with business decisions. Rich, Vrat, and Ilona also explore black-box risk, hallucinations, bias, drift, explainability, and the practical guardrails organizations need before using AI at scale. This episode is for CEOs, CFOs, HR leaders, and anyone trying to use AI responsibly without getting caught up in hype or fear.

    48 min
  2. The HR Tune-Up Playbook

    Apr 20

    The HR Tune-Up Playbook

    Dr. Tiffany Slater shares insights on rejecting traditional HR, implementing quarterly sprints, leveraging AI in HR, and optimizing benefits for small employers. She also discusses the value of fractional HR and compassionate candor, as well as the importance of HR model value and outcomes. Takeaways Rejecting traditional HRQuarterly sprints for HRAI in HR Chapters 00:00 Structure and Compliance Checkpoints14:04 AI in HR and Real Gains19:29 HR Model Value and Outcomes26:37 Benefits Change for Small Employers

    32 min
  3. Magnetic Leadership

    Apr 9

    Magnetic Leadership

    In this episode, Dr. Ilona Jarebek discusses the concept of magnetic leadership and the impact of unconscious patterns on leadership effectiveness. She explores the cost of unconscious patterns, the role of empathy in leadership, the 360-degree leadership MRI, the use of AI in leadership development, readiness and transformation in leadership, and marketing and visibility strategies for leadership development services. Takeaways Magnetic leadership is about the energy and presence a leader brings into a roomUnconscious patterns and behaviors can significantly impact leadership effectiveness Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Magnetic Leadership09:08 Leadership Challenges and Unconscious Patterns15:16 The 360 Degree Leadership MRI26:23 Readiness and Transformation in Leadership32:31 Marketing and Visibility

    34 min
  4. From Hype to Helpful

    Apr 9

    From Hype to Helpful

    Meredith Campbell-Jess, a senior HR associate, shares insights on using AI in HR, addressing AI fatigue, and building trust with clients. She emphasizes the importance of context in AI interactions and encourages HR professionals to embrace AI with a playful and experimental mindset. Takeaways AI in HR requires context and prompts for better results.HR professionals should embrace AI with a playful and experimental mindset.Building trust with clients involves transparency about AI use and its impact on efficiency and value.AI can be used as an assistant, not a replacement, in HR tasks, allowing for more time for meaningful conversations and relationship-building. Chapters 00:00 Introducing Meredith Campbell-Jess07:22 AI Questions and Concerns in HR15:42 Transparency and Trust in AI Use20:48 Practical Tips for Using AI in HR25:51 Marketing and Client Referrals42:26 Connecting with Tall Sky Consulting Group

    40 min
  5. From Wrenches to Workforce: A Veteran’s Shift into Ops-Minded HR and AI

    Apr 8

    From Wrenches to Workforce: A Veteran’s Shift into Ops-Minded HR and AI

    Chad Allen shares his journey from military service to HR leadership at Wichita Kenworth, highlighting the challenges and successes of transitioning from a mechanic to an HR professional. He also discusses the practical application of AI in HR operations and the leadership and culture at Wichita Kenworth. Takeaways Transitioning from military to civilian life requires leveraging networks and seeking mentorship for a smooth transition.AI can be used to streamline HR operations, improve communication, and enhance policy documentation.A family-oriented work culture at Wichita Kenworth emphasizes hard work, celebration, and recognition of employees. Chapters 00:00 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life06:15 The Journey from Mechanic to HR18:08 Leveraging AI in HR Operations30:48 Leadership and Culture at Wichita Kenworth

    33 min
  6. Two States, One Standard

    Mar 18

    Two States, One Standard

    The conversation covers Wes Long Feather's journey in rebuilding HR systems, standardizing processes for AI readiness, reducing turnover, improving workers comp and incident handling, implementing AI, addressing misconceptions about frontline turnover, and stabilizing and rebuilding operations. The key takeaways include the importance of standardization for automation and the significance of building trust and relationships in HR leadership. Takeaways Standardization for AutomationBuilding Trust and Relationships Chapters 00:00 Rebuilding HR Systems10:32 Workers Comp and Incident Handling18:50 AI Implementation and Impact

    37 min
  7. Hot Mess HR

    Mar 17

    Hot Mess HR

    The conversation explores the impact of people problems on organizations, the importance of building high-retention workplaces, the connection between writing and coaching, the employee experience blueprint, self-check for leaders, off-boarding and layoffs, preventing termination surprises, the seven habits of high retention managers, AI in leadership and retention, using AI in leadership communication, supporting HR professionals, the employee experience blueprint, engaging with Influence HR, and strategies for business growth. Takeaways Employee experience is crucialLeadership habits impact retention Chapters 00:00 The Impact of People Problems07:03 The Connection Between Writing and Coaching14:05 Preventing Termination Surprises20:10 AI in Leadership and Retention26:21 Supporting HR Professionals31:47 Engaging with Influence HR

    33 min
  8. There’s Nothing We Can’t Handle

    Mar 4

    There’s Nothing We Can’t Handle

    Aspasia Kalapothakos, a seasoned HR leader, shares her journey from a summer job in HR to becoming the director of business partnerships at Rising Tide. She discusses the shift from transactional HR to strategic business partnering, the role of HR in employee engagement, the responsible use of AI in HR, and the importance of delegation and staying current in the HR world. Takeaways HR has evolved from transactional execution to problem-solving and strategic business partnership.AI in HR should be used responsibly, with human judgment and oversight, and should not replace human decision-making.Delegation is essential for HR leaders to free up time, build trust with their team, and focus on strategic tasks.Staying current in the HR world requires leveraging resources, trusted peers, and staying informed about regulatory changes. Chapters 00:00 The Journey to HR Leadership06:31 HR's Role in Employee Engagement20:47 Delegation and Leadership in HR33:32 Staying Current in the HR World39:04 Referrals and Ideal Clients

    39 min
  9. Simple, Compliant, Human

    Feb 26

    Simple, Compliant, Human

    The conversation with Wendy Jufri covers the topics of simplifying HR processes, handling HR as the company grows, compliance and AI in HR, and marketing and referrals. Wendy shares insights on simplifying paperwork, handling HR as companies grow, the role of AI in HR, and strategic networking for business growth. Takeaways Simplifying HR processesStrategic networking for business growth Chapters 00:00 Simplifying HR Processes09:36 Compliance and AI in HR18:45 Marketing and Referrals

    22 min
  10. From Oh Shit to Sorted

    Feb 20

    From Oh Shit to Sorted

    Julie Sumner, founder of Monarch Endeavors, shares insights on proactive HR, crisis management, manager training, investigations, AI in HR, and rebuilding trust post-incident. Key takeaways include the importance of proactive HR and effective communication in rebuilding trust and managing crises effectively. Takeaways Proactive HREffective Communication Chapters 00:00 Transition from Litigator to Founder07:08 Crisis Management for Small HR Teams12:53 Documentation and Communication in Investigations17:57 AI in HR: Upsides, Pitfalls, and Trust Verification25:56 Rebuilding Trust Post-Incident

    35 min
  11. Practical AI and the Future of Fractional HR

    Feb 16

    Practical AI and the Future of Fractional HR

    The conversation explores the intersection of AI and Fractional HR, covering topics such as the transition to fractional HR, mindset shifts, value and impact, AI applications in HR, compensation management, AI in hiring and recruitment, the future of fractional HR and AI, AI training for HR students, adopting AI for HR professionals, marketing channels for fractional HR, referral conversations, and reaching out to Texas HR Team. Takeaways Fractional HR ModelAI in HR Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Practical AI and Fractional HR06:05 Value and Impact in Fractional HR12:10 Performance Management and AI18:12 Future of Fractional HR and AI24:36 AI Training for HR Students29:50 Referral Conversations and Client Fit

    34 min
  • 11 Episodes

About

Welcome to Navigating AI, where we guide business and HR leaders through Navigating AI is the show for CEOs, CFOs, and HR leaders who want the truth about what AI means for their business and their people. We translate the “new intelligence era” into practical moves: smarter productivity, clearer communication, better talent decisions, and modern workforce strategy. Expect candid conversations with operators, HR leaders, and experts, plus frameworks and takeaways you can use the same weekthe new intelligence era.

Information

  • Creator
    Rich Wilson
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Rich Wilson