HR Bytes

Jay Polaki, CEO, HR Geckos
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Management
  • Updated Monthly

HR Bytes: the HR podcast & video series on digital transformation, HR technology, and people analytics from future-fit HR leaders worldwide. Hear real stories from data-driven, future-fit HR professionals who bring a ”think globally, act locally” mindset to digital HR strategy, HR technology, and people analytics. From everyday innovators to global organizations, HR Bytes covers the future of work, employee experience, and workplace transformation — one byte at a time.

  1. Jun 28

    HR Bytes S5E5: Jay Polaki in conversation with Njon Sanders

    AI, People Ops & Keeping the Human Touch in HR featuring Njon Sanders About Your Host & Guest Jay Polaki is the Founder and CEO of HR Geckos, bringing 25+ years of global experience transforming HR functions across diverse industries. Jay's mission is to automate HR processes while keeping the human touch — focusing on what matters most: people. A regular contributor to HR Brew, Forbes, and HRD, Jay hosts the HR Bytes podcast and leads the development of HRGeckoBot, HR Geckos' AI copilot for HR operations. Her goal? Make HR as agile as a gecko. 🦎 Njon Sanders is a seasoned People Operations leader with 15 years of progressive HR experience spanning talent management, DEI, Total Rewards, HRIS migrations, and benefits programs. From foundational roles in onboarding and compensation to strategic leadership as Head of People at Elroy Air, Njon has built inclusive, high-performance workplaces at organizations including Pilot.comand Elroy Air. He is passionate about the intersection of people-first strategy and practical HR innovation. Episode Overview In this episode, Jay and Njon dig into the real, day-to-day impact of AI and automation on the HR function — and why the best use of these tools is to give HR professionals more time for human connection, not less. They explore ATS blind spots, the fear factor around AI adoption, how to start small with LLMs, and why systemic DEI work still matters now more than ever. What We Cover 🌀 Njon's non-traditional, spiral path from finance into people ops 🤖 How to use AI and LLMs as a strategic thought partner in HR ⏱️ Is prompt engineering actually saving HR teams time? 🤝 Keeping the "H" in HR while embracing automation 🔍 The hidden dangers of ATS over-automation in recruiting ⚠️ Why AI fear is leaving HR professionals behind — and how to close the gap 🧠 Practical advice for reskilling and staying relevant in the AI era 📚 Book recommendations, community builders, and a motivating playlist pick Njon's Recommendations 🌟 Community Connection: Timeka Green — Heyyy HR — A must-follow for anyone new to HR or looking to level up on certifications, leave administration, DEI, and company culture topics — all in a highly approachable format. 📚 HR Book Recommendation: DEI Deconstructed and Reconstructing DEI — both by Lily Zheng. A powerful two-book series that breaks down systemic DEI into practical, actionable components and addresses how to navigate today's political pushback with integrity and purpose. 🎵 HR Playlist Pick for Gecko's Grooves: Velha Infância by Tribalistas (Brazil) — Njon's go-to motivation track when self-doubt creeps in. The rhythm and repetition pull you forward. 🎶 Listen on Spotify Connect & Follow Reach Jay: 🌐 com 💼 LinkedIn 📘 Facebook 📸 Instagram 🧵 Threads Reach Njon: 💼 LinkedIn — Njon Sanders HR Bytes is Powered by HR Geckos — your AI copilot for HR Operations. 👉 Check out HRGeckoBot at hrgeckos.com 🎙️ Tune into more insightful #HRBytes episodes at hrgeckos.com/podcast.html 🎵 Work From Anywhere Playlist — Gecko's Grooves: Listen on Spotify 🎧 Subscribe to HR Bytes on Spotify: Listen Here Follow HR Geckos 🌐 com 💼 LinkedIn 🐦 Twitter/X 📘 Facebook 📸 Instagram 🧵 Threads ▶️ YouTube Visit #HRBytes Web Home at hrgeckos.com/podcast.html Copyright © HR Geckos 2026

    21 min

  2. Mar 31

    HR Bytes S5E4: Jay Polaki in conversation with Ann Osten

    Jay Polaki, Founder and CEO of HR Geckos (https://hrgeckos.com/), sits down with Ann Osten, a seasoned HR professional with over 25 years of experience spanning nonprofits, for-profits, education, military environments, and consulting. Currently serving as the sole HR professional at Consortium — an 80-person organization operating across multiple states — Ann brings a grounded, practical perspective on navigating AI, automation, and the evolving world of HR as an HR team of one. Throughout the conversation, Ann shares candid insights on how to thoughtfully pilot AI without going "full bore," the importance of keeping the human element front and center, and her real-world approach to tackling the ever-changing landscape of leave and pay laws across multiple states. HR Bytes is powered by HR Geckos — check out our copilot for HR Operations at https://hrgeckos.com. Tune into more insightful #HRBytes at https://hrgeckos.com/podcast.html. 🎙️ In This Episode: Ann's HR journey — from education and military environments to leading HR solo at a multi-state organization How to approach AI and automation strategically — pilot first, don't go full bore Keeping the "human" in human resources while leveraging digital tools AI as a "digital co-worker" for HR teams of one The future of AI in HR — a tool, not a replacement The challenge of multi-state leave and pay law compliance — and how AI can help Ann's advice: Be open, explore, and trust colleagues over salespeople 🔗 Reach Ann Osten on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-osten-phr-a0897719/ Ann's Connection Recommendation: Theresa Fesinstein — Founder of People Powered AI. A dynamic leader with great insight and practical advice for HR professionals navigating AI. Ann's Learning Recommendation: Strategic HR Leadership — available on Udemy. A practical series ideal for HR professionals looking to level up their strategic capabilities. Ann's HR Playlist Pick — 🎵 Geckos Grooves: "Three Little Birds" by Bob Marley — Ann's happy song to keep HR pros grounded and positive through all the changes. Give it a listen on our Spotify playlist, Geckos' Grooves → https://open.spotify.com/show/7lijLCy4lnkCxrSg89uU4H?si=j8EktqZgSjC6hUJnYe7quQ   📲 Reach Jay Polaki on Social: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jpolaki/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JayPolaki/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jay.polaki/ 📲 Follow HR Bytes on Social: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hrgeckos/  ▶️ Subscribe on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@HRGeckos 🌐 Visit #HRBytes' Web Home: https://hrgeckos.com/podcast.html Copyright @HRGeckos 2026

    17 min

  3. Jan 31

    HR Bytes S5E3: Jay Polaki in conversation with Mary Williams

    In this episode of the HR Bytes podcast, host Jay Polaki interviews Mary Williams, an HR influencer, about her journey within the HR field and the impact of technology on HR practices. Mary shares her insights on the evolution of HR, the role of AI and automation in improving work processes, and the importance of maintaining a human touch in a tech-driven environment. She provides practical examples of how AI can enhance HR functions, such as employee engagement and candidate review processes. The discussion also touches on the future of HR, challenges like burnout, and the importance of a proactive approach to change management. Mary offers valuable advice for HR professionals on adapting to new technologies and emphasizes the benefits of a hybrid work model. The episode concludes with Mary sharing her favorite HR resources and expressing her passion for giving back to the HR community. Segments: 00:19 Mary Williams' HR Journey 01:33 The Evolution of HR and Technology 02:07 AI and Automation in HR 04:24 Practical Applications of AI in HR 05:32 Maintaining the Human Touch in HR 07:03 Future of HR and Technology 09:56 Advice for HR Practitioners 11:26 Question Connection Round 17:02 Conclusion and Farewell HR Bytes is powered by HR Geckos; check out our copilot for HR Operations at https://hrgeckos.com. Tune into more insightful #HRBytes at https://hrgeckos.com/podcast.html. Reach Jay on Social:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jpolaki/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JayPolaki/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jay.polaki/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@jay.polaki     Reach Mary on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/marykwilliams1743/  Mary’s connection recommendations: Cindy Murphy Mary’s HR Podcast recommendation: Cy Wakeman’s No Ego / Reality  Based Leadership Mary’s HR Playlist recommendation: Don’t Stop Believing (Journey) Mary's LinkedIn Learning recommendation: LaurieRuettimann's courses Give our work from anywhere Spotify HR Music Playlist, Geckos Grooves, a listen: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3cgLqXsUutUyfBha9ICNFT?si=06dd8ea87f0a4810 Follow us on Social: Web: https://hrgeckos.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hrgeckos/  Twitter:  https://twitter.com/hrgeckos  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hrgeckos/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hrgeckos/  Threads: https://www.threads.net/@hrgeckos YouTube: https://youtube.com/@hrgeckos?si=2stscRoCQ1W-NFib SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/7lijLCy4lnkCxrSg89uU4H?si=j8EktqZgSjC6hUJnYe7quQ   Visit #HRBytes' Web Home at https://hrgeckos.com/podcast.html   Copyright @HRGeckos 2026

    20 min

  4. 10/30/2025

    HR Bytes S5E2: Jay Polaki in conversation with Jon-Paul Ales-Barnicoat

    Jay Polaki, Founder and CEO of HR Geckos (https://hrgeckos.com/), sits with Jon-Paul Ales-Barnicoat, CHRO at AliveCor, a global health tech startup, where, as CHRO, he set the stage for next-stage growth. We cover why AI is best used to enhance—not replace—your unique leadership voice, how to truly map career journeys with tech, and what it means to keep the “human” at the center of human resources. Jon-Paul’s take: “Use AI for qualification, not disqualification, and let recruiters build real relationships.” Plus, why Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” is the perfect soundtrack for change. HR Bytes is powered by HR Geckos; check out our copilot for HR Operations at https://hrgeckos.com. Tune into more insightful #HRBytes at https://hrgeckos.com/podcast.html. Reach Jay on Social:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jpolaki/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JayPolaki/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jay.polaki/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@jay.polaki   Reach Jon-Paul AlesBarnicoat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonpaul/  Jon-Paul’s connection recommendations: Emel Kott Jon-Paul’s HR Book recommendation: Zero to IPO by Frederic Kerrest Jon-Paul’s HR Playlist recommendation: Shake it Off (Taylor Swift)   📣Give our work from anywhere Spotify HR Music Playlist, Geckos Grooves, a listen: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3cgLqXsUutUyfBha9ICNFT?si=06dd8ea87f0a4810   Follow us on Social: Web: https://hrgeckos.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hrgeckos/  Twitter:  https://twitter.com/hrgeckos  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hrgeckos/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hrgeckos/  Threads: https://www.threads.net/@hrgeckos YouTube: https://youtube.com/@hrgeckos?si=2stscRoCQ1W-NFib SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/7lijLCy4lnkCxrSg89uU4H?si=j8EktqZgSjC6hUJnYe7quQ Visit #HRBytes' Web Home at https://hrgeckos.com/podcast.html   Copyright @HRGeckos 2025

    19 min

  5. 09/27/2025

    HR Bytes S5Ep1: Jay Polaki in conversation with Kandi Gongora

    Jay Polaki, Founder and CEO of HR Geckos (https://hrgeckos.com/), sits with Kandi Gongora—Chief Transformation and People Officer at Goodway Group and now CHRO at The Car Group, a visionary HR leader with over 20 years of global experience. In this episode, Kandi shares a practical approach to embracing AI in HR: start with curiosity, experiment with small processes, and seek learning opportunities from mentors and digital forums. Key takeaways: Being open and adaptable is critical—yesterday’s best practices may not solve tomorrow’s problems. Human-AI collaboration is essential; tools like “Ruby” enable strategic impact while keeping the human touch at the core of performance management. AI empowers HR to move faster, become more strategic partners to the business, and focus on high-value work. Start experimenting on a personal level, remain proactive about new tech, and always align technology adoption with business objectives HR Bytes is powered by HR Geckos; check out our copilot for HR Operations at https://hrgeckos.com. Tune into more insightful #HRBytes at https://hrgeckos.com/podcast.html. Reach Jay on Social:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jpolaki/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JayPolaki/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jay.polaki/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@jay.polaki    Reach Kandi Gongora on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/kandigongora/ Kandi’s connection recommendations: Eva Feng Kandi’s Podcast recommendation:  The Ready Kandi’s HR Playlist recommendation: Love Shack Give our work from anywhere Spotify HR Music Playlist, Geckos Grooves, a listen: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3cgLqXsUutUyfBha9ICNFT?si=06dd8ea87f0a4810 Follow us on Social: Web: https://hrgeckos.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hrgeckos/  Twitter:  https://twitter.com/hrgeckos  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hrgeckos/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hrgeckos/  Threads: https://www.threads.net/@hrgeckos YouTube: https://youtube.com/@hrgeckos?si=2stscRoCQ1W-NFib   Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hrgeckos  Visit #HRBytes' Web Home at https://hrgeckos.com/podcast.html   Copyright @HRGeckos 2025

    16 min

  6. 06/16/2025

    HR Bytes S4Ep10: Jay Polaki in conversation with Margaret Ruvoldt

    Jay Polaki, Founder and CEO of HR Geckos (https://hrgeckos.com/), engages in a fascinating conversation with Margaret Ruvoldt. Margaret shares her excitement about the evolving role of AI and automation in HR. She emphasizes the importance of understanding AI fundamentals and encourages her team to utilize generative AI in everyday tasks to become familiar with its capabilities. Margaret discusses striking a balance between high-value human interactions and technological efficiencies, enabling her team to focus on more impactful work. She also provides insight into her role at Learn Behavioral, a company that offers autism services across 26 states. Margaret highlights the growing recognition of HR as a vital business driver and expresses her enthusiasm for working in a company that values people's function. She envisions a future where AI and automation are seamlessly integrated into HR practices, enhancing efficiency and the employee experience while maintaining meaningful human engagement.  HR Bytes is powered by HR Geckos; check out our copilot for HR Operations at https://hrgeckos.com. Tune into more insightful #HRBytes at https://hrgeckos.com/podcast.html. Reach Jay on Social:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jpolaki/  Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/jaypolaki  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JayPolaki/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jay.polaki/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@jay.polaki   Reach Margaret Ruvoldt on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaretruvoldt/  Margaret’s connection recommendations: The People GPT  Margaret’s e-learning course recommendation for HR: Jeff Su's Google's AI Course for Beginners (in 10 Minutes)! Margaret’s Podcast recommendation:  I Hate It Here - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-hate-it-here/id1666309191  Margaret’s HR Playlist recommendation: "I Do" by Lisa Loeb  Give our work from anywhere Spotify HR Music Playlist, Geckos Grooves, a listen: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3cgLqXsUutUyfBha9ICNFT?si=06dd8ea87f0a4810   Follow us on Social: Web: https://hrgeckos.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hrgeckos/  Twitter:  https://twitter.com/hrgeckos  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hrgeckos/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hrgeckos/  Threads: https://www.threads.net/@hrgeckos YouTube: https://youtube.com/@hrgeckos?si=2stscRoCQ1W-NFib   Visit #HRBytes' Web Home at https://hrgeckos.com/podcast.html   Copyright @HRGeckos 2025

    23 min

  7. 05/23/2025

    HR Bytes S4E9: Jay Polaki in conversation with Geri Murphy

    Jay Polaki, Founder and CEO of HR Geckos (https://hrgeckos.com/), engages in a fascinating conversation with Geri Murphy. Geri shares insights into her journey into HR leadership, emphasizing the excitement and challenges of pioneering HR initiatives in a dynamic organization. She discusses her unexpected path to becoming Head of HR at Temporal, driven by the innovative vision of the company's first-time founders and managers. Reflecting on her role, Geri describes the transformative impact of leveraging past experiences to design impactful HR programs and influence organizational strategy. The conversation delves into the evolving role of AI and automation in HR, with Geri highlighting opportunities for HR leaders to lead workplace transformations through strategic AI adoption. She advocates for a balanced approach to integrating AI into HR practices, emphasizing the importance of preserving the human touch amidst technological advancements.   HR Bytes is powered by HR Geckos; check out our copilot for HR Operations at https://hrgeckos.com.  Tune into more insightful #HRBytes at https://hrgeckos.com/podcast.html.  Reach Jay on Social:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jpolaki/   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JayPolaki/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jay.polaki/  Threads: https://www.threads.net/@jay.polaki    Reach Geri Murphy on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/geraldinemurphy1/   Geri Murphy’s Connection Recommendations: Steph (Mosley) Den Beste Geri Murphy’s Podcast Recommendation:  HR Happy Hour Geri Murphy’s Leaning Recommendation: Troop HR Geri  Murphy’s  HR Playlist Recommendation: Don't Stop Believin’ by Journey. Also, any song by Maya Jane Coles  Follow us on Social:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/71182465/admin/feed/posts/   Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/hr_bytes  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HRBytesPodcast  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hr_bytes/  Threads: https://www.threads.net/@hr_bytes    Watch and Subscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@hrbyteswithjaypolaki1311?si=YqekuKR76Pj0xdV0  Visit #HRBytes' Web Home at https://hrgeckos.com/podcast.html    Copyright @HRGeckos 2025

    30 min

  8. 04/09/2025

    HR Bytes S4E8: Jay Polaki in conversation with Alena Reva

    Jay Polaki, Founder and CEO of HR Geckos (https://hrgeckos.com/), engages in a fascinating conversation with Alena Reva. Alena highlighted the need for strategic thinking before adopting new technologies, stressing the importance of identifying specific pain points and selecting solutions that genuinely address them. Drawing from her experiences, she discussed successful implementations of automation tools like ATS, which significantly improved operational efficiencies and metrics within her organization. Alena acknowledged the potential challenges and opportunities ahead regarding the future of HR and AI. She expressed cautious optimism about AI's capabilities while advocating for a balanced approach that preserves human connection in HR practices. HR Bytes is powered by HR Geckos; check out our copilot for HR Operations at https://hrgeckos.com. Tune into more insightful #HRBytes at https://hrgeckos.com/podcast.html. Reach Jay on Social: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jpolaki/ Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/jaypolaki Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JayPolaki/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jay.polaki/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@jay.polaki Reach Alena Reva on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alenareva/ Alena Reva HR Playlist Recommendation: La Seine (from "A Monster in Paris") Give it a listen on Spotify: Geckos Grooves https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3cgLqXsUutUyfBha9ICNFT?si=06dd8ea87f0a4810 Follow us on Social: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/71182465/admin/feed/posts/ Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/hr_bytes Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HRBytesPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hr_bytes/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@hr_bytes Subscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@hrbyteswithjaypolaki1311?si=YqekuKR76Pj0xdV0 Visit #HRBytes' Web Home at https://hrgeckos.com/podcast.html Copyright @HRGeckos 2025

    22 min
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5
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About

HR Bytes: the HR podcast & video series on digital transformation, HR technology, and people analytics from future-fit HR leaders worldwide. Hear real stories from data-driven, future-fit HR professionals who bring a ”think globally, act locally” mindset to digital HR strategy, HR technology, and people analytics. From everyday innovators to global organizations, HR Bytes covers the future of work, employee experience, and workplace transformation — one byte at a time.

Information

  • Creator
    Jay Polaki, CEO, HR Geckos
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    53
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright @HRGeckosLLC 2021 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    HR Bytes