Transformation Realness

Kyle Lagunas
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Management
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to Transformation Realness—the only show all about people who are doing their best to make the world of work less s****y and have the guts to share their story: the good, the bad, and most of all... the real. Hosted by Kyle Lagunas, Founder of KyleAndCo. Produced in partnership with Purple Acorn Network.

  1. 6d ago

    Navigating Responsible AI in HR

    Join host Kyle Lagunas in this eye-opening episode of Transformation Realness as he sits down with Susan Jackson and Tara Torres, two seasoned experts in talent acquisition and AI optimization. Together, they delve into the complexities of implementing responsible AI in HR and talent management, discussing the challenges and opportunities that come with this rapidly evolving landscape. Susan Jackson brings over 15 years of experience in leading talent acquisition technology operations at global organizations, while Tara Torres shares her extensive background in building teams and driving AI optimization. As members of the Human-Centric AI Council, they provide invaluable insights into the hurdles HR leaders face, particularly the surprising difficulty of partnering with HR itself to get responsible AI initiatives off the ground. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of why AI feels intimidating to HR and talent leaders, the importance of breaking down complex AI topics into manageable pieces, and how building strong cross-functional partnerships can lead to success. Discover the nuanced perspectives on AI legislation, compliance, and the need for a foundational understanding rather than encyclopedic knowledge in this engaging conversation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  2. Aug 6

    The AI Productivity Promise

    Dive into the complexities of AI and productivity with Transformation Realness, as host Kyle Lagunas sits down with the sharp-witted Matt Charney and seasoned product marketing leader Brandice Payne. In this episode, they tackle the unfulfilled promises of AI in enhancing workplace productivity and what it means for HR and talent leaders in 2026. Matt Charney, known for his unfiltered insights in the HR tech space, and Brandice Payne, who bridges the gap between vendor promises and buyer experiences, join forces to dissect why AI has yet to deliver on its grand productivity promises. They explore the widening chasm between what vendors sell and what buyers actually experience, and debate whether productivity has plateaued or peaked. Listeners will gain insights into the real impact of AI on individual worker output, the role of automation, and the potential of emerging technologies like quantum computing. The conversation also delves into the cultural shift needed to leverage AI as a tool for doing better work, not just more work. Join this engaging discussion to understand how HR and talent leaders can navigate these challenges and maintain credibility in their domains. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  3. Jul 31

    Transforming HR Programs into Business Drivers

    In this episode of Transformation Realness, host Kyle Lagunas sits down with Jennifer Brunelle, who leads Access and Opportunity at NRG, a Fortune 250 company. Jennifer shares her unique journey from event production and working with the Clinton Foundation to spearheading talent acquisition, employee experience, and inclusion at NRG. Listeners will gain insights into how Jennifer has transformed traditional HR programs into genuine business drivers, moving beyond the typical feel-good initiatives. Jennifer discusses the pivotal role of HR in today's business landscape, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and creating value that aligns with business initiatives. She shares her perspective on the shift from back-of-house HR functions to a more public-facing role that impacts investor relations and client perceptions. Her approach to integrating programs like ERGs into strategic assets is a masterclass in aligning resources with organizational goals. The conversation also delves into specific initiatives, such as the patrol to power program aimed at recruiting veterans, and how these efforts are woven into the broader fabric of the company's values and objectives. Jennifer's ability to connect different parts of the organization to enhance value showcases her strategic thinking and leadership in transforming HR practices. Tune in to learn how to leverage your network as a strategic asset and build credibility that drives meaningful impact. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  4. Jul 23

    Redefining Human-Centric AI Strategies

    Join us in this enlightening episode of Transformation Realness as we sit down with Alicia Miller, a leading expert in AI literacy, change management, and enablement strategies. Alicia, who is also a key member of the Human-Centric AI Council, shares her invaluable insights on the evolving role of HR in the AI landscape. This episode is recorded live from the vibrant Transform and Unleash conferences, where Alicia and host Kyle Lagunas explore the urgent and operational questions of what it means to be human in the age of AI. Throughout the conversation, Alicia discusses the integration of behavioral science into AI strategy and emphasizes the critical role HR plays in leading AI transformation. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how HR can strategically position itself to redefine digital and human tasks, impacting workforce strategies and work redesign. Alicia also shares her experiences and inspirations from the conference, highlighting the importance of peer learning and innovation in navigating the complex world of AI. Tune in to discover how HR can harness the power of human-centric approaches to AI and lead the next chapter of transformation in the workplace. Whether you're an HR leader, AI enthusiast, or simply curious about the future of work, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  5. Jul 9

    Reimagining HR and AI Integration

    Join us on Transformation Realness as we dive into an enlightening conversation with Kyle Forrest, a prominent thought leader from Deloitte. Hosted by the formidable Kyle Lagunas, this episode explores the evolving landscape of HR strategy and transformation, focusing on the intersection of human resources and artificial intelligence. Discover why 93% of AI spending is still directed towards technology rather than people, and what this means for the future of HR leadership. In this episode, Kyle Forrest shares his insights on the importance of HR leading rather than just reacting, and whether integrated talent management is finally becoming a reality. Recorded live from Transform in Las Vegas, the discussion highlights the energy and passion within the HR community, as well as the need for intentionality in adapting to rapid technological changes. Learn about the shift from merely adopting new technologies to rethinking the work humans should be doing, and how HR can play a pivotal role in this transformation. Discover the steady focus on talent acquisition, rewards, and wellbeing in industry expos, and how organizations are beginning to allocate more resources towards human-centric initiatives. With insights from Deloitte's recent research, this episode emphasizes the necessity of redesigning processes and embracing core HR functions to truly transform the workplace. Tune in to understand how HR can move beyond firefighting to co-lead the future of work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  6. Jul 2

    Building Queer Spaces in HR Tech

    Join us for a groundbreaking conversation on creating inclusive spaces within the HR tech industry. In this episode, host Kyle Lagunas speaks with Natalie Egan, a serial entrepreneur and trans advocate, and Joseph Cole, a marketing leader, about their pioneering efforts to organize the first ever queer meetup at an HR tech conference. Discover how they overcame challenges and why such dedicated communities are crucial for fostering inclusivity and support. Natalie Egan, CEO and founder of Znario, shares her personal journey through queer tech communities and how these experiences shaped both her career and life. Joseph Cole, VP of Marketing at Glider AI, discusses the importance of saying 'yes' to initiatives that many brands might overlook. Together, they explore the significance of intentional community building, the energy and connection it creates, and the impact it has on those who participate. Listeners will gain insights into the power dynamics involved in creating these spaces, the personal stories that drive these efforts, and the broader implications for the HR tech industry. Whether you're part of the queer community or an ally, this episode offers a compelling look at the intersection of identity, community, and professional growth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  7. Jun 25

    Terraforming the Future: Tyler Weeks on Human-Centric AI at Marriott

    In this live episode of Transformation Realness, recorded straight from the floor at Unleash and Transform in Las Vegas, host Kyle Lagunas reunites with an official show OG: Tyler Weeks, who oversees HR technology, analytics, and HR service centers for Marriott International. In a candid and energetic conversation—complete with a surprise cameo from a past guest—Kyle and Tyler dig into what it truly means to design an enterprise tech ecosystem around human beings. Tyler shares fascinating insights from Marriott's massive global footprint, explaining why viewing AI solely through the lens of automation is a short-sighted strategy. Instead, he advocates for using AI as a measurement tool to better understand user behavior and reshape the employee social contract. Listeners will discover how to combat fragmented employee experiences, why hyper-personalization can actually work against building a strong company culture, and how Tyler uses his ultimate guiding mantra—"terraforming the future"—to ensure technology always leaves employees feeling genuinely taken care of. Whether you're navigating shrinking resources or trying to push past the vendor hype to build a unified employee experience, this episode delivers a masterclass in human-centric innovation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  8. May 28

    The New ROI: Cathy Peterman (Wayfair) on Engineering Productivity in the AI Era

    Join us in this episode of Transformation Realness as we dive into the world of AI and HR with Cathy Peterman, a senior HR leader at Wayfair. Known for her insightful perspectives, Cathy shares her experiences and expertise in integrating AI into the workplace, offering listeners a glimpse into the tangible business outcomes that can be achieved through innovative AI adoption. Recorded live from Unleash and Transform, this conversation with Cathy Peterman explores Wayfair's decade-long journey with AI, focusing on the recent launch of new engineering productivity metrics. Discover how Wayfair is not just measuring AI adoption but is also tying it directly to business impact, enhancing both customer experiences and revenue. Cathy discusses the challenges and opportunities of redefining productivity and trust in AI, highlighting the importance of collaboration between HR and engineering teams. This episode provides valuable insights into the evolving conversation around a skills-based workforce and the essential role HR leaders play in navigating the complexities of AI in the workplace. Tune in to learn how Cathy and her team are pioneering a future where AI and human ingenuity intersect to drive meaningful change. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Welcome to Transformation Realness—the only show all about people who are doing their best to make the world of work less s****y and have the guts to share their story: the good, the bad, and most of all... the real. Hosted by Kyle Lagunas, Founder of KyleAndCo. Produced in partnership with Purple Acorn Network.

Information

  • Creator
    Kyle Lagunas
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    39
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Kyle Lagunas
  • Show Website
    Transformation Realness

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