A typical packed session at #ThinkHR #THINK2018
If there was any doubt that artificial intelligence is set to make a major impact on HR, it was removed Monday, the opening day of the IBM Think conference in Las Vegas.
The magnitude of this four-day event is incredible, with approximately 40,000 attendees, and hundreds of sessions designed around the theme of the event, AI and the role it will play in our lives.
The key takeaway:
Welcome to a new partnership between humans and machines
Important points made on Day 1 included:
- Diane Gherson, IBM senior VP and CHRO:
- Emphasized the need to have the openness to starting the AI experience.
- Even the smallest datasets can help us solve our biggest problems.
- Understanding the nuances in our data help us make better-informed decisions.
- Having the right data is essential, and there must be consistency in evaluating data. Adapting the best data science is a must.
- Harnessing the power of AI is not only for the sake of business, but also for the sake of progress. AI enables us to do more with less.
- The HR TED speakers—John Sumser (@JohnSumser), founder and editor of HRExaminer Online Magazine; Wade Davis,(@Wade_Davis28), former NFL player and educator; and Peter Cappelli, management professor at the University of Pennsylvania—added to the notion and importance of keeping humans at the core of AI technology in the future of work. HR must empower employees through business transformation, instead of dehumanizing them. Davis emphasized the importance of diversity and inclusion, including the need to reduce gender gaps within today’s organizations—points that prompted cheering and clapping from the room of HR leaders.
A busy exhibit floor. Over 40k attendees at the IBM #Think2018 #ThinkHR event in Vegas.
- Jeanne Meister (@jcmeister), founder of Future Workplace, noted how AI will open up doors for the advancement of employees within organizations. A college degree will no longer be a requirement for advancement. Instead, skills and experience will carry a stronger role in identifying one’s future role.
Ok, back to Day 2 – busy day! Look for that recap tomorrow—or you can also follow my experience via Twitter (with photos) at @Social_Rhonda.
