HR Bytes

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

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Copyright © HR Geckos 2026

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:

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Copyright @HRGeckos 2026

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


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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

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Visit #HRBytes' Web Home at https://hrgeckos.com/podcast.html  

Copyright @HRGeckos 2026

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.

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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

 

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Visit #HRBytes' Web Home at https://hrgeckos.com/podcast.html  

Copyright @HRGeckos 2025

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.

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 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

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Copyright @HRGeckos 2025

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: 

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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

 

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Visit #HRBytes' Web Home at https://hrgeckos.com/podcast.html  

Copyright @HRGeckos 2025

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:  

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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 

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Copyright @HRGeckos 2025 

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: 
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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

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Copyright @HRGeckos 2025

Jay Polaki, Founder and CEO of HR Geckos (https://hrgeckos.com/), engages in insightful conversations with Albert Loyola, a seasoned global consultant specializing in human capital and artificial intelligence. Albert Loyola discusses a strategic approach to integrating AI into HR processes, outlining four essential phases. First, organizations must prepare by raising awareness and conducting educational campaigns at all levels. Next, AI initiatives should be aligned with business objectives to define its role and identify key use cases. Assessing the current state involves evaluating existing HR capabilities to determine readiness for AI adoption. Finally, activating the plan entails implementing a strategic framework to effectively deploy AI within HR functions. 

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: 
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Reach Albert Loyola on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/albertloyola/
Albert’s Connection Recommendations: Jason Averbook
LinkedIn Learning Recommendation: Josh Bersin on GenAI for HR

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Copyright @HRGeckos 2025

Jay Polaki, Founder and CEO of HR Geckos (https://hrgeckos.com/), engages in an insightful conversation with Velia Murillo. Velia Murillo serves as the Global Head of People at Treble Music, a music application company, where she is a pivotal member of the executive leadership team. As the first HR hire, Velia has pioneered the establishment of HR operations from the ground up, overseeing a diverse workforce spanning across various cultures, time zones, and languages in the US, Mexico, Armenia, Indonesia, and Colombia. With a hands-on approach as a solo HR practitioner, Velia navigates challenges adeptly, focusing on fostering positive employee relations among a team of over 100 talented individuals. Velia's expertise lies in leveraging automation and AI thoughtfully within HR processes to enhance productivity, accuracy, and employee experience, thereby driving sustainable organizational success.

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/ 
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Reach Velia Murillo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/velia-murillo/
Velia’s Connection Recommendations:
Amanda Halle
Velia’s Podcast Recommendation:
·       Future of HR Podcast hosted by Matt Beane
·       The Modern People Leader hosted by Stephen Huerta and Daniel Huerta 
Velia’s HR Playlist Recommendation:
·       “I'm Still Standing" by Elton John
·       “Survivor" by Destiny's Child
LinkedIn Learning Recommendation: Gen AI in HR

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