<![CDATA[Navigating AI with 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.

]]>www.strategixaiconsulting.comRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Sun, 14 Jun 2026 02:18:03 GMTFri, 23 Jan 2026 16:53:25 GMT60Rich Wilson<p>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.</p>episodicRich Wilsonrich@strategixaiconsulting.comno<![CDATA[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.

]]>b611f43a-8e0f-4d3e-abd6-03d81b487cdfFri, 05 Jun 2026 18:50:41 GMT<p>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.</p><p>In this episode of <b>Navigating AI</b>, Rich Wilson is joined by <b>Vrat Jerabek of PsychTests</b>, along with returning guest <b>Dr. Ilona Jerabek</b>, 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.</p><p>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.</p><p>This episode is for CEOs, CFOs, HR leaders, and anyone trying to use AI responsibly without getting caught up in hype or fear.</p>no00:48:2020260603What Large Language Models Actually Arefull<![CDATA[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 HR
  • Quarterly sprints for HR
  • AI in HR

Chapters

  • 00:00 Structure and Compliance Checkpoints
  • 14:04 AI in HR and Real Gains
  • 19:29 HR Model Value and Outcomes
  • 26:37 Benefits Change for Small Employers
]]>ec280396-ddd2-4887-9313-0ad80e0e0c26Mon, 20 Apr 2026 16:42:52 GMT<p>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.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Rejecting traditional HR</li><li>Quarterly sprints for HR</li><li>AI in HR</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Structure and Compliance Checkpoints</li><li>14:04 AI in HR and Real Gains</li><li>19:29 HR Model Value and Outcomes</li><li>26:37 Benefits Change for Small Employers</li></ul>no00:32:0120260220The HR Tune-Up Playbookfull<![CDATA[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 room
  • Unconscious patterns and behaviors can significantly impact leadership effectiveness

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to Magnetic Leadership
  • 09:08 Leadership Challenges and Unconscious Patterns
  • 15:16 The 360 Degree Leadership MRI
  • 26:23 Readiness and Transformation in Leadership
  • 32:31 Marketing and Visibility
]]>81e6f913-befb-4f52-aa0e-aefdab226e7aThu, 09 Apr 2026 18:56:32 GMT<p>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.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Magnetic leadership is about the energy and presence a leader brings into a room</li><li>Unconscious patterns and behaviors can significantly impact leadership effectiveness</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction to Magnetic Leadership</li><li>09:08 Leadership Challenges and Unconscious Patterns</li><li>15:16 The 360 Degree Leadership MRI</li><li>26:23 Readiness and Transformation in Leadership</li><li>32:31 Marketing and Visibility</li></ul>no00:34:0320260210Magnetic Leadershipfull<![CDATA[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-Jess
  • 07:22 AI Questions and Concerns in HR
  • 15:42 Transparency and Trust in AI Use
  • 20:48 Practical Tips for Using AI in HR
  • 25:51 Marketing and Client Referrals
  • 42:26 Connecting with Tall Sky Consulting Group
]]>391d925f-5152-4c75-8566-e6a150095623Thu, 09 Apr 2026 15:28:00 GMT<p>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.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>AI in HR requires context and prompts for better results.</li><li>HR professionals should embrace AI with a playful and experimental mindset.</li><li>Building trust with clients involves transparency about AI use and its impact on efficiency and value.</li><li>AI can be used as an assistant, not a replacement, in HR tasks, allowing for more time for meaningful conversations and relationship-building.</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introducing Meredith Campbell-Jess</li><li>07:22 AI Questions and Concerns in HR</li><li>15:42 Transparency and Trust in AI Use</li><li>20:48 Practical Tips for Using AI in HR</li><li>25:51 Marketing and Client Referrals</li><li>42:26 Connecting with Tall Sky Consulting Group</li></ul>no00:39:3820260128From Hype to Helpfulfull<![CDATA[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 Life
  • 06:15 The Journey from Mechanic to HR
  • 18:08 Leveraging AI in HR Operations
  • 30:48 Leadership and Culture at Wichita Kenworth
]]>d7c2f56b-2cc1-4dfb-835a-0e7c48b30827Wed, 08 Apr 2026 16:30:04 GMT<p>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.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Transitioning from military to civilian life requires leveraging networks and seeking mentorship for a smooth transition.</li><li>AI can be used to streamline HR operations, improve communication, and enhance policy documentation.</li><li>A family-oriented work culture at Wichita Kenworth emphasizes hard work, celebration, and recognition of employees.</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life</li><li>06:15 The Journey from Mechanic to HR</li><li>18:08 Leveraging AI in HR Operations</li><li>30:48 Leadership and Culture at Wichita Kenworth</li></ul>no00:33:0520260317From Wrenches to Workforce: A Veteran’s Shift into Ops-Minded HR and AIfull<![CDATA[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 Automation
  • Building Trust and Relationships

Chapters

  • 00:00 Rebuilding HR Systems
  • 10:32 Workers Comp and Incident Handling
  • 18:50 AI Implementation and Impact
]]>00086b14-aef9-4adb-a703-c060e710a7a9Wed, 18 Mar 2026 16:20:59 GMT<p>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.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Standardization for Automation</li><li>Building Trust and Relationships</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Rebuilding HR Systems</li><li>10:32 Workers Comp and Incident Handling</li><li>18:50 AI Implementation and Impact</li></ul>no00:37:2820260226Two States, One Standard full<![CDATA[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 crucial
  • Leadership habits impact retention

Chapters

  • 00:00 The Impact of People Problems
  • 07:03 The Connection Between Writing and Coaching
  • 14:05 Preventing Termination Surprises
  • 20:10 AI in Leadership and Retention
  • 26:21 Supporting HR Professionals
  • 31:47 Engaging with Influence HR
]]>711f514b-0450-4b1d-8f95-b71b334676e2Tue, 17 Mar 2026 22:52:50 GMT<p>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.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Employee experience is crucial</li><li>Leadership habits impact retention</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 The Impact of People Problems</li><li>07:03 The Connection Between Writing and Coaching</li><li>14:05 Preventing Termination Surprises</li><li>20:10 AI in Leadership and Retention</li><li>26:21 Supporting HR Professionals</li><li>31:47 Engaging with Influence HR</li></ul>no00:32:5220260122Hot Mess HRfull<![CDATA[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 Leadership
  • 06:31 HR's Role in Employee Engagement
  • 20:47 Delegation and Leadership in HR
  • 33:32 Staying Current in the HR World
  • 39:04 Referrals and Ideal Clients
]]>15578b44-2245-4603-8dcb-08b34aecd323Wed, 04 Mar 2026 17:00:39 GMT<p>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.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>HR has evolved from transactional execution to problem-solving and strategic business partnership.</li><li>AI in HR should be used responsibly, with human judgment and oversight, and should not replace human decision-making.</li><li>Delegation is essential for HR leaders to free up time, build trust with their team, and focus on strategic tasks.</li><li>Staying current in the HR world requires leveraging resources, trusted peers, and staying informed about regulatory changes.</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 The Journey to HR Leadership</li><li>06:31 HR's Role in Employee Engagement</li><li>20:47 Delegation and Leadership in HR</li><li>33:32 Staying Current in the HR World</li><li>39:04 Referrals and Ideal Clients</li></ul>no00:38:3920260129There’s Nothing We Can’t Handlefull<![CDATA[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 processes
  • Strategic networking for business growth

Chapters

  • 00:00 Simplifying HR Processes
  • 09:36 Compliance and AI in HR
  • 18:45 Marketing and Referrals
]]>cf1fc319-08ef-4c39-a3f2-4e7ccaedfc70Thu, 26 Feb 2026 17:55:12 GMT<p>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.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Simplifying HR processes</li><li>Strategic networking for business growth</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Simplifying HR Processes</li><li>09:36 Compliance and AI in HR</li><li>18:45 Marketing and Referrals</li></ul>no00:21:5820251121Simple, Compliant, Humanfull<![CDATA[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 HR
  • Effective Communication

Chapters

  • 00:00 Transition from Litigator to Founder
  • 07:08 Crisis Management for Small HR Teams
  • 12:53 Documentation and Communication in Investigations
  • 17:57 AI in HR: Upsides, Pitfalls, and Trust Verification
  • 25:56 Rebuilding Trust Post-Incident
]]>63426cd4-199e-45d4-beca-ed2ac078c95bFri, 20 Feb 2026 21:41:42 GMT<p>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.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Proactive HR</li><li>Effective Communication</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Transition from Litigator to Founder</li><li>07:08 Crisis Management for Small HR Teams</li><li>12:53 Documentation and Communication in Investigations</li><li>17:57 AI in HR: Upsides, Pitfalls, and Trust Verification</li><li>25:56 Rebuilding Trust Post-Incident</li></ul>no00:35:0120251111From Oh Shit to Sortedfull<![CDATA[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 Model
  • AI in HR

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to Practical AI and Fractional HR
  • 06:05 Value and Impact in Fractional HR
  • 12:10 Performance Management and AI
  • 18:12 Future of Fractional HR and AI
  • 24:36 AI Training for HR Students
  • 29:50 Referral Conversations and Client Fit
]]>c3e82c99-800c-46c6-8c82-0bef7a9f1743Mon, 16 Feb 2026 17:38:48 GMT<p>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.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Fractional HR Model</li><li>AI in HR</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction to Practical AI and Fractional HR</li><li>06:05 Value and Impact in Fractional HR</li><li>12:10 Performance Management and AI</li><li>18:12 Future of Fractional HR and AI</li><li>24:36 AI Training for HR Students</li><li>29:50 Referral Conversations and Client Fit</li></ul>no00:34:1020251119Practical AI and the Future of Fractional HRfull