How HR Is Turning AI into Business Impact | Takeaways from The AI+HI Project 2026

In this special episode recorded live at The AI+HI Project 2026 in San Francisco, hosts Alex Alonso, chief knowledge officer at SHRM, and Nichol Bradford, SHRM’s executive in residence for AI+HI, reflect on the rapid growth and evolution of our event, now in its third year. What began as a conversation shaped by uncertainty has shifted into one defined by action, as HR leaders move from fear of AI to actively implementing solutions and driving strategy within their organizations.

Drawing from conversations with leaders and innovators at the event, Alonso and Bradford explore the rise of human-centered AI, the importance of maintaining employee well-being as the technology advances, and HR’s expanding role in ensuring AI’s responsible, effective adoption. They also unpack how AI is reshaping teamwork, performance management, and organizational design — ushering in a future built on more dynamic, multi-team systems. 

Looking ahead, they discuss what it means to operate in a world with fewer capacity constraints — and why the next challenge for leaders won’t just be doing more, but deciding what matters most.