HR Bytes

Author: Jay Polaki, Founder & CEO, HR Geckos

An original podcast and video series brought to you by Jay Polaki, Founder and CEO of HR Geckos. Jay will be speaking to HR professionals who bring a "think globally and act locally" digital HR agenda to their work. Everyday people driving digital transformations in their organizations - data-driven & future-fit digital HR leaders.
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Language: en-us

Genres: Business, Entrepreneurship, Management

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HR Bytes S5E3: Jay Polaki in conversation with Mary Williams
Episode 47
Friday, 30 January, 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 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/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JayPolaki/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jay.polaki/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@jay.polaki 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) Give our work from anywhere Spotify HR Music Playlist, Geckos Grooves, a listen: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3cgLqXsUutUyfBha9ICNFT?si=06dd8ea87f0a4810 Follow us on Social: Web: https://hrgeckos.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hrgeckos/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/hrgeckos Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hrgeckos/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hrgeckos/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@hrgeckos YouTube: https://youtube.com/@hrgeckos?si=2stscRoCQ1W-NFib SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/7lijLCy4lnkCxrSg89uU4H?si=j8EktqZgSjC6hUJnYe7quQ Visit #HRBytes' Web Home at https://hrgeckos.com/podcast.html Copyright @HRGeckos 2026