foHRsight: HR, Leadership & the Future of Work

Why AI Adoption Is a Leadership Challenge, Not a Technology Challenge with Paul Gibbons

Mark Edgar and Naomi Titleman Episode 185

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0:00 | 36:25

Most organizations aren't struggling with AI because of the technology. They're struggling because people don't change as quickly as the tools do.

As leaders race to implement AI, many are relying on change management approaches that were designed for a slower, more predictable world. But when change is constant, communication plans and training sessions aren't enough. Real transformation happens when leaders understand how people actually adopt new ways of working.

In this episode, Naomi sits down with organizational change expert and author Paul Gibbons to explore why traditional change management needs an update for the age of AI. Together, they unpack why leadership modelling matters more than ever, how HR can navigate the "double bind" of transforming itself while helping the rest of the organization evolve, and why behavioural science—not technology—is the missing ingredient in successful AI adoption.

Whether you're leading an AI initiative, supporting organizational change, or simply trying to help your people adapt to a rapidly changing workplace, this conversation offers a thoughtful, practical perspective on leading transformation with both confidence and humanity.

About Paul Gibbons

Paul Gibbons is a consultant, speaker, and author focused on change, culture, and AI adoption. He is the creator of the Adaptive Adoption Framework and has authored nine books, including Adopting AI, written for leaders who need a practical strategy. He was ranked among the top five culture change thinkers globally by Global Gurus.

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