People-Led, Tech-Powered: Walmart’s AI Job Shift

It’s a question that looms large for any business leader these days, but the stakes are even higher for those that manage massive workforces: as AI transforms the workplace, what happens to jobs and the people doing them? 

On this episode of Where AI Works, host Matthew Bidwell speaks with Donna Morris, the Chief People Officer at Walmart, about what it means to introduce AI across one of the largest workforces on the planet; more than 2.1 million associates around the world. Morris explains the company’s “people-led, tech-powered” approach, where AI is used to augment employees rather than replace them. She also discusses the emergence of new roles like AI agent-builders , and explores the skills that matter most in an AI-driven workplace. While technical expertise is important, Morris argues that adaptability, communication, curiosity, and interpersonal skills will define the most successful employees in the years ahead. For leaders navigating this rapid change, the takeaway is simple: invest in people, build new skills, and be sure to bring your workers along for the ride.

Episode Highlights:

6:03 - Donna outlines how AI will reshape the workforce: some jobs will evolve, some will emerge—like AI “agent builders”—and some will disappear, making reskilling essential.

10:24 - Donna discusses the skills that matter most in an AI-driven workplace, emphasizing communication, adaptability, learning agility, and interpersonal skills.

22:30 - Morris discusses the human side of AI transformation, stressing the importance of transparency and communication as companies navigate uncertainty about how work will change.