EP13: From Reactive to Ready — with Alexandra Zea, HR Digital Transformation Leader at Mercer

Nov 6, 2025

Ask episode

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

As technology and AI reshape how organizations work, what happens when we react too late? In this episode of Now to Next, Jason Averbook sits down with Alexandra Zea, HR Digital Transformation Leader at Mercer, to talk about the danger of waiting for certainty before acting — and how to make sure people don’t become the collateral of change. Drawing on her experience helping organizations rethink HR strategy, operating models, and digital transformation, Alex shares why readiness isn’t about speed alone — it’s about balance, governance, and leading with humanity as technology accelerates.

Guest:

Alexandra Zea is an HR Digital Transformation Leader at Mercer, where she integrates technology, strategy, and innovation to help organizations evolve the way HR delivers business value.

Part of Mercer’s HR Digital Transformation practice, Alex guides clients through digital evolution while shaping the future of HR in a world transformed by AI.

She holds a Master’s in Organizational Behavior from New York University and a Bachelor’s in Organizational Leadership from Temple University, and is passionate about building human-centered, data-driven organizations that thrive through change.

Follow Jason Averbook:

Substack: https://substack.com/@jasonaverbook X: https://x.com/jasonaverbook LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonaverbook Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonaverbook YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nowtonextwithjasonaverbook Facebook: https://facebook.com/jasonaverbook

Follow Alexandra Zea:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexdzea/

(0:00) Introduction (1:02) Alex Zea's career shift from print to digital media (4:35) The shift from reactive to proactive in business and HR (6:26) AI's impact on personal and professional life (7:11) Operating models for future HR readiness (10:28) Exploring HR operating model constraints (15:49) AI readiness in HR systems vs. AI absence (17:00) Understanding the evolving technology landscape in HR (19:49) Comparing car engines to AI in HR (21:33) The evolution of HR technology (23:50) Personal growth alongside technology advancements (25:00) Mindset's role in professional development (26:11) Business adaptability and the future landscape (29:15) Strategic actions for CHROs in the digital era (31:40) The importance of daily leadership resets (31:45) Closing remarks