The Modern People Leader: Forward-Thinking HR 279 - Inside Viva’s Award-Winning AI Transformation: Jani Sanguino (Head of People, Viva)
Jan 30, 2026
Jani Sanguino, Head of People at Viva, leads an award-winning, manager-led AI transformation and builds programs blending learning, automation, and impact. She discusses Viva’s three AI competencies, a 13-week manager-led learning path, AI use-case prioritization and ROI, ambassador programs and custom GPTs, plus practical automations that scaled people ops.
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13-Week Manager-Led Learning Path
- Run a time-boxed, social learning path with weekly challenges and co-work sessions.
- Block one hour per week and complete one AI challenge with peer support to sustain momentum.
Pick Use Cases By ROI And Friction
- Use an AI coach to surface high-ROI use cases by estimating time invested versus time saved.
- Validate AI bets quickly with your manager and prioritize low-friction workflows between apps.
Reduce Fear With Social Learning
- Address fear by adding social learning and curiosity-driven conversations, not mandates.
- Make experiments safe: listen to concerns, negotiate small experiments, and grant permission to fail.