Now to Next with Jason Averbook

As organizations everywhere race to adopt AI, what does it take to lead with humanity at the center? In this episode of Now to Next, Jason Averbook sits down with Patricia Frost, Chief People and Places Officer at Seagate Technology, to discuss how leaders can build trust, courage, and connection in an era defined by technology. Drawing from her 32-year career in the U.S. Army and her leadership of Seagate’s 30,000+ global employees, Patricia shares her lessons on leading with empathy through uncertainty — and how Seagate is helping every employee embrace the power of AI, without losing the human touch. Highlights: Why leadership in the AI era starts with empathy and purpose How Seagate is preparing its workforce for a future powered by AI Lessons from the U.S. Army on resilience, adaptability, and trust Why culture, not code, defines successful transformation How to ensure no one is left behind in digital change Guest: Patricia Frost is the Executive Vice President and Chief People and Places Officer at Seagate Technology, where she leads people, culture, and workplace strategies for more than 30,000 employees worldwide. A retired U.S. Army Major General, Patricia has spent over three decades leading through complexity and innovation — from national defense to global technology. Before joining Seagate, she served in senior leadership roles in the U.S. Department of Defense, specializing in cybersecurity and electronic warfare. Today, she helps organizations cultivate cultures of belonging, curiosity, and courage in the face of rapid AI transformation. 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 Patricia Frost: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricia-frost-508068156/ (0:00) Introduction (0:18) Patricia's Las Vegas marathon and background (1:47) Transition from military to HR in a startup (2:54) Seagate's operations, workforce, and AI implementation (5:55) Democratizing tools and redefining roles with AI at Seagate (8:31) Middle management's role in change and collaboration with CIO (10:28) Employee experience and HR's evolving responsibilities (14:28) Supporting managers and making a business case for AI (18:37) Cultural differences and skills for the future workforce (21:08) The urgency of AI adoption and change management (24:30) Regional collaboration and AI's role in onboarding (30:40) Upskilling and leveraging internal talent (34:20) Addressing AI concerns and knowledge transfer challenges (37:20) Closing remarks

What happens when curiosity becomes the most powerful skill of the future? In this episode of Now to Next, Jason sits down with Chris Maurio, Vice President of Solutions at Argano, to explore how AI is reshaping the way we work, parent, and think. From building his first database in HR to helping his six-year-old son design an app, Chris shares a deeply human perspective on innovation, digital literacy, and trust in an AI-powered world. Highlights: The rise of curiosity as the defining skill for the next generation Why “fooling around and finding out” may be the best way to learn AI What the Workday-Mobley case means for trust, hiring, and algorithms Why proof of work now matters more than resumes in the AI era How leaders can foster experimentation and adaptability — without burning people out Guest: Chris Maurio is the Vice President at Argano, where he helps organizations reimagine enterprise systems through modern HR technology and AI. With a background in psychology and deep expertise in Oracle HCM, Chris bridges the human and technical sides of transformation. His recent thought leadership explores how curiosity, adaptability, and proof of work are shaping the next era of digital careers. 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 Chris Maurio: LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismaurio/ (0:00) Introduction (1:12) Chris Maurio's early career and his role at Argonaut (4:00) Chris's son's app development story (7:29) AI in enterprise software and adaptability in the workplace (14:08) Overcoming change fatigue and maintaining relevance (20:02) Trust and transparency in AI-driven decisions and Workday Mobley case (24:37) Parenting, AI in education, and changes in enterprise software (27:10) The significance of digital literacy for the future (29:54) Building a personal brand and proof of work in the AI job market (33:29) Closing remarks

When the world changes faster than ever before — do we truly want exponential change, or are we still thinking in increments? In this conversation, Jason Averbook sits down with Adam Holton, Chief People Officer at GE HealthCare, to explore what it really means to lead, coach, and stay human in an age defined by artificial intelligence. From his days as a Marine and basketball coach to his role leading one of the world’s most impactful healthcare organizations, Adam shares how curiosity, courage, and a willingness to “get dirty” with new technology are shaping the leaders of tomorrow. Guest: Adam Holton is the Chief People Officer at GE HealthCare, leading the organization’s people strategy for more than 53,000 employees worldwide. A former U.S. Marine and basketball coach, Adam brings a unique blend of discipline, empathy, and curiosity to leadership. Before GE HealthCare, he held senior HR and transformation roles at General Mills, CH Robinson, and The Americas for U.S. Bank. He is widely recognized for his forward-thinking perspective on leadership in the digital era, encouraging leaders to embrace experimentation and move beyond fear toward possibility. 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 Adam Holton: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamholton/ (0:00) Introduction (0:06) Adam Holton's background and career journey (2:02) Personal life, volunteering, and basketball passion (3:35) Career aspirations and dream job (4:45) Embracing AI and digital world advice (6:47) The potential and resilience in AI adoption (10:03) Paradigm shifts in IT and AI (11:07) Reengineering processes with technology (14:08) Coaching and experimentation with AI (18:09) Challenging traditional HR practices (20:34) Leadership adaptation and coaching techniques (25:00) Mindset and understanding technology (27:00) AI adoption and leadership responsibility (29:01) Experimenting with AI in HR (31:28) Closing remarks

In this engaging discussion, Johannes Sundlo, an HR consultant and former Spotify leader, tackles the shift from AI hype to practical application in the workplace. He advocates for small experiments that drive significant change and emphasizes the importance of curiosity in navigating evolving technology. Sundlo also compares Europe’s cautious AI stance with the U.S.'s rapid experimentation approach. With insights on reskilling and redefining HR roles, he presents a vibrant perspective on building a sustainable future with AI.

How do you lead with humanity when AI and automation are reshaping work? What does belonging look like for frontline teams who rarely see HR? In this episode Jason sits down with Mercedes Sullivan, Executive Vice President, People, Culture & Communications at McKinley Companies, to explore HR as a values-driven practice — not just tech. We talk about frontline workforce strategy, “projects → products” in HR, the ethical choice points of AI, and how leaders create belonging for people who’ve historically been left out of the HR conversation. Mercedes brings a rare blend of front-line empathy and productized HR craft. A former touring tennis player turned HR transformation leader, she explains how HR can move from checkbox transactions to human-centered product thinking, why the frontline deserves a different technology playbook, and where AI helps — and where it must be restrained. Guest: Mercedes Sullivan is the Executive Vice President of People, Culture & Communications at McKinley Companies, where she leads people strategy across 480+ employees. She is an authority in HR transformation, workforce strategy, and building belonging for frontline workers. With a background that spans professional athletics to executive leadership, Mercedes brings a unique perspective on resilience, transformation, and what it means to truly lead with humanity. 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 Mercedes Sullivan: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mercedessullivan/ (0:00) Introductions (0:41) Mercedes Sullivan's journey from tennis to HR (4:07) Education insights and becoming a Latina community voice (12:01) Personal growth and values evolution (17:18) Embracing authenticity in the workplace (19:10) Navigating challenges in a blue-collar environment (24:14) AI's influence on the workforce and HR (28:22) Addressing communication styles and neurodiversity (29:30) Closing remarks

In this episode of Now to Next, Jason Averbook sits down with HR tech veteran Doug Berg, known as the “Kevin Bacon of HR Tech” for his deep connections across the industry. Doug shares his entrepreneurial journey—from building Techies.com during the dot-com boom, to founding Jobs2Web (later acquired by SAP/SuccessFactors), to creating ZapInfo (acquired by Indeed), and now his latest venture, Match 2, which aims to fix one of recruiting’s biggest problems: the broken candidate experience. Doug and Jason dive into why candidates still face repetitive, siloed processes, how companies lose great talent through poor systems, and why the future of talent acquisition must flip from job-first to candidate-first. Guest: Doug Berg is a serial entrepreneur and innovator in the HR technology space. He has founded multiple successful companies, including Techies.com, Jobs2Web (acquired by SAP/SuccessFactors for $100M), ZapInfo (acquired by Indeed), and now Match 2, which focuses on fixing the broken candidate application and data-sharing experience. Known as the “Kevin Bacon of HR Tech,” Doug has been building solutions that connect talent and companies more effectively for over two decades. His mission has remained constant: to make recruiting faster, more human, and more efficient for both sides of the hiring equation. 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 Doug Berg: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/douglasberg/ Email: Doug@match2.jobs (0:00) Introduction (0:50) Doug Berg's journey from retirement to HR tech innovation (3:30) The origins and impact of techies.com (4:49) Development and growth of jobs2web (7:18) ZapInfo's launch and acquisition by Indeed (9:40) Unveiling the Match 2 concept and application challenges (13:25) Personalization vs. Individualization in HR (15:05) Overcoming resistance to HR innovation (18:33) Match 2's influence on the job market and HR integration (22:41) Match 2's role in enhancing job search experiences (24:06) Match 2's deployment and competitive edge (27:25) Enhancing post-employment engagement through Match 2 (31:20) AI's role in job matching and addressing overqualification (32:31) Match 2's value during economic downturns (34:01) Closing remarks

In this episode, Jason sits down with Dr. Tomas Chamorro, psychologist, author, and Chief Innovation Officer at ManpowerGroup, to explore the provocative themes from his upcoming book Why Authenticity is Overrated. Tomas shares insights from decades of research on leadership, psychology, and human behavior—challenging the popular notion that “being yourself” is always the best advice. From the dark side of authenticity to the impact of AI on human identity and trust, this conversation unpacks what authenticity really means in today’s workplace. Tomas argues that our obligation to others often outweighs our right to self-expression, and that the path to better leadership lies in self-control, perspective-taking, and compromise. Guest: Dr. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic is an international authority in people analytics, talent management, leadership development, and the Human-AI interface. He is the Chief Innovation Officer at ManpowerGroup, co-founder of Deeper Signals and Metaprofiling, and Professor of Business Psychology at both University College London and Columbia University. He has previously held academic positions at New York University and the London School of Economics, and lectured at Harvard Business School, Stanford Business School, London Business School, Johns Hopkins, IMD, and INSEAD. He also served as CEO at Hogan Assessment Systems. Dr. Chamorro-Premuzic has published 10 books and over 200 scientific papers, making him one of the most prolific social scientists of his generation. He is a frequent contributor to Fast Company, the Guardian, Forbes, and the Harvard Business Review. His latest book, Don’t Be Yourself: Why Authenticity is Overrated and What to Do Instead, will be released on October 7th—but you can secure your copy now via pre-order: https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Be-Yourself-Authenticity-Overrated/dp/1647829836 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 Dr. Tomas Chamorro: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drtomaschamorro/ (0:00) Introduction (1:44) Tomas Chamorro's background and career journey with Manpower Group (5:05) Authenticity in personal life and the workplace (11:33) Measuring authenticity and authentic leadership (16:11) Blending personal and professional selves with purpose (21:47) Authenticity privileges and workplace dynamics (24:17) Social skills and their importance in human interaction (27:26) Oversharing and the decline of trust in leadership (31:00) Contextual nuances of authenticity and AI's role (37:25) Authenticity as an external attribution (41:00) Balancing personal authenticity with professional responsibilities (47:40) Humans in an automated future and the value of respect (52:25) Engaging young audiences and fostering professional connections (54:40) Closing remarks

In this episode of Now to Next, host Jason Averbook sits down with Dr. Thomas Otter — General Partner at Acadian Ventures, longtime product leader, and one of the most outspoken thinkers in HR technology. From his career at SAP and Gartner to co-founding a VC fund, Thomas has a unique vantage point on where HR tech has been and where it’s heading. Using golf bags, buffets, and a splash of wine metaphors, he and Jason break down acquisitions, AI, and the realities of building for the future of work. This isn’t hype — it’s a candid look at what’s really happening inside the industry, who’s likely to thrive, and which players may become roadkill on the way to reinvention. Guest: Dr. Thomas Otter is General Partner at Acadian Ventures, a fund investing in early-stage companies shaping the future of work. With decades of experience in HR technology — including leadership roles at SAP SuccessFactors, advisory work at Gartner, and building HR platforms used worldwide — Thomas brings deep expertise in product, strategy, and investment. Known for his candid writing and bold perspectives, he is one of the most respected and outspoken voices in the global HR tech community. 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 Dr. Thomas Otter: Substack:https://substack.com/@thomasotter X: https://x.com/vendorprisey LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasotter/?locale=de_DE Timestamps: (0:00) Introduction (1:42) Thomas Otter's journey from HR tech to venture capital (3:33) Recognition by Time Magazine and industry opinions (6:47) Recent acquisitions and their impact on the HR tech space (14:29) Scaling challenges and evolution of acquisition strategies (18:04) The buffet problem in product offerings (22:59) New product distribution and market leadership strategies (29:12) Predicting the future of major HR tech players (31:45) AI's role in reshaping HR tech (36:33) How evolving work models influence HR tech systems (40:41) Adaptability of HR tech giants to new work models (44:05) Prospects of vibe coding in HR software (47:44) Potential disruptions in the HR software market (50:28) Rising leadership in the HR tech industry (55:15) Reflecting on the present and future of HR tech (56:05) Closing remarks

In this special solo episode of Now to Next, host Jason Averbook launches a new series — Questions from the Edge — where he takes on the toughest, most forward-looking questions from the community about HR, AI, and the future of work. Throughout the episode, Jason makes it clear: this isn’t an incremental shift — it’s a collapse moment. The winners will be those who design for intent, agent, and workflow rather than clinging to platform, process, and user. He leaves listeners with a powerful reminder: In the AI era, trust is the true competitive advantage. The technology can scale instantly, but belief and confidence cannot. Host Bio: Jason Averbook is a globally recognized thought leader, advisor, and keynote speaker focused on the intersection of AI, human potential, and the future of work. He is the Senior Partner and Global Leader of Digital HR Strategy at Mercer, where he helps the world’s largest organizations reimagine how work gets done — not by simply implementing technology, but by transforming mindsets, skillsets, and cultures to be truly digital. Over the past two decades, Jason has advised hundreds of Fortune 1000 companies, co-founded and led Leapgen, authored two influential books on the evolution of HR and workforce technology, and built a reputation as one of the most forward-thinking voices in the industry. His mission is to challenge leaders to stop seeing digital transformation as an IT project — and start embracing it as a human strategy. 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 (0:00) Introduction to the podcast and series (0:44) The collapse of software and rise of AI agents (1:32) Market shift, orchestration of workflows, and Model Context Protocol (MCP) (3:04) Changes in employee experience, pricing chaos, and UI disappearance (7:23) Designing for employees with AI and trust in technology (10:04) Transparency, decision-making, and avoiding AI mistakes (11:55) Reskilling, redesigning work, and trust as a competitive advantage (15:26) Defining operating models and recap of key themes (17:18) Closing remarks

In this conversation with Shlomit, we cut past the surface of “AI in HR” and get to what really matters: wisdom, judgment, and the human side of transformation. Guest Bio: Shlomit brings decades of global experience—from Moscow to Madrid, Amsterdam to Tel Aviv—and sharp insights on what it takes to reinvent yourself and your organization when the ground keeps shifting. 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 Shlomit Gruman-Navot: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shlomit-gruman-navot-7236873/ (0:00) Introduction and welcome (0:32) Catching up with Shlomit's career and embracing change (3:50) The role of human capabilities and AI in HR innovation (7:00) The importance of human centricity in AI and future HR needs (9:43) Human-centric AI and mindset shifts in HR (11:36) Advisory roles, AI transformation, and industry insights (15:47) Fostering AI literacy and personal mastery of AI (20:08) AI's global impact and the future of work (22:58) Evolving HR metrics and addressing change fatigue (25:01) HR's evolution towards user-centric product thinking (28:48) Leadership adaptability and the VUCA world in the AI era (35:19) Navigating the impacts of AI on human connection and jobs (45:07) Leadership and essential future skills in AI transformation (49:48) Personal growth through acknowledgement and action (50:35) Conclusion, resources, and final thoughts