AI, DEI, and the Future of Work with Torin Ellis

I'm thrilled to share this insightful conversation with Torin Ellis. In this episode, we delve into the complex and compelling world of human capital, exploring the critical connections between AI, DEI, and the future of work. Torin, a recognized leader in talent acquisition and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB), offers his powerful perspectives on navigating the challenges and seizing opportunities.

Torin leads a boutique firm focused on DEIB strategy and risk mitigation, designing data-driven talent and organizational strategies that address modern business challenges. With over 120 conference appearances and 75 podcast exchanges, including hosting Career Mix on SiriusXM, Torin has earned the trust of forward-thinking companies to implement effective DEIB initiatives.

His expertise and influence are undeniable, making him a sought-after speaker at major conferences both in the US and internationally.

Find this episode on:

📺 YouTube https://youtu.be/YTwnB_Cr8fM

📻 Spotify creators.spotify.com/pod/show/human-capitalist

Soundbites

Here are some of the most impactful moments from my discussion with Torin:

• "It's not that we hate HR. It's just that I've always operated with an understanding that HR and TA are not the same... policy and procedure, administrative responsibility is different than bullying search strings and having conversations that change people's lives."

• "I believe that the market is going to demand you do a better job of protecting us, the people of the organization. I think that they are going to continue... to deliver a degree of tension, professional tension, professional aggravation. I believe that people are going to demand, give me something more."

• "I am honestly afraid that once again, we as organizations are not doing enough to protect our people... I believe AI is going to have a bigger impact than we are acknowledging. And that's dangerous for those of us who we have to take care of families and personal income and all of that."

• "We don't really believe AI can help reduce bias. In fact, we actually think that is going to increase and perpetuate bias."

• "Diversity and inclusion... if you do it right, it has always focused on the entire tent. How do we enlarge the tent so that more people are included... It means all, it means everyone, it means humanity."

Protecting the Human Element

Torin and I explored the important distinction between HR and Talent Acquisition, emphasizing the need for specialized skills and expertise in each area. He shared his perspective that HR has often prioritized protecting shareholders, sometimes at the expense of employee well-being. He believes a significant shift is on the horizon, where organizations will be held accountable for prioritizing their people, cultivating a culture of trust, and proactively addressing issues like microaggressions and toxic work environments. This aligns with recent research from Gartner, which shows a growing focus on employee experience among HR leaders, with a large majority planning to increase their investment in this area in 2024.

AI and the Future of Work: A Call for Human-Centered Design

Our conversation then turned to the pervasive influence of AI and its potential to reshape the future of work. Torin expressed his concerns about the lack of open discussion surrounding the implications of AI, especially the potential for widespread job displacement. He passionately advocated for a human-centered approach to AI development, stressing the importance of ethical considerations, transparency, and protecting the well-being of employees.

He sees AI as a powerful tool for personalized learning and development, empowering individuals to take ownership of their career paths. We also discussed the crucial role of corporate communications in explaining how AI is being used and addressing employee concerns about data privacy.

This connects with a 2023 Pew Research Center study that revealed significant public unease about the use of AI in hiring, highlighting the need for ethical guidelines and transparency.

Connecting with Torin Ellis

You can connect with Torin across all digital platforms at @TorinEllis. Be sure to check out the insightful report, "Reducing Bias in HR Using Artificial Intelligence," available on the Plum website. And keep an eye out for their upcoming report focused on Gen Z.

If you're in Las Vegas, be sure to say hello to Torin as he MCs at Transform! And be sure to track me down so we can meet in person!

Connect with Torin to continue this important dialogue, subscribe to the Human Capitalist podcast for more engaging conversations, and join our mailing list at https://bit.ly/3UrBhGP to receive updates directly to your inbox.