Your Digital Twin Wants to Review You with Kevin Oakes

AI is forcing a question many leaders would rather avoid: are we improving work — or quietly deleting it? In this episode of the HRchat Podcast, Bill Banham is joined by Kevin Oakes , CEO and co-founder of the Institute for Corporate Productivity and author of Culture Renovation , to cut through the hype and explore what’s actually changing inside organisations right now. Together, they compare the current AI moment to the early internet era — but with one critical difference: speed. Kevin explains why many organisations start with efficiency and ROI conversations before addressing workforce design, and why that sequence is starting to break down as AI reshapes roles, entry-level pathways, and management structures. The conversation also explores emerging use cases such as digital twins, the growing importance of skills readiness, and why HR is increasingly stepping into a central role in shaping AI strategy. With examples from companies like ServiceNow and IBM, Kevin outlines how leading organisations are approaching workforce redesign, internal mobility, and culture in a more intentional, data-driven way. What You’ll Learn: Why AI adoption is moving faster than the early internet — and catching companies off guard How AI is reshaping jobs, entry-level roles, and organisational structures Why organisations default to efficiency conversations before workforce design The emerging role of digital twins in HR, coaching, and decision-making Why HR is becoming the architect of the future of work How leading companies approach skills readiness and workforce planning The importance of mapping human vs AI tasks across roles Why internal talent mobility is critical for reskilling at scale How culture health and change readiness are becoming board-level priorities Key Takeaway: AI isn’t just a technology shift — it’s a work design challenge. Organisations that rethink skills, structure, and culture together will be best positioned to adapt. About the Guest: Kevin Oakes is the CEO and co-founder of the Institute for Corporate Productivity, a research organisation focused on the practices of high-performance companies. He is also the author of Culture Renovation , a widely cited book on building and sustaining high-performance workplace cultures. Call to Action:

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Your Digital Twin Wants to Review You with Kevin Oakes is an episode from HRchat Podcast by The HR Gazette.

This episode is 16:09 long.

This episode was published on May 1, 2026.

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