45 [Impact Series] Making AI Practical for Talent Leaders | Alastair Schirmer from Randstad

In this episode of Impact at Work, David Macciocca and Jo Vohland speak with Alastair Schirmer, Global Head of Digital Innovation at Randstad Enterprise, about how AI is reshaping the talent landscape and what leaders need to do now to keep up.

Alastair explains that AI is not just about new tools. It is about readiness. He shares how global organisations are adapting to change, where adoption is stalling, and what it takes to prepare teams for success. From ethical frameworks to operational workflows, this episode offers practical insights on how to turn AI curiosity into meaningful progress.

If you have ever asked “Where do we even begin with AI?”, this conversation is for you.

Key Topics:
04:10 – What AI readiness really looks like in talent organisations
09:45 – The gap between AI awareness and real adoption
13:20 – Lessons from companies that are embedding AI successfully
17:05 – How governance and ethics shape sustainable innovation
24:30 – Culture, data, and the influence of big tech
29:05 – Structuring talent teams for the AI-powered future
31:55 – The role of AI in improving attraction and development
39:00 – Introducing AI assistants without overwhelming people
42:00 – Examples of automation across global talent programs
49:35 – Getting the basics right before layering in AI
58:35 – Why hype must give way to operational maturity

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