22 | Hot Topics in the Workplace with Tom Hickey: DEI, AI & Leading Through Change

The world of work is shifting fast — and leaders are being challenged to keep up. In this Hot Topics episode of Unlocking Your People, Jess welcomes back Tom Hickey to unpack the themes showing up everywhere right now: diversity, equity, and inclusion (or DIB, as we call it), the rise of AI and its impact on jobs, the complexity of employee expectations, and the uncertainty that comes with constant change. With two voices, different perspectives, and candid conversation, Jess and Tom break down what’s really happening inside organizations today — and what leaders can do to navigate it. Chapters (00:00:03) - Unlock Your People Today(00:00:37) - Tom Back on the Podcast(00:01:11) - What Did I Do?(00:02:31) - The Need for Strategic Plans(00:08:19) - Ontario Business Executive on the US vs. Canada divide(00:13:48) - Do We Need More Jobs in the AI Space?(00:21:10) - Can You Replace Your Boss With AI?(00:26:21) - Does AI Social Media Help You Build Relationships?(00:33:22) - How to Win at Cold Calling(00:34:58) - DW: Diversity and Inclusion(00:42:46) - The role of diversity in the workplace(00:48:54) - The Scarf Model(00:50:29) - Just Ask Jess