AI Transformation: The Missing People Plan - with Koreen Pagano episode artwork

EPISODE · Mar 20, 2026 · 49 MIN

AI Transformation: The Missing People Plan - with Koreen Pagano

from Aligned on AI Podcast - Conversations with Business Leaders in the Context of the AI Revolution · host Aligned Minds AI

Most organizations are rushing to adopt AI without fully understanding the skills their people need to succeed alongside these new systems. In this eye-opening episode, Koreen Pagano reveals why focusing on skills data and workforce capability is the key to a successful AI transformation—and how many companies are getting it wrong. Join us as Koreen, an expert in workforce learning and AI readiness, shares her journey from studying education in the internet age to helping global enterprises navigate the rapid changes brought by AI. She dives into the critical skills that humans must develop—like discernment, critical thinking, and expertise—to stay relevant in an AI-powered future. You'll discover why traditional education models are unprepared for today’s fast-evolving landscape and how the next decade will bring a fundamental shift in jobs, skill-building, and organizational agility. We break down concrete strategies to prepare your teams for the AI revolution:  from embedding continuous learning in daily workflows to harnessing AI for scalable practice and feedback. Koreen shares her insights on how leading companies like IBM are tripling entry-level hires to build expertise faster, and how smaller organizations can adapt without massive resources. You’ll also explore why the biggest AI opportunity lies in process, people, and culture, not just technology. This episode is essential for business leaders, HR professionals, and anyone holding the future of work in their hands. Get ahead of the AI curve by understanding what skills matter most—before your competitors do—and learn how to empower your workforce to thrive in the era of AI collaboration. Perfect for those eager to future-proof their organizations or develop the kind of workforce that can work seamlessly alongside intelligent systems. The future of work is already here—are you ready? Koreen Pagano is a seasoned leader at the intersection of AI, workforce capability, and skills data, known for helping organizations optimize human potential in technological transformations.Follow Aligned Minds AI on LinkedIn for practical AI tips, episode clips, and updates on future episodes of Aligned on AI.Topics covered: service business growth, SME marketing, trust and reputation, associates/contractor delivery model, training and SOPs, quality control, operations, workflow automation, productivity, AI for business, AI for SMEs, AI governance, content repurposing.https://www.alignedminds.aiChapters 00:00 The Excitement and Challenges of AI Transformation04:40 Navigating the Skills Gap in AI09:07 The Role of Practice and Feedback in Learning13:29 Understanding AI Adoption in Organizations17:54 Rising Tide Cooperative: Bridging People and Technology21:54 Preparing the Workforce for an AI-Driven Future24:46 The Human-AI Relationship: Who's in Charge?27:12 Building Expertise in a Changing Job Market31:02 The Importance of People in AI Transformation34:47 Navigating Constant Change in AI Tools37:06 Reverse Mentoring: Bridging Generational Gaps39:48 The Future of Work: Evolving Roles and Responsibilities43:28 Education's Role in Preparing for an AI-Driven Future#FutureOfWork#WorkforceTransformation#SkillsBasedOrganisation#AIAdoption#DigitalTransformation#LearningAndDevelopment#HumanAI#BusinessTransformation#AlignedOnAI#AlignedMindsAI

Most organizations are rushing to adopt AI without fully understanding the skills their people need to succeed alongside these new systems. In this eye-opening episode, Koreen Pagano reveals why focusing on skills data and workforce capability is the key to a successful AI transformation—and how many companies are getting it wrong. Join us as Koreen, an expert in workforce learning and AI readiness, shares her journey from studying education in the internet age to helping global enterprises navigate the rapid changes brought by AI. She dives into the critical skills that humans must develop—like discernment, critical thinking, and expertise—to stay relevant in an AI-powered future. You'll discover why traditional education models are unprepared for today’s fast-evolving landscape and how the next decade will bring a fundamental shift in jobs, skill-building, and organizational agility. We break down concrete strategies to prepare your teams for the AI revolution:  from embedding continuous learning in daily workflows to harnessing AI for scalable practice and feedback. Koreen shares her insights on how leading companies like IBM are tripling entry-level hires to build expertise faster, and how smaller organizations can adapt without massive resources. You’ll also explore why the biggest AI opportunity lies in process, people, and culture, not just technology. This episode is essential for business leaders, HR professionals, and anyone holding the future of work in their hands. Get ahead of the AI curve by understanding what skills matter most—before your competitors do—and learn how to empower your workforce to thrive in the era of AI collaboration. Perfect for those eager to future-proof their organizations or develop the kind of workforce that can work seamlessly alongside intelligent systems. The future of work is already here—are you ready? Koreen Pagano is a seasoned leader at the intersection of AI, workforce capability, and skills data, known for helping organizations optimize human potential in technological transformations.Follow Aligned Minds AI on LinkedIn for practical AI tips, episode clips, and updates on future episodes of Aligned on AI.Topics covered: service business growth, SME marketing, trust and reputation, associates/contractor delivery model, training and SOPs, quality control, operations, workflow automation, productivity, AI for business, AI for SMEs, AI governance, content repurposing.https://www.alignedminds.aiChapters 00:00 The Excitement and Challenges of AI Transformation04:40 Navigating the Skills Gap in AI09:07 The Role of Practice and Feedback in Learning13:29 Understanding AI Adoption in Organizations17:54 Rising Tide Cooperative: Bridging People and Technology21:54 Preparing the Workforce for an AI-Driven Future24:46 The Human-AI Relationship: Who's in Charge?27:12 Building Expertise in a Changing Job Market31:02 The Importance of People in AI Transformation34:47 Navigating Constant Change in AI Tools37:06 Reverse Mentoring: Bridging Generational Gaps39:48 The Future of Work: Evolving Roles and Responsibilities43:28 Education's Role in Preparing for an AI-Driven Future#FutureOfWork#WorkforceTransformation#SkillsBasedOrganisation#AIAdoption#DigitalTransformation#LearningAndDevelopment#HumanAI#BusinessTransformation#AlignedOnAI#AlignedMindsAI

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AI Transformation: The Missing People Plan - with Koreen Pagano

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This episode was published on March 20, 2026.

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Most organizations are rushing to adopt AI without fully understanding the skills their people need to succeed alongside these new systems. In this eye-opening episode, Koreen Pagano reveals why focusing on skills data and workforce capability is...

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