How AI Turns Teams into Transformation Engines | Caryn Katsikogianis (Former CPO, Woolworths)​ ​ ​

In this episode of Business & Beyond, Sanjay Chari sits down with Caryn Katsikogianis, former Chief People Officer at Woolworths, for a conversation on leadership, culture, and the future of work.​Drawing on her decades-long career in people leadership, Caryn reflects on what it takes to build trust, lead with purpose, and navigate change in complex organisations.​The conversation also explores how AI is reshaping the way work gets done — and why the next wave of transformation will depend not just on technology, but on the teams closest to the work.Chapter markers:00:00 Introducing Caryn Katsikogianis​04:24 Leading through challenge and what great leadership lookslike in a crisis​09:14 Can empathy and connection be learned?​10:32 Calling out poor leadership and finding courage​13:48 How business culture has changed​15:40 Why AI is fundamentally changing work​18:47 Building AI confidence across teams​20:58 Why AI needs to start with strategy​22:51 From top-down change to team-led transformation​23:51 Balancing AI speed, risk and governance​24:45 How successful organisations will scale AI​25:40 What AI means for talent and future skills​27:10 Why Caryn is optimistic about the future of work​28:09 Caryn’s next chapter​29:18 Advice for the next generation​30:19 Final reflections