How HR Can Lead the AI Shift in 2026

In this episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we speak with Bryan Power, Head of People at Nextdoor, about leading through transformation, building a “founder’s mentality” culture, and why HR must take the lead on AI adoption. Bryan shares lessons from scaling Google, Square, and Yahoo before joining Nextdoor, where he helped navigate an IPO, COVID, and now AI disruption. He introduces Project NAI-BOR (Nextdoor Artificial Intelligence Building Operational Readiness), explains how to unleash safe experimentation, and why HR can’t afford to be a passenger in the AI shift. The conversation also covers mental health, hybrid work, and the next frontier of employee experience.🎓 In this episode, Bryan discusses:Mental health as today’s workplace injuryHow to manage the uncomfortable truths of hybrid workHow Project NAI-BOR helps HR lead AI adoption at scaleWhy a founder’s mentality creates urgency and frontline focusBalancing experimentation with structure in AI policy and rollout🙏‍ Thanks you to our series partner - Greenhouse.Get measurably better at hiring with smarter, more efficient solutions – powered by built-in AI: https://www.greenhouse.com/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.