People First, AI Forward: Rethinking HR for a Faster, Smarter Future

In this episode of the Future Proof HR podcast, Thomas Kunjappu sits down with Julie Fonzo, Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Five Star Breaktime Solutions, to discuss how HR can move fast with AI while staying grounded in real human connection. With experience across startups, turnarounds, growth environments, and M&A, Julie brings a business operator mindset and a clear approach to using technology to elevate not replace the employee experience.Julie shares how her team supports thousands of frontline employees, why multiple communication channels matter, and how tech-enabled workflows free HR for more meaningful interactions. She also breaks down her build versus buy decisions, the closed-loop systems that safeguard data, and when she intentionally slows down because the risks outweigh the reward.Throughout the conversation, she offers practical examples from using AI in job descriptions, communications, ER documentation, training, and early recruiting steps and explains how she brings her team along with confidence, clarity, and smart experimentation.Topics Discussed:Why HR can and should be the first function to ship AIHow to balance efficient answers with person-to-person interactionWhat it takes to communicate with a large frontline workforceHow closed-loop systems and layered controls protect sensitive dataWhen to build internal tools instead of spending on external vendorsHow AI helps with job descriptions, ER workflows, training modules, and internal communicationWhy human touch still matters in onboarding and parts of recruitingHow to bring HR teams along through change and build confidenceThe value of failing fast, learning quickly, and moving forward with intentionIf you’re responsible for helping HR teams modernize, remove friction, and use technology to improve both operations and human connection, this episode gives you real examples, strategic clarity, and a mindset for leading in a world that isn’t slowing down.Additional Resources:Cleary’s AI-powered HR ChatbotFuture Proof HR CommunityConnect with Julie Fonzo on LinkedIn