TIDES 36: Beyond the Algorithm: Why Digital Transformation Still Runs on Humans | ft. Smita Chauhan

Two companies deploy the same AI platform. Six months later, one posts a 20 % productivity jump while the other is drowning in re-work, low morale, and stalled ROI. The difference? Not the code—the culture.In this TIDES episode, host Shveta Malhan sits down with Smita Chauhan (SVP & Associate Director, Robert Half Management Resources) to decode how people-centred leadership turns tech roll-outs into real transformation. CHAPTERS00:00 Intro — The AI rollout paradox01:41 Smita’s “human element” aha-moment03:24 ERP vs. Gen AI: why this wave is different07:25 Fear & psychological safety in AI adoption10:38 Who should own AI? (CFO, CHRO, CIO & more)15:17 CHROs: from headcount cops to strategic partners25:57 The #1 skills gap teams feel with AI32:58 Tactics to turn skeptics into champions38:05 Myth-bust lightning round (training, governance, chatbots)42:00 Smita’s bold 2027 prediction43:10 Key takeaways & sign-off🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYSCo-create early: involve the people who live with the new tech day-to-day.Governance ≠ brakes: done right, it accelerates safe experimentation.Upskill as you implement: skill pathways are the engine of adoption.Shared ownership: CFO + CHRO + CIO + BU leaders in one steering committee.👤 ABOUT OUR GUESTSmita Chauhan has spent nearly two decades guiding C-suite leaders through ERP shifts, cloud migrations, and Gen AI pilots—pairing hard-number ROI with relationship-based change strategies. Connect with Smita on LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/smita-chauhan-3a50887/👤 ABOUT YENZA3Yenza3 helps HR and business leaders adapt, adopt & thrive in the age of AI.👥 Connect with Shveta Malhan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shvetamalhan/🌐 https://yenza3.com ⚡ STAY CONNECTED🎧 Listen on Apple, Spotify, or your favourite podcast app💬 Have a question or war-story about keeping humans in the loop? Drop it below!👍 If this episode sparked a new idea, hit Like, Subscribe, and ring the 🔔 so you never miss a TIDES conversation.🔗 Share with a leader who needs a reminder that transformation is still a human sport.#DigitalTransformation #AI #ChangeLeadership #HRTech #PeopleFirst