Are You Using AI Wrong? A Guide to Avoiding Hallucinations and Leveraging LLMs with Dr. Keith Duggar

In this special episode of the HRchat Podcast, we preview the 2025 HR Tech Conference in fabulous Las Vegas!Bill Banham's guest is Katie Achille, Managing Partner at The Devon Group, and an award-winning communications pro. Katie is deeply embedded in the planning and communications behind the HR Tech Conference in Las Vegas, happening September 16–18.HR Tech Conference, one of the world’s biggest HR technology events, will offer a power-packed Tuesday through Thursday format that ends with Josh Bersin's closing keynote. This year introduces the HR Strategy Summit, specifically for leaders of large organizations and the prestigious HR Icons Awards Gala, celebrating excellence across six categories.As always, networking opportunities abound as the conference brings together the HR technology ecosystem – practitioners, vendors, investors, analysts, and media – creating what Katie Achille describes as a "town hall" atmosphere where meaningful business connections happen naturally. The speaker lineup features numerous big names plus the awesome William Tincup will be moderating a panel of TikTok influencers on converting social engagement to job applications.The Women in HR Tech Summit returns for its eighth year, consistently reaching capacity with sessions that deliver actionable insights rather than just high-level trends. Another highlight is Lydia Wu's session on leveraging AI as a career advancement tool, elevating the conversation beyond basic applications to strategic leadership development. Innovation takes center stage at the Startup Pavilion with approximately 50-60 emerging companies and the reimagined Pitch Fest competition. Literary legend James Patterson adds star power, previewing his first-ever business book before its official publication. For an immersive experience, attendees can observe live podcast recordings at the HR Executive/WRKdefined studio on the expo floor through a unique "fishbowl" setup with headphones. Ready to join the HR technology community in Las Vegas? Register at hrtechnologyconference.com with code DEVON25 for $250 off any registration type.Support the showFeature Your Brand on the HRchat PodcastThe HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score. Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here. Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter Check out our in-person events

The technological landscape is evolving at breakneck speed, and AI stands at the forefront of this transformation. But how can HR professionals and business leaders navigate this new terrain effectively?Dr. Keith Duggar, CTO of X-Ray and co-host of Machine Learning Street Talk, brings clarity to this complex topic through a lens shaped by his fascinating career trajectory. From his roots in chemical engineering to high-frequency trading on Wall Street, then to Microsoft, and now leading an innovative AI startup, Dr. Duggar offers practical wisdom for organizations grappling with AI adoption.His company, X-Ray Glass, emerged from a deeply human need – creating augmented reality subtitles for those with hearing impairments. This mission of "subtitling life" exemplifies how AI can enhance human connection rather than diminish it. Through this work, Dr. Duggar has developed invaluable mental models for understanding large language models that cut through the hype and confusion."They're order of magnitude more efficient search engines," Dr. Duggar explains, while cautioning about their limitations, particularly hallucinations – convincingly wrong information that can appear authoritative. His advice? Approach AI as an interactive dialogue, start simple, refine iteratively, and always verify critical information through traditional sources.Looking ahead, Dr. Duggar envisions a shift toward "constellations of narrow intelligences" rather than ever-larger general models, with specialized AI tools working in concert to solve complex problems. For organizations seeking to harness AI's potential, he recommends practical approaches like hackathons and workshops alongside robust governance frameworks addressing privacy and misinformation risks.Whether you're an AI skeptic or enthusiast, this conversation offers a balanced perspective on embracing innovation while mitigating risk. Subscribe to the HR Chat Show for more insights on navigating the evolving workplace, and follow Dr. Duggar on LinkedIn or through the Machine Learning Street Talk Discord to continue exploring the frontiers of AI.Support the showFeature Your Brand on the HRchat PodcastThe HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score. Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here. Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter Check out our in-person events

Maureen Brown joins the HRchat Podcast to reveal why employee voice isn't just another corporate buzzword—it's the untapped resource transforming workplace culture and employer branding across industries. As founder of Sullivan Brown Resourcing Partners and MySay, Maureen brings 16+ years of recruitment expertise to this conversation about why companies struggle to truly hear their employees.We dive deep into the disconnect between conducting engagement surveys and implementing genuine listening strategies. Maureen explains why even well-intentioned HR teams and managers often can't hear feedback without bias, and how independent partners create the psychological safety essential for honest communication. "People want to feel heard," Maureen emphasizes, "and I don't know how heard you feel when you've filled in an online survey."The conversation with Bill Banham reveals a fascinating post-pandemic shift in workplace dynamics. While pre-COVID exit interviews often contained negative feedback about direct managers, today's employees express positive sentiments about their managers while directing frustration toward leadership teams. Maureen unpacks the complex reasons behind this change—from decreased leadership visibility to middle managers increasingly identifying with their teams rather than with leadership.Perhaps most compelling is Maureen's challenge to conventional employer branding approaches. Rather than investing in slick recruitment websites or referral schemes, she advocates for fostering genuine employee advocacy through meaningful listening practices. "There's nothing more powerful than genuine advocacy," she asserts, pointing to the missed opportunity when companies fail to amplify authentic employee voices.Whether you're struggling with retention, rebuilding your culture post-pandemic, or simply wanting to strengthen your employer brand, this episode offers actionable insights on creating psychological safety, conducting effective stay interviews, and transforming employee feedback into strategic advantage. Connect with Maureen on LinkedIn or visit sullivanbrown.co.uk and mi-say.com to learn more about amplifying employee voice in your organization.Support the showFeature Your Brand on the HRchat PodcastThe HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score. Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here. Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter Check out our in-person events

What happens when engineering principles meet people strategy? Sara Andrews, Chief People Officer at Ecovyst, brings this powerful combination to the HRchat Show, revealing how her background as an engineer transformed her approach to human resources leadership.Looking toward her upcoming presentation "HR as a Shockwave: From Compliance to Competitive Edge" at DisruptHR Birmingham, Sara previews how trust, talent frameworks, and culture serve as driving forces for organizational transformation. She also offers practical insights on balancing legacy practices with innovation, adapting strategies across different business environments, and leveraging AI for talent attraction, workforce planning, and personalized development.Sarah also shares her journey of recognizing that truly effective HR requires building "strong, capable, competent and coherent teams" that directly impact business outcomes. Rather than viewing HR as a support function, she positions it as a strategic driver of enterprise value. Her refreshing perspective cuts through typical HR rhetoric to focus on measurable results: "My entry into HR was always about making a difference, having an HR function that created value and initiatives that really spoke to the bottom line."While acknowledging HR's progress in gaining organizational influence, Sarah candidly assesses our current reality: "I think we have a seat at the top table. I'm not quite sure that our voice is as clearly heard as it should be." She outlines how HR professionals must develop skills to demonstrate how people management directly connects to growth, revenue, and DEI. This represents the evolving frontier for HR leadership – moving beyond presence to genuine influence.Ready to transform your HR function from a support role to a competitive advantage? Listen now to discover how engineering principles can revolutionize your people strategy and drive measurable business impact.Support the showFeature Your Brand on the HRchat PodcastThe HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score. Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here. Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter Check out our in-person events

In this episode, Christina Luconi, dubbed "the original people innovator," takes host Bill Banham on a fascinating journey through her pioneering career in transforming how fast-growing companies approach their most valuable asset - their people. With refreshing candor and hard-earned wisdom, she reveals how she's helped multiple tech startups scale from dozens to thousands of employees without sacrificing their cultural foundations.The conversation explores Christina's unconventional entry into HR after studying psychology, where her willingness to question established norms ("why do we call humans 'resources'?") set her on a path of people-centered innovation. Her formative experience at Sapient during the 90s tech boom—where she helped scale from 150 to 3,500 employees in just four years—established her philosophy that culture isn't just important for growth; it's the essential foundation that makes rapid growth possible.Christina shares practical strategies from her 14-year tenure at Rapid7, where she developed the concept of "scaling with soul." Rather than imposing values from the top down, she engaged employees directly in defining the company's identity and integrated these values throughout the employee lifecycle. The approach was so successful that even terminated employees would recommend the company to others—perhaps the ultimate test of cultural strength. She eloquently articulates how diversity of thought and cultural alignment can coexist when organizations focus on shared values while encouraging authentic self-expression.Now launching her consulting practice, People Innovations, Christina aims to help early-stage companies recognize the critical importance of human-centered approaches from day one. Having faced personal health challenges that shifted her perspective, she's passionate about maximizing her impact across multiple organizations. Despite acknowledging the current difficulties in people leadership, she remains optimistic: "This could be one of the most pivotal and important roles in a company because ultimately, it doesn't matter what you're building or selling...AI might replace a lot of stuff, but it can't replace human relationships and trust and collaboration."Ready to transform how your organization approaches culture and growth? Subscribe to the HRchat Show for more insights from visionary leaders who are redefining the world of work.Support the showFeature Your Brand on the HRchat PodcastThe HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score. Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here. Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter Check out our in-person events

Frontline recruitment isn’t just hiring at scale—it’s an entirely different discipline from traditional corporate hiring. In this episode of the HRchat Show, Fountain CEO Sean Behr pulls back the curtain on the unique challenges of recruiting hourly workers and shares strategies that help employers keep pace in an increasingly competitive market.Unlike corporate hiring, where companies may only need to fill a handful of roles, frontline hiring often means recruiting hundreds or even thousands of workers at once. As Sean explains, that scale alone completely changes the rules of the game. Standard applicant tracking systems weren’t built to handle that kind of volume, which is why businesses need new tools and processes if they want to stay ahead.Communication is another big differentiator. White-collar candidates may check their emails or LinkedIn messages, but frontline candidates live on their phones. They apply late at night, respond to text messages instead of emails, and often juggle multiple applications at once. As Sean points out, the convenience of mobile hiring is a double-edged sword—while it makes applying easier, it also means candidates are only “one click away” from a competitor’s job.To help employers succeed, Sean highlights innovative approaches across the entire hourly worker lifecycle. From AI-powered, on-demand interviews that accommodate non-traditional schedules to paperless onboarding that replaces mountains of first-day paperwork with meaningful orientation, these solutions are reshaping how companies attract and retain talent. He also introduces Fountain’s new Shift product, designed to tackle one of the biggest reasons frontline employees quit: mismatched schedules. Because for many hourly workers, flexibility and compatibility with their lives matter just as much as pay or job satisfaction.For HR leaders who feel overwhelmed by the idea of revamping their entire hiring system, Sean offers practical, actionable advice: don’t try to fix everything at once. Start by identifying the single biggest pain point in your frontline hiring process—whether it’s candidate drop-off, interview scheduling, or day-one experience—and focus your energy there. Solving one critical problem at a time not only drives real results but also builds momentum for broader change.If your organization relies on frontline workers, this conversation is a must-listen. Sean’s insights will help you rethink your approach, emSupport the showFeature Your Brand on the HRchat PodcastThe HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score. Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here. Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter Check out our in-person events

Shakil Butt never planned to leave his comfortable 20-year finance career for HR leadership. What began as a three-month interim assignment transformed into a passionate pursuit that would redefine his understanding of strategic people management and earn him recognition as one of the UK's most influential HR leaders.Bringing his finance background to HR gave Shakil a unique advantage. "Every single decision I'd ever made as a finance person had a people implication," he reflects, highlighting the critical intersection between financial decisions and human capital. This perspective helps him bridge the persistent gap between HR's traditional focus on people and the data-driven approach that commands attention in the boardroom.Shakil, a speaker at next month's DisruptHR Birmingham Summit, challenges HR professionals to move beyond trendy but superficial initiatives like "Fresh Fruit Fridays" by focusing on measurable impact. "What's the problem you're trying to fix? What's the opportunity you're trying to take advantage of?" Without answers to these fundamental questions, HR initiatives lack strategic value. His approach transforms HR from what he calls "the poor cousin to finance" into a vital strategic function with demonstrable business impact.When discussing organizational culture and equity initiatives with HRchat show host Bill Banham, Shakil offers a critique of "performative EDI" – actions taken for show rather than substance. "Culture is exactly what you allow to happen in the absence of any real thought," he notes, emphasizing that meaningful cultural change requires intentional leadership rather than disconnected programs. True equity work means addressing systemic issues throughout the employee lifecycle with clear metrics and ownership, not simply creating employee resource groups or celebrating diversity events without purpose.Drawing inspiration from his love of sci-fi and fantasy, Shakil envisions HR professionals as potential organizational heroes who have the courage to "do the right thing" even when difficult. His message resonates with HR practitioners seeking to elevate their impact: embrace data without losing humanity, lead with purpose rather than trends, and have the bravery to champion meaningful change.Connect with Shakil on LinkedIn Support the showFeature Your Brand on the HRchat PodcastThe HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score. Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here. Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter Check out our in-person events

Kim Chaumillon believes HR leaders must champion AI adoption from the inside out. "HR goes first" isn't just her mantra—it's the foundation of effective organizational transformation. Drawing from 30 years of global HR experience, Kim reveals how she's reimagining traditional people practices through AI implementation at two different organizations where she serves as fractional Chief People Officer.Kim's conversation with hosts Pauline James and David Creelman explores practical strategies for building AI fluency within HR teams, starting with curated use cases and ongoing experimentation. Kim distinguishes between leveraging existing solutions with embedded AI capabilities and developing bespoke applications—highlighting three key opportunities for custom solutions: automating repetitive tasks, creating disruptive capabilities, and developing "chief of staff" functionality that transforms how work gets managed.What makes Kim's approach particularly effective is her focus on enablement rather than restriction. While addressing important governance and ethical considerations, she frames AI guidelines in terms of possibilities rather than limitations. This positive orientation accelerates adoption and fosters innovation while maintaining appropriate boundaries around confidential information and potential biases.The discussion provides a compelling vision of AI as HR's historic opportunity. Just as finance led during the 2008 financial crisis and HR guided organizations through COVID-19, AI transformation offers HR leaders the chance to drive tremendous business value while fundamentally reimagining work. For those who have long sought "a seat at the table," AI implementation provides the perfect blend of business impact and people-centered innovation—so significant that Kim delayed her retirement to participate in this transformative period.Ready to take your HR function from reactive to proactive? Connect with Kim on LinkedIn to continue the conversation about leading your organization's AI transformation journey.Support the showFeature Your Brand on the HRchat PodcastThe HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score. Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here. Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter Check out our in-person events

The recruitment landscape is transforming at breakneck speed, with business models that once lasted decades now becoming obsolete in just a few years. How can talent leaders navigate this change while maintaining the essential human elements that technology can't replace?Recruitment veteran and Disrupt Manchester speaker Ian Knowlson draws on his 40+ years of experience to illuminate the path forward in this compelling conversation. Having established and scaled recruitment operations across Europe and led public sector initiatives that grew from 2% to 52% of Hays IT's turnover in just four years, Ian brings practical wisdom to the AI revolution."AI will not replace people," Ian asserts with conviction. "What will happen is AI with people - augmented AI - will replace those recruiters who aren't using AI." This distinction is crucial. While automation streamlines processes, the uniquely human capabilities of empathy, emotional intelligence, and contextual reasoning remain irreplaceable. When a candidate inexplicably declines an apparently perfect offer or a client has complex talent challenges requiring creative solutions, artificial intelligence alone cannot navigate these nuanced waters.The conversation with host, Bill Banham explores VUCA leadership principles (Vision, Understanding, Clarity, Agility) that leaders need to master, plus the critical fifth element for our times: Emotional Intelligence. As jobs undergo "fractionalization"—being deconstructed and redesigned with AI integration—recruiters must shift from being aggressive hunters to relationship builders who can identify candidates with transferable skills for emerging roles.For Gen Z candidates seeking authentic connections rather than hard sells, this evolution in recruitment approaches couldn't be more timely. Whether you're a talent acquisition leader, recruitment professional, or business executive navigating workforce transformation, this episode provides both strategic vision and practical insights for thriving in an AI-augmented future.Connect with Ian on LinkedIn to continue the conversation about recruitment's exciting evolution in the age of AI.Support the showFeature Your Brand on the HRchat PodcastThe HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score. Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here. Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter Check out our in-person events

What makes a leader truly memorable? According to Bobby Umar, one of Inc Magazine's top 100 leadership speakers globally, it's the courage to tell authentic stories that showcase vulnerability and build genuine human connections.Bobby joins the HRchat Show to share his expertise on storytelling as a leadership superpower that transforms personal brands and organizational cultures. Drawing from his experience delivering thousands of keynotes across four continents and as a five-times TEDx speaker, Bobby reveals why so many leaders remain trapped in outdated communication approaches that limit their impact."There are lost, stuck or unfulfilled leaders everywhere," Bobby explains, highlighting his mission to help professionals escape career stagnation. The conversation explores the striking disconnect between what we know about effective communication and what leaders actually practice – while LinkedIn boasts over a billion users, only 7-8% actively create content, with an even smaller fraction sharing vulnerable stories that truly connect.The episode dives deep into practical strategies for optimizing your digital presence, from crafting a compelling LinkedIn profile to navigating content creation across multiple platforms. Bobby offers his 80/20 rule for balancing professional expertise with personal authenticity, while providing tactical advice for handling online trolls and leveraging feedback to continuously improve your messaging.Perhaps most valuable is Bobby's insider perspective on why TEDx talks represent the ultimate thought leadership opportunity. With just 20-30 hours of preparation spanning 3-6 months, a well-crafted TEDx talk can amplify your professional brand more effectively than strategies requiring significantly more time and resources.Whether you're an HR professional looking to elevate your personal brand, a leader seeking to communicate more authentically, or simply someone who wants to create more meaningful connections in your professional life, this conversation offers invaluable insights into the transformative power of storytelling. Follow Bobby on LinkedIn to learn more about his speaking engagements, TEDx coaching, and personal branding support.Support the showFeature Your Brand on the HRchat PodcastThe HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score. Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here. Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter Check out our in-person events