The rise of AI has inspired both hope and fear in the workplace. Its ever-changing abilities and the shifting legal landscape leave a lot of workers and HR professionals in a nervous state. While executive leaders search for ways to implement AI as effectively as possible, some still question whether the workforce will become less human as they incorporate more technology.
Chief People Officer at Cardinal Group Companies, Peter Lynch, however, argues that AI is a steppingstone to fully embracing what he calls “the Human Advantage.”
“The next killer app in my mind is always going to be people,” Lynch says. “Technology is amazing, and we have to be ready for it, but at the center, it’s humans.”
Lynch is set to speak on The Human Advantage during SPARK Talent 2025, but HR Daily Advisor talked with him to preview his upcoming insights and strategies on AI, which painted a picture of a future with more human interaction—not less.
Here are the 4 biggest takeaways from Lynch’s conversation:
Exchanging Low- for High-Value Work
HR professionals know the many menial tasks that need to get done in the hiring process before work can actually start. The prospect journey for a new candidate is a winding path filled with job postings, multiple interviews, background checks, data analysis, SOP writing—the list goes on.
This is where AI is going to have the biggest impact, according to Lynch. “It’s going to allow [HR professionals] to stop doing low-value work and be able to exchange that for high-value work.”
When the slog of data entry and recordkeeping is automated, HR professionals will be left with the time and energy to focus on the human aspect.
“Our talent acquisition consultants a lot of times are taxed with lots of what I call lower-value work,” Lynch continues. “And our goal is that AI removes that so that the human advantage truly is elevated as they get to spend time communicating, connecting, building our new talent.”
Authenticity Is Key in Times of Change
Though the promise of less grunt work is nice, plenty of nerves still exist in employees about the security of their jobs because of AI. Being authentic and clear with your employees is key to ensuring your workforce doesn’t fight against your AI implementation, no matter the strategy in place.
Authenticity is Lynch’s rule of thumb, and in some cases, that means telling hard truths.
“I want to be honest with people, and I tell all of our team members that if they don’t engage and learn how to elevate themselves through AI, they probably will lose their job.”
Plenty have echoed this sentiment of “sink or swim” when it comes to integrating AI into work, but Lynch involves humans in the conversation.
“AI is not going to take their job, but the person empowered by AI is. And so, they have to step into empowerment of this tool.”
Information Into Wisdom
AI can be effective, save time, and is leading the future for much of the workplace, but it’s not without its flaws. Bias can creep in depending on the data AI is trained on, and the quality of the work starts to come into question.
“We do have to be careful there. This is probably one of the bigger ethical concerns …” Lynch says. “And the way we do this is by keeping the human in the loop.”
AI provides plenty of information, but Lynch says it’s the responsibility and strength of employees to translate that information into wisdom.
“Information is knowing that a tomato is fruit. Wisdom is knowing not to put it in a fruit salad.” Lynch says. “So, the question is, even when you get that output of data, you have a human looking at it: ‘This doesn’t look right’; ‘I don’t like how it’s framed this person’; ‘There’s a miss’. I’m going to translate this information into wisdom, and we’re going to make the right choice as an organization.”
A Tool for Impact, Not Leading
AI, like any other tool, is only as powerful as its wielder. Lynch’s final words speak to the edge AI brings, and how it lives in humanity.
“This is where companies are going to win and lose … they have people that are empowered to live their humanity, to leverage the game-changing workforce tool that AI is and bring those two together. Because the future is AI and innovation, plus humanity.”
If you’re interested in hearing from more experts on HR and Talent, join us live in San Antonio at SPARK TALENT 2025 and get practical strategies focusing on workforce planning, talent acquisition, and AI-driven processes! We’ll have leaders from PepsiCo, Walmart, Staples, The Coca-Cola Company, and GE HealthCare speaking, with plenty of opportunities to connect with the HR community.