At Dayforce Discover’s AI keynote, industry leaders and innovators gathered to cut through the hype and explore how artificial intelligence is truly transforming the way we work and learn. The session, framed by a candid introduction from Steve Holdridge, Dayforce’s COO, challenged the audience to think critically: Is AI solving real problems, or are we chasing tech for tech’s sake?
The COO emphasized that AI must be built into workflows—not bolted on—and that its ultimate purpose is to free humans to do what only humans can: create, engage, and connect.
Dayforce: Turning AI Concepts into Impact
The first half of the keynote featured Carrie Rasmussen (IT) and Amy R., Chief People Officer at Dayforce, who shared their journey of embedding AI into HR operations. Their message was clear: AI isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about enabling HR professionals to focus on strategic, human-centered work.
They highlighted a critical insight from an MIT study: 95% of enterprise AI pilots fail, not because of the technology, but due to poor change management and lack of organizational readiness. Despite this, 63% of employees believe AI is important to their jobs. The disconnect? Most employees haven’t received proper training.
To bridge this gap, Dayforce launched an AI Leadership Forum and developed a three-tier starter kit:
- Deploy ChatGPT across the organization.
- Assign every role an AI assistant.
- Transform workflows holistically—not just to save time, but to rethink how work gets done.
Practical Applications in HR
Amy shared how AI is streamlining core HR functions:
- Employee Pulse Surveys: AI quickly summarizes feedback, helping leaders respond faster and more meaningfully.
- Compensation Management: AI flags anomalies for quicker resolution.
- Recruiting: AI helps revamp job descriptions and assess behavioral interview questions.
- Training: AI accelerates content creation, freeing trainers to focus on delivery.
Their biggest takeaway? Get the tech into employees’ hands. Leadership must model AI adoption, integrate it into daily workflows, and foster a culture of experimentation. “Courage over comfort,” Amy urged. “If you don’t step out, you’ll be left behind.”
Sal Khan: AI and the Future of Learning
The second half of the keynote featured Sal Khan, founder of Khan Academy, who shared a deeply personal and inspiring story of how AI is revolutionizing education.
It began with tutoring his niece in math. His cousins were struggling in school due to learning gaps, and traditional education systems weren’t designed to accommodate individual pacing. Sal started writing software to help, then recorded video lessons that his cousins preferred over in-person tutoring. The videos were judgment-free, allowing students to learn at their own pace.
This humble beginning led to a global movement. With early donations from Bill Gates and Google, Khan Academy now serves over 180 million users in more than 60 languages.
Khanmigo: AI as a Learning Companion
Sal introduced Khanmigo, an AI-powered tutor built on GPT-4. Designed with guardrails to prevent misuse, Khanmigo helps students learn ethically and independently. Teachers can assign work through AI, track student progress, and even analyze trends across classrooms.
The implications for the workplace are profound. Just as students benefit from personalized guidance, employees can use AI for goal-setting, skill-building, and self-directed growth. Leaders must normalize this—make it okay for employees to seek help from AI without shame.
A Call to Action
Sal’s message was clear: AI is not inherently good or evil—it amplifies human intent. If ethical leaders shy away from AI, they leave the technology in the hands of those who may misuse it. We must all lean in and ensure AI serves our values and goals.
He closed with a sobering thought: AI can’t build a human connection. But when children begin to bond with AI tools, it’s a reminder that we must guide its use with care, empathy, and purpose.
AI isn’t just a tool—it’s a catalyst. Whether in HR or education, its power lies in how we choose to wield it. The keynote left attendees with a challenge: Be bold, be human, and lead from the front.
