Harvest’s ground-breaking research on the evolving landscape of early careers - recognised by the Irish Academy of Management - reveals how Generation Z is reshaping the world of work. In this thought-provoking session, Julie Ryan, Deputy Managing Director at Harvest, will share powerful insights into how Gen Z’s values, motivations, and expectations are influencing organisational culture, leadership, and the emergence of the skills-based organisation Join us for an engaging discussion that connects the dots between early careers, the future of work, and the evolution of skills-based organisations and discover what this means for the leaders of tomorrow.

AI and other cutting-edge digital technologies have disrupted human resource management practices in organizations, transforming the traditional approaches to recruitment, selection, training, performance management, and rewards. While these technologies enhance efficiency and productivity, there is a risk of dehumanizing the human management process. We find ourselves at a pivotal moment where it is essential to strategically leverage AI and other technologies to recenter humans in the management. This talk is hoped to encourage a lively and timely discussion and debate on how to achieve this balance both theoretically and practically. It will be an interactive talk where questions and debates are welcome. Bio: Professor Na Fu is a Professor and Chair of Responsible Leadership and Fellow at Trinity College Dublin. She is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), and Co-Director of the Trinity Centre for Digital Business and Analytics. As a leading expert, Professor Fu has developed impactful frameworks that enable organizations to build responsible businesses, with a focus on enhancing employee well-being, promoting equality and inclusion, and driving digital transformation and AI in management. Her work has garnered global recognition, and she has published in top-tier journals such as the Journal of Management, Human Resource Management, Human Resource Management Journal, Human Relations, and Journal of Business Ethics among over 100 peer-reviewed articles in leading outlets like ABS4/4* and FT50 journals and conferences. She serves as Associate Editor for the Human Resource Management Journal (ABS4*) and is on the editorial boards of seven other prestigious journals. Her research has shaped both academic theory and practical applications in the fields of responsible leadership and sustainable business.

As artificial intelligence transforms the nature of work, organizations are facing a critical juncture where human skills, workplace culture, and trust must evolve in tandem with technological change. Sophie Wade will explore how AI can be used not only to drive efficiency but also to foster empathy, inclusion, and meaningful collaboration. She’ll discuss the challenges and opportunities in implementing internal talent marketplaces, skills-based hiring, and leading multi-generational teams. Sophie Wade is a global thought leader on the future of work and author of Empathy Works. She helps organisations adapt to changing work environments by focusing on trust, communication, and human-centric leadership. Join us for this timely and interactive session in the WorkMatters Future of Work Forum masterclass series.