Stage 2 - WorkTech & Pay
Oct 21, 2026
11:20 AM11:45 AM
AutomationStrategy and LeadershipStrategic AlliancesData and Analytics
Building Cross-Functional Foundations For AI High-Tech, Higher Touch: Why CHRO–Chief Data Partnership Fast-Tracks Automation at Scale
Rachel IbarraCardinal Group CompaniesVice President, Data and InnovationPeter LynchCardinal Group CompaniesChief People & Innovation Officer
Description
Work Moves Fast. Humans Don't: Technology can move at silicon speed, but organizations still depend on human decision-making, trust and adoption. Automation only works when it's built around how people actually operate.
- Why CHRO-CIO alignment is the key enabler of successful automation programs
- Where automation delivers real value: removing friction, not just reducing cost
- Identifying which workflows should be automated vs where human judgment must remain
- Avoiding "automation overload": when too many tools create complexity, not efficiency
- Designing end-to-end processes across HR, IT and Finance rather than automating in silos
- Embedding governance early: accountability, risk and decision rights in automated environments