People Analytics Revolution: How Gen AI is Reshaping HR (feat. Cole Napper)

Growth Hacking Culture

Are you tired of HR tools claiming to be "data-driven" without delivering real results? In this episode, we cut through the noise with Cole Napper, author of the upcoming book "People Analytics: Using Data-Driven HR and Gen AI as a Business Asset." Cole shares his expert insights on how to move your HR practices beyond gut instinct and truly leverage the power of people analytics and Generative AI.

Discover the fundamental principles of effective people analytics, and learn how organizations can demonstrably add value and calculate ROI by focusing on high-impact areas like multi-incumbent roles and performance variability.

Cole also demystifies the role of Generative AI in HR, predicting a significant transformation in the people analytics function. Imagine a future where report pulling, dashboard building, and even data manipulation are automated, freeing up HR professionals to focus on asking better questions and taking strategic action.

Key discussion points include:

• Separating marketing hype from actual data-driven decision-making in HR tech.
• The core of people analytics: using scientific methods to find evidence for what works.
• Practical ways AI (beyond automation) will enhance HR, particularly people analytics.
• The future skill set for people analytics professionals: embedding with the business to ask the right questions and drive action.
• Ethical frameworks and the importance of judgment when implementing AI in HR, with Cole's advice to "not build the future you don't want to live in."
• Overcoming HR's traditional conservatism by starting with AI applications that automate transactional, low-value tasks.
• The surprising power of simple analytical methods, like comparing control groups to experimental groups.
• The importance of people analytics teams committing to and being accountable for tangible business ROI.

This episode is a must-listen for HR professionals, business leaders, and anyone interested in the future of work, talent management, and the practical application of AI in business.

Pre-order Cole Napper's book, "People Analytics: Using Data-Driven HR and Gen AI as a Business Asset" (available August 26th, 2025, in the US, and early August 2025 in Europe).

Connect with Cole Napper on LinkedIn or check out his podcast, "Directionally Correct."