Strategy Summit 2026: Why AI Transformation Needs a Human Touch

Strategy Summit 2026: Why AI Transformation Needs a Human Touch

Author: Harvard Business Review March 12, 2026 Duration: 30:46
AI needs to be central to any organization's strategy today, but many are still not implementing the technology in the most effective ways. In this four-part special series, we'll share conversations from the recent HBR Strategy Summit to help you get ahead. In this episode, HBR editor in chief Amy Bernstein speaks with Nigel Vaz, CEO of Publicis Sapient, a digital transformation company. Vaz explains that many enterprise-wide AI initiatives fail because incentives, talent strategies and a sense of trust aren't considered thoroughly enough. He shares lessons from his front row seat to AI transformations in the last few years, and how he thinks you can create real operational value at scale.

Each week, the HBR IdeaCast from Harvard Business Review sits down with experts whose ideas are shaping the world of work. This isn't about abstract theory; it's a conversation focused on practical insights for leaders, managers, and entrepreneurs navigating real challenges. You'll hear from scholars, CEOs, and innovators dissecting topics across management, marketing, and organizational strategy, translating complex research into actionable advice. The discussions get into the nuances of building effective teams, driving growth, making strategic decisions, and understanding the forces transforming industries. By tuning into this podcast, you gain access to the forefront of business thinking, a resource for anyone looking to sharpen their skills and lead more effectively. The consistent, in-depth dialogue provides a valuable perspective that goes beyond headlines, offering a deeper understanding of how to succeed in a competitive landscape. It's a direct line to the ideas that matter, presented through thoughtful conversation designed to provoke reflection and inspire change in your own professional approach.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

HBR IdeaCast
Podcast Episodes
Assuming the Best About Others is Hard—But Necessary [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:15
Are you guilty of bracing for the worst when it comes to your clients, colleagues, and bosses? Amer Kaissi, professor at Trinity University, explains why bringing that negative mindset to work will quietly undermine your…
With Rise of Agents, We Are Entering the World of Identic AI [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:07
What if the AI you integrate into your organization isn't just about efficiency or creating digital assistants, but completely changes how you work? Longtime digital trend watcher Don Tapscott says the next wave of artif…
What You Must Deliver to Win Customers Today [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:50
What if your customers aren't looking for better products and services, but for a way for themselves to become better? While the experience economy remains important, Strategic Horizons cofounder B. Joseph Pine II argues…
The Cognitive Science Behind Sudden Change [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:11
Difficult change is an inevitable part of life, but few of us have the skills and mindset to handle it well. That can trickle into our work and careers, but there are lessons from psychology that can help us be more resi…
The Case For Becoming a Project-Based Org [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:20
What does it take to stay agile and compete effectively in today's business world? Smart leaders are entirely reorienting their organizations around project-based work, says Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez, CEO of Projects & Com…
What You Need to Know About Executive Recruiting [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:13
Professional search firms play a big role in discovering and choosing leaders for senior roles. That’s why anyone with C-suite ambitions needs to understand the recruiting process and what these evaluators are looking fo…
Where McKinsey—and Consulting—Go From Here [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:44
How does an organization with 100 years of history stay relevant, adaptable, and forward-looking? Bob Sternfels, who runs McKinsey & Company as the Global Managing Partner, has led the company through a wave of recent ch…
How to Manage—and Motivate—Gen Z [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:18
How different is the newest generation in the workforce, really? While stereotypes abound — some of them unfair — it’s important to understand what the young adults of Gen Z have in common and how they differ from Millen…
What Leaders Can Learn from a Formula 1 Turnaround [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:00
What does it take to rebuild a legendary brand, lead through failure, and win on the world’s most competitive stage? Zac Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, which competes in Formula 1 racing, explains how he helped guide the…