Are you overwhelmed by the rapid rise of AI in the workplace?

AI tools are already being used by managers and teams in various forms. But what are the risks that come with using them? Today’s guest believes that clear guidelines and educational training can help everyone use AI wisely without feeling restricted.

Meet Theresa Fesinstine. Theresa is a 25-year HR executive turned AI educator. She has been certified for AI and Business Strategy through MIT in 2023, and has been focused on flattening the AI learning curve for HR and other non-technical functions for almost 3 years.

In addition to her company, peoplepower.ai, she is an adjunct professor of both AI in Business and HR Management for City College of NY - a CUNY institution, and volunteers as a mentor through All Tech is Human.

Today, Theresa shares smart, actionable ways to use AI without risking company data or personal privacy.

From educating your team to building clear, adaptable AI guidelines, she breaks down how to make AI a powerful tool for managers and their teams.

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Conversation Topics

(00:00) Introduction
(01:52) The truth about AI in the workplace
(08:58) How to set AI policies that actually work
(11:16) Using AI to enhance your management skills
(21:30) How to avoid biases when using AI tools for team management
(23:26) A great manager Theresa has worked for
(25:35) Keep up with Theresa
(26:28) [Extended Episode Only] How to talk to your team about what AI tools they’re already using
(32:03) [Extended Episode Only] Is using AI at work considered cheating?

Additional Resources:

- Get the extended episode by joining The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community for just $15 per month

- Read the full transcript here

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- Visit my website for more here

- Upskill your team here

- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel here

Keep up with Theresa Fesinstine

- Follow Theresa on LinkedIn here

- Visit People Power AI for more information here

FREE PDF People Powered by AI: A Playbook for HR Leaders Ready to Shape the New World of Work

Theresa is giving members of Podcast+ a copy of her People Powered by AI: A Playbook for HR Leaders Ready to Shape the New World of Work for free.

In this practical and forward-thinking guide, Theresa draws on decades of People & Culture expertise to help HR leaders confidently integrate AI into their everyday work. With real-world use cases, accessible frameworks, and a human-first lens, this book empowers HR professionals to unlock the potential of AI while staying grounded in empathy, ethics, and strategy.

To get this bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community.

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354: The Do’s and Don’ts of Using AI Tools at Work with Theresa Fesinstine

The Modern Manager