This is a fascinating and essential podcast about leadership, AI, HR, and business transformation, featuring Tanuj Kapilashrami, the CHRO and Chief Strategy Officer of Standard Chartered.

In this conversation, Tanuj talks about the strategic direction of Standard Chartered Bank, her role as Chief Strategy and Talent Officer, and the importance of aligning organizational capabilities with business strategy. She discusses the transformation of work processes, the integration of AI, and the evolving role of HR in the banking sector. Tanuj explains the role of job architecture and the importance of skills in driving organizational success, and she also clearly explains the future role of the CHRO.

The CHRO role has risen tremendously in the last two decades. Tanuj is an inspirational example of a CHRO who has taken her experience in all areas of human capital management to become a powerful chief strategy officer, a career transition which will become much more common in the future. You will also hear how Tanuj views the AI transformation and how she puts a clear business focus on the AI strategy, moving far beyond AI as a tool to streamline HR.

(Listen to her discussion about AI in performance management and how the “AI Sandpit” works at Standard Chartered.)

Listen also to Tanuj’s focus on “plumbing,” as the foundation for business growth and transformation.

Takeaways

- Standard Chartered is a cross-border bank focused on emerging markets.
- The role of Chief Strategy and Talent Officer is crucial for aligning strategy with capabilities.
- Transformation should be a core part of the organizational DNA.
- Skills development must be integrated into work redesign.
- AI can enhance productivity across various job types.
- Job architecture needs to evolve with changing business needs.
- A centralized approach to AI strategy is essential for scalability.
- HR must embrace technology to remain relevant.
- Understanding the operational aspects of HR is critical for strategic success.
- Curiosity and continuous learning are vital for HR leaders.

Sound Bites

“Transformation is such an abused word.” “Skills come in at a work redesign level.” “Humans will lose out to other humans who use machines.” “AI cannot be empathetic as humans can be.” “Get comfortable as a team playing in the sand pit.” “It’s the plumbing that matters.”

Chapters

00:00 Overview of Standard Chartered Bank 02:49 The Role of Chief Strategy and Talent Officer 05:52 Aligning Strategy with Organizational Capabilities 08:46 Transforming Work Processes and Skills 12:07 Navigating Job Architecture and AI Integration 14:56 AI Strategy and Implementation in Banking 17:54 The Future of HR in the Age of AI 21:13 Advice for Aspiring CHROs

Additional Information

Yes, HR Organizations Will (Partially) Be Replaced by AI, And That’s Good

The White Collar Recession Is Real: What Should We Do About It?

The Rise of the Superworker: Reinventing Jobs, Careers, and Organizations

Tanuj Kapilashrami, Chief Strategy Officer at Standard Chartered

Josh Bersin