The future of AI will wholly be hinged upon how human beings see and interact with the technology. That’s true for how companies will be able to sell this to market, how organizations realize benefits from the technology, what they want in terms of usage and uptake—it all involves people. There is no other professional more central to the future of AI than HR.
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Nichol Bradford
Executive-in-Residence for AI + HI
SHRM
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Nichol Bradford is a futurist, investor, and technology executive
dedicated to amplifying human potential through the thoughtful
integration of AI. As SHRM's AI + HI Executive-in-Residence, she
shapes global strategies impacting 362 million workers through
340,000 HR professionals across 180 countries. She is the Co-Founder
of Niremia Collective, a venture fund investing in the future of human
potential.
With over two decades of experience in technology and human
development, Bradford specializes in strengthening mental, emotional,
and social health (MESH) to drive innovation. She reaches over
100,000 people annually through thought leadership and speaking
engagements, including TEDx talks. Her unique approach combines
psychology, neuroscience, and organizational change to guide
companies through human-centered AI adoption.
Bradford's impressive track record includes operating World of Warcraft
in China, co-founding TransformativeTech.org, and building the largest
global network for human potential technology spanning 450+ cities.
Through her $22.5M venture fund, she targets the $8.5 trillion human
potential market. Her mission is clear: creating a future where AI
enhances human capabilities while strengthening social cohesion and
well-being.
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Christopher Fernandez
Corporate Vice President, Microsoft HR Services and Digital Employee Experiences
Microsoft
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Christopher J. Fernandez, Corporate Vice President of Microsoft’s HR Services and Digital Employee Experiences worldwide team, has been with Microsoft since 2005. He leads global HR teams in developing end-to-end digital strategies across all HR systems, including AI-enabled HR, and oversees HR service delivery worldwide. His responsibilities extend to compensation, benefits, talent acquisition, learning, onboarding, and more.
Before joining Microsoft, Fernandez was a human resource leader at General Motors Corporation. He holds a Master of Human Resources and Labor Relations from Michigan State University (MSU) and is a graduate of the Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program.