The Evolving Role of HR in the Age of AI: Insights from Chandra Sanders of Heels and Hustle

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Key Takeaways

• HR has transformed from administrative to strategic, driving business growth, culture, and revenue.
• Modern HR leaders must balance technological innovation with human-centered approaches.
• AI can enhance HR functions, but requires careful management and human oversight.
• Algorithmic bias in AI is a critical concern; diverse perspectives are needed in AI development.
• Embracing non-traditional career paths and leveraging transferable skills are valuable in modern HR.

📺 Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/Wk8NWfbD89U

The world of Human Resources is undergoing a dramatic transformation. Gone are the days when HR was merely about pushing paperwork and administrative tasks. Today, HR has evolved into a strategic powerhouse driving business growth, workplace culture, and revenue generation. In a recent episode of the Human Capitalist Podcast, I got into this topic with Chandra Sanders , founder and CEO of Heels and Hustle, uncovering insights that challenge traditional HR thinking.

Strategic Human Capital & AI: The Non-Negotiable Future

HR professionals aren't just compliance monitors anymore—we've become architects of workplace transformation. Sanders cuts through the noise when she states, "HR has the power to help turn purpose into profitability." This fundamental shift represents how forward-thinking organizations view human capital, with HR leading the charge in aligning employee purpose with bottom-line results.

The integration of AI into HR functions isn't optional—it's imperative for staying relevant. Gartner predicts that more than 75% of HR leaders will leverage AI for critical HR functions by 2025, showcasing its growing role in transforming the workforce. "AI can enhance all aspects of work," Sanders shares, while emphasizing what many HR leaders miss: human oversight remains non-negotiable. She leverages 12 AI agents in her daily operations, from data analysis to social media management, demonstrating practical applications that most HR departments aren't bold enough to implement.

However, Sanders doesn't sugarcoat the challenges: "You have to train it like it is literally like an employee." This approach ensures AI tools align with organizational values while maximizing their potential—something too many HR leaders fail to recognize.

Confronting Bias & Breaking Barriers

Let's address the elephant in the room: algorithmic bias in HR technology. McKinsey reveals that 44% of AI systems demonstrate gender bias, a statistic that should alarm every HR professional. Sanders challenges the status quo by asking, "How can we expect AI to serve everyone when it's not being shaped by everyone?"

Sanders isn't just talking about change—she's creating it. Through Heels and Hustle, she's forged pathways for women to enter and excel in tech roles, particularly in AI and HR technology. Her work has enabled thousands of women to transition into tech careers, demonstrating the impact of targeted support and education when conventional approaches fail.

The Non-Traditional Path to Revolutionary Leadership

"I have a very non-traditional career path," Sanders shares, proudly calling herself "the queen of pivoting." Her journey from high school Spanish teacher to tech CEO exemplifies how diverse experiences enhance leadership capabilities. "There's a lot of transferable skills," she emphasizes—a direct challenge to traditional HR thinking that often overlooks non-linear career trajectories.

Sanders's pioneering work with agentic AI—specialized AI tools trained for specific organizational tasks—reveals how HR can effectively blend human and artificial intelligence. While most HR departments dabble with basic automation, her approach demonstrates how these tools can dramatically enhance productivity while maintaining the human touch essential to HR functions.

In today's rapidly evolving workplace, resilience isn't a soft skill—it's survival. Sanders acknowledges that while circumstances may be challenging, with "everything on fire around us," leadership requires maintaining forward momentum. Her approach combines technical expertise with emotional intelligence, creating a blueprint for modern HR leadership that few have the courage to implement.

The Bottom Line: Dare to Disrupt

Sanders advocates for HR strategies that go beyond diversity statements to embrace true inclusion, support non-traditional career paths, and leverage AI while maintaining human connection. Her success in upskilling over 8,000 women demonstrates the measurable impact of inclusive approaches to talent development—results that speak for themselves.

Her key challenges to HR leaders:

• "AI can enhance all aspects of work, but human oversight remains essential."
• "I call myself the queen of pivoting—embrace change and see opportunities."
• "There's a lot of transferable skills in every experience you have."
• "Everything is on fire around us, but we have to keep moving forward."
• "Dare to disrupt and keep moving forward."

The future of HR demands balancing technological advancement with human-centered approaches. As Sanders demonstrates through her work at Heels and Hustle, successful HR leaders must embrace disruption while ensuring inclusivity and maintaining focus on human capital development.

Her mantra to "dare to disrupt and keep moving forward" isn't just inspiration—it's the only viable path for HR professionals who want to remain relevant in this evolving landscape. The question isn't whether you'll adapt, but how quickly you'll embrace this new reality.