Make or Break

Hot Takes: The Surprising Reason HR’s AI Adoption is Stalling

Stacey Harris, Chief Research Officer at Sapient Insights Group joins Mo Berkner Boyt in the newest episode of Make or Break Hot Takes, powered by C2IQ. This fast fresh episode brings you the trends, challenges, and strategies for leveraging AI effectively in HR to improve outcomes and drive strategic value. Most HR leaders are missing out on the real impact of AI and overlooking strategies that could transform their workforce. Are you relying on AI just to automate routines or are you using it to genuinely improve outcomes and elevate your people? Stacey shares 28 years of data showing what works and what doesn’t in AI adoption across organizations of all sizes. Discover how to leverage AI effectively, overcome hidden barriers, and make IT and HR collaboration the key to future success.Follow Make or Break on your favorite streaming channel to effectively manage human risk during organizational change:https://c2iq.io/spotifyhttps://c2iq.io/applehttps://c2iq.io/audible–Follow + Connect with our guest:Stacey Harris LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/staceyharris/ Website - https://sapientinsights.com/

Future-Proofing HR: Strategies for Change and Resilience

In this episode of Make or Break, Mo Berkner Boyt is joined by Betsy Summers, a principal analyst at Forrest. Together, they delve into the transformative trends that are redefining human resources and the future of work. By sharing insights into HR's historical evolution, current disruptions, and practical frameworks, they provide HR leaders with the tools needed to navigate and lead effectively in today's volatile landscape. What to expect in this episode:  * The macro trends shaping the future of work * The evolving role of HR from compliance to strategic partner * The importance of skills like tech, data analytics, and adaptive leadership This episode highlights the importance of human-centric leadership, data-driven decision making, and adaptable skill development for thriving in a continually shifting work landscape. Whether you're an HR leader or an individual navigating change, Betsy's perspectives offer practical frameworks and heartfelt encouragement to lean into human strengths. Follow Make or Break on your favorite streaming channel to effectively manage human risk during organizational change: https://c2iq.io/spotify https://c2iq.io/apple https://c2iq.io/audible [https://c2iq.io/audible] – Follow + Connect with our guest: Betsy Summers LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/betsyasummers/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/betsyasummers/]  Website - https://www.forrester.com/bold/?utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=social [https://www.forrester.com/bold/?utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=social]

How to Cope with Change and Disruption

In this episode of Make or Break, Mo Berkner Boyt is joined by Sondra Kiss, Managing Partner at Kissinger Group, for a grounded and practical conversation about leading through the “greatest hits” of disruption. Together, they unpack the three pillars of disruption and change in enterprises:  * structural change  * ways of working * technology transformation They delve into why each of these change types triggers a different kind of fear response and provide major disruption examples. From identity disruption during reorganizations, to habit exhaustion in culture shifts, to confidence threats during AI adoption, this episode explores what leaders often overlook and how to cope with change. They also dive into what truly predicts successful adoption: whether people can see themselves succeeding on the other side of change. If you’re leading transformation in a high-stakes environment, this conversation will challenge how you think about capacity, change literacy, and the human bottlenecks that make or break execution. Follow + Connect with our guest: Sondra Kiss  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sondrakiss/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sondrakiss/] Website - https://kissingergroup.com/about/ [https://kissingergroup.com/about/]

Why Human Connection Matters

In this episode of Make or Break, Mo Berkner Boyt is joined by Matt Poepsel, PhD, the “Godfather of Talent Optimization”, for a thoughtful conversation on why human connection has become the scarcest resource in today’s world of work. Together, they explore how modern convenience, rapid technological change, and rising pressure are quietly pulling people apart and what leaders can do to intentionally rebuild connection during disruption. From loneliness and burnout to AI-driven change and people metrics that actually matter, this episode offers a deeply human lens on leading change without losing the people along the way.The conversation also dives into how leaders measure employee engagement and why measuring it well during periods of disruption is critical. Rather than relying on outdated surveys, Matt shares insights on how to measure employee engagement metrics in ways that move as fast as change itself and provide meaningful signals about trust, resilience, and alignment.What to Expect in This Episode- Why human connection is breaking down at work- How technology and convenience quietly erode trust and belonging- The “entropy economy” and the growing cost of disconnection- Why engagement data must move faster during periods of change- How misattribution creates gaps between leaders and teams- What effective change management leadership looks like Follow Make or Break on your favorite streaming channel to effectively manage human risk during organizational change:https://c2iq.io/spotifyhttps://c2iq.io/applehttps://c2iq.io/audible–Follow + Connect with our guest:Matt Poepsel, PhDLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/Website - https://www.mattpoepsel.com/Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@mattpoepsel

Hot Takes: The Messy Middle - Employee Integration in M&A

In this rapid-fire episode of Make or Break, we sit down with Steve Nunn, CEO of Intista, for a fast, candid conversation on what really makes or breaks M&A integration. We unpack why up to 70–90% of acquisitions fail, how trust and communication shape the first 90 days, and why the integration of new employees is where deals are truly won or lost.From practical insights on how to merge two companies to the often-overlooked realities of new employee integration after an acquisition, this episode explores what leaders get wrong about integration and how a more human-centered employee onboarding experience can change outcomes.Expect sharp perspectives and actionable thinking on integration when people are at the center of the employee onboarding process during M&A.Follow + Connect with our guest: Steve Nunn LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenunn7/Website - https://intista.com/Follow Make or Break on your favorite streaming channel to effectively manage human risk during organizational change:https://c2iq.io/spotifyhttps://c2iq.io/applehttps://c2iq.io/audible