1. Software is the new workplace

Kahina has a unique take on why IT should roll up to HR.

"Everything that's happening in a hybrid or remote company is happening on a screen. If the software experience sucks, the employee experience sucks."

It starts small — laptops not arriving on time, tools not working, access issues. But over time, that friction compounds and creates major blockers to performance, belonging, and engagement.

Her team merged with IT last year, and the results were immediate.

"We used to have so many issues with onboarding. But now, one year later, those problems have disappeared. It turns out that aligning on a North Star made all the difference."

2. Forget the era of change. We’re in a change of era.

What we're living through right now isn't just a wave of change — it's a complete reset. And that requires a different kind of leadership.

Kahina put it like this:

"You need to learn a new language, but there's no one to teach it. You're learning it together, while driving a car, in fog, with no seatbelt."

She said the best leaders today aren't just tech-savvy. They're courageous, vulnerable, and deeply empathetic. They're willing to admit they don't have the answers.

"You don't need to be the Chief Editor. Be the Chief Translator. Keep the conversation going."

3. Rethink what learning even means

AI isn't just changing what we do. It's changing how we learn, how we think, and what skills matter.

"I've heard people say their brain is on pause 70% of the day. They don't have to think anymore. They just prompt."

So what happens when prompting replaces critical thinking?

Kahina said we need to stop focusing only on what needs to be learned, and start asking: what does meaningful work look like in an AI-powered world?

"Humans need meaning in their work and meaning at work. AI doesn't change that. If anything, it makes it even more important."

4. Your org design isn’t safe either

When AI changes how technical teams operate, HR has to step up. Kahina made the case for why HR is uniquely positioned to lead:

"CTOs and CIOs aren't org design experts. But the AI shift will require massive change work — and HR knows how to do that."

Her take? HR leaders need to become fluent in both tech and transformation. Because change is already here.

5. Don’t build in a vacuum — innovate with your people

One of Kahina’s proudest moments at Workleap? Leading a company-wide innovation process that led to one of their most successful product features.

"We didn’t just ask product to come up with ideas. We asked the whole company. The best ones came from places we didn’t expect."

The takeaway: If you want to build something meaningful, start by listening. Get outside your lane. Make space for ideas from all corners of the org.

Thanks for reading. See you next time!

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