Source: Fortune
Summary
PepsiCo’s Chief People Officer, Becky Schmitt, emphasized the importance of human intuition and empathy in the AI era. Despite the rise of automation, the company is focusing on hiring talent with “old-school skills” such as problem-solving, curiosity, and adaptability. Schmitt believes that these skills will drive innovation, bolstered by AI-driven productivity. The company is prioritizing “human-centric design” and keeping workers informed during its AI transformation.
Our Reading
The numbers tell one story.
PepsiCo is looking for “hustle” in its hires, as Schmitt puts it. The company wants talent that can solve problems, ask questions, and work through challenges. While tech skills are still important, the focus is on human capabilities. Schmitt believes that people will drive innovation, not just technology. The company’s AI transformation is aimed at making jobs safer, more productive, and attractive, with a focus on “human-centric design”.
It’s a familiar story: companies emphasizing the importance of human skills in an increasingly automated world.
Author: Evan Null
