Transforming HR: From Support Function to Strategic Business Partner

HR is no longer a support function — it’s a business engine.
In this episode of Built by People, Nadia Uberoi breaks down how modern HR leaders can move from “running the machine” to driving real organizational transformation using AI, leadership alignment, and business-first thinking.

Drawing from her background in psychology and organizational development, Nadia explains why operational excellence in HR is table stakes — and how improving the HR machine unlocks time, energy, and credibility for higher-impact work. We explore the role of AI and automation in people operations, why transformation fails without clearly defined business objectives, and how HR leaders can align performance management, employee well-being, and business strategy.

If you’re an HR leader, people ops professional, or executive navigating growth, complexity, or transformation, this conversation will help you rethink how HR creates value — not just support.

• Why HR must operate as a strategic business partner, not a service function

• The difference between running vs. improving the HR machine

• How AI and automation should support clear business objectives

• Why leadership alignment is critical to successful HR transformation

• How efficient people operations free up capacity for transformational work

• What organizational development looks like when aligned to business strategy

  
  

00:00 — Nadia’s career journey and the evolution of HR
03:26 — Running vs. improving the HR machine
06:10 — What transformational HR work actually means
08:54 — Aligning HR, AI, and business objectives
11:16 — The future of people leadership

Memorable moments:

“Running the machine is table stakes.”
“Clearly defined business objectives are crucial.”
“Improving the machine is about intentional changes.”

🎧 Whether you’re rethinking performance management, scaling people operations, or exploring AI in HR, this episode offers a practical blueprint for building an HR function that drives results.

AI is changing HR faster than most leaders realize—and many organizations are already behind. In this episode of Built By People, DailyPay Chief People Officer Jon Lowe breaks down how AI in HR, earned wage access, and shifting employee behavior are fundamentally reshaping workplace culture, leadership, and the future of work.

This episode is especially relevant for CHROs, People Ops leaders, and executives responsible for workforce strategy, employee experience, and navigating HR transformation in 2025 and beyond.

Jon Lowe shares a candid look at his non-linear career journey—from early-stage Amazon to Revolut, eToro, and now DailyPay—and how those experiences shaped his leadership philosophy. As Jon notes, “We’re in the second inning of AI in HR,” and the biggest risk for HR leaders isn’t experimentation—it’s thinking too small about what AI will change.

DailyPay is a platform that offers on-demand pay and financial wellness solutions for employers and employees. While most services today are instantaneous, paychecks have lagged behind. DailyPay disrupts how employees get paid by giving workers real-time access to their own earned money—helping businesses modernize employee relationships, improve financial well-being, and drive measurable changes in attendance, engagement, and retention.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How AI will reshape HR org design, productivity, and decision-making

• Why earned wage access directly impacts employee behavior and outcomes

• How the traditional work model is breaking—and what’s replacing it

• Why reciprocal value creation is essential for retention and career growth

• How mindfulness helps leaders sustain performance in high-growth environments

Key questions explored:

• How should HR leaders think about AI beyond incremental efficiency gains?

• Why does a two-week pay cycle no longer match how people actually work?

• What does the future of HR look like in the next 12–24 months?

Chapters
00:00 Jon Lowe’s career journey and leadership evolution
03:37 The biggest HR challenges we’re not talking about enough
05:41 How earned wage access changes employee behavior
08:06 Scaling culture through reciprocal value creation
10:32 AI’s real impact on HR and organizational design
13:18 Unexpected ways AI is already changing work
14:38 Mindfulness, balance, and leadership advice

If you’re navigating AI adoption, employee experience challenges, or workforce transformation, follow Built by People, share this episode with a colleague, and subscribe for more conversations shaping the future of HR and work.

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Takeaways

• I was working at Arthur Anderson through the collapse.
• I started working on my MBA at Notre Dame.
• I got involved in operations, sales.
• We rent them into the supply chains of Fortune 100s.
• It always starts with our culture.
• We're about ready to test a new tool.
• We've been reinventing our commercial strategy.
• I give every employee my personal cell phone number.
• We do a semi-annual engagement survey.
• It's about the people.

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In this episode of the Build By People podcast, Maddy Niebauer shares her unexpected career journey from the Peace Corps to founding V-Chief, a company that provides fractional chief of staff services. She discusses her current priorities for the business, innovative initiatives like a pro bono program, and the challenges of employee communication in a virtual environment. Maddy emphasizes the importance of work-life balance and offers advice on delegating tasks to avoid burnout.

Takeaways

• Maddy's career began in the Peace Corps, leading to unexpected paths.
• V-Chief was launched to meet the needs of part-time chief of staff roles.
• The company has grown significantly, especially during COVID-19.
• Maddy prioritizes brand awareness and networking for business growth.
• She emphasizes the importance of listening to customer needs.
• A pro bono program supports small organizations making social impact.
• Employee communication is challenging in a virtual setting.
• Zoho is essential for operations, including CRM and applicant tracking.
• AI is utilized for innovative solutions in sales and operations.
• Maddy advises against hustle culture and promotes work-life balance.

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In this episode of the Built by People podcast, Jess Smith shares her unique career journey from finance to HR, discussing the challenges faced in the HR landscape today, particularly around engagement and the integration of AI. She emphasizes the importance of reimagining work processes and the need for continuous evolution within HR organizations. Jess also provides valuable advice for aspiring HR professionals, highlighting the significance of understanding AI and prioritizing personal wellness amidst industry changes.

Takeaways

• Jess Smith's career path reflects intentional reinvention.
• Engagement is a critical concern for HR professionals today.
• AI presents both opportunities and uncertainties in the workplace.
• Organizations must evolve continuously to stay relevant.
• Testing new tools is essential for future HR efficiency.
• Reimagining work processes is more important than fixing broken systems.
• HR professionals should prioritize their own wellness.
• Curiosity and continuous learning are vital in HR.
• The integration of AI will require a suite of tools.
• HR is at a pivotal moment that demands proactive leadership.

Summary

In this episode of the Built by People podcast, host Dallin Demke speaks with John Paul Ales-Barnicoat about his unexpected journey into HR, the current priorities of his organization, and the importance of genuine communication in fostering employee engagement. They discuss the challenges of scaling a startup, the role of technology in enhancing communication, and the significance of understanding employees as individuals. John shares his aspirations for the future of the organization and offers valuable advice on leadership and personal development.

Takeaways

• John Paul Ales-Barnicoat's career path was not traditional, starting as a recruiter.
• The organization is focused on scaling its commercial business globally.
• Effective communication is crucial in a dispersed workforce.
• A leadership series was introduced to bridge communication gaps.
• Genuine communication fosters a stronger organizational culture.
• Understanding employees as individuals enhances engagement.
• Slack is a key tool for community building within the company.
• AI tools are being leveraged to improve communication authenticity.
• Future aspirations include ensuring every employee understands their role in the company's growth.
• Leadership is about serving the people and mission, not personal ego.

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Takeaways

Pat Porter has over 20 years of experience in HR leadership.

Driving people strategies is essential for measurable business impact.

Effective communication is crucial for employee engagement.

Artificial intelligence presents both opportunities and challenges for HR.

HR leaders should absorb knowledge about AI to stay relevant.

Understanding employee turnover is key to organizational success.

Building strong relationships is vital for HR professionals.

Culture and strategy must align for effective HR management.

Embracing change is necessary for future HR success.

Summary

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Takeaways

Lauren's journey into HR began with a college class in organizational behavior.

Mentorship played a crucial role in Lauren's career development.

Crisis management in HR can involve humanitarian efforts, as seen during the Ukraine crisis.

Building a strong company culture requires clear communication and leadership principles.

AI is becoming an essential part of the HR conversation, enabling better workforce design.

Aspiring HR professionals should focus on developing their human skills and AI fluency.

Getting uncomfortable often signals growth in one's career.

Effective communication is critical during times of change.

Leaders should lead by example to foster a positive company culture.

Taking risks can lead to rich career opportunities.