Organizations are investing heavily in AI, digital transformation, and workforce development—but many employees still don't feel prepared for what's next. Join UKG's Julie Develin and OpenSesame's Liza Mucheru Wisner for a conversation on how leaders can build confidence, readiness, and resilience in an era of constant change.

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Overview

AI is transforming work faster than ever—but technology isn't the hardest part of transformation.

People are.

In this episode of Ecosystem Experts, UKG's Julie Develin joins OpenSesame's Liza Mucheru Wisner to explore why so many organizations mistake access to learning for preparedness, why leaders often overestimate workforce readiness, and what it actually takes to help employees confidently navigate change.

From frontline employees to executive leaders, this conversation explores the human side of workforce transformation—and why trust, communication, and continuous learning are becoming the competitive advantage.

Whether you're leading AI initiatives, workforce transformation, or learning strategy, you'll leave with practical ideas for helping employees feel ready for whatever comes next.

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What You'll Learn

• Why preparedness is about confidence—not just competence
• The difference between being capable and actually feeling ready
• Why leaders often overestimate workforce readiness
• How frontline employees experience change differently than desk-based workers
• Practical ways to build trust before, during, and after organizational change
• Why learning must move beyond compliance to build confidence and adaptability
• How AI increases—not replaces—the importance of human skills like curiosity, communication, and critical thinking
• What every leader can do today to better prepare their workforce for the future

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Key Takeaways

Preparedness is more than skills

Employees can have the right training and still not feel prepared. Confidence, clarity, psychological safety, and knowing where to turn for support are equally important.

Frontline workers deserve a bigger seat at the table

Frontline employees make up nearly 80% of the global workforce, yet they're often underrepresented in conversations about learning, AI, and workplace transformation. Organizations that invest in frontline readiness build stronger customer experiences and more resilient workforces.

Technology doesn't replace human judgment

AI can accelerate work—but people still provide context, reasoning, and critical thinking. The future belongs to organizations that invest in both technology and the human capabilities needed to use it effectively.

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About the Speakers

Julie Develin | Senior Partner, HCM Advisory Group, UKG

Senior Partner for Human Insights at UKG and a Top 100 HR Influencer. With nearly 20 years as an HR exec and professor, she’s a dynamic speaker and strategist known for her clarity, candor, and energy. Julie explores how humanity and technology shape work — and how leaders can drive real change in culture, employee experience, and AI.
When Work Works, A UKG Podcast

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Liza Mucheru Wisner | Head of Talent and Culture Portfolio, OpenSesame

Liza Mucheru Wisner is an award-winning expert, author, keynote speaker, television personality, and global influencer in talent development, artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and workplace culture. As Portfolio Lead of Talent & Workplace Culture at OpenSesame, she curates learning experiences that fuse human insight with intelligent automation, preparing organizations for the next era of work.

Liza’s work has earned global recognition – including multiple SHRM Excellence Awards. With degrees in computer science and educational technology, Liza has built her career at the forefront of innovation, helping organizations reimagine how people grow, thrive, and lead in a rapidly changing world. As a thought leader, strategist, and change agent, she continues to shape the future of learning, leadership, and innovation.

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About the Partnership

The OpenSesame Partner Ecosystem unites HR, talent, and learning platforms to simplify training and accelerate skills growth. Organizations succeed when their people feel prepared, not just trained.

Together, UKG and OpenSesame help organizations connect workforce intelligence with learning experiences that build confidence, strengthen skills, and prepare employees for continuous change.

Learn how our partnership helps organizations create workforces that are ready for what's next. Learn More About OpenSesame for UKG.

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