AI the Focus of Human Resources Conference

By Stuart Wilson

The Cayman Islands Society of Human Resources Professionals (CISHRP) hosted its annual conference on Friday, 31st May at the Kimpton Seafire Resort in Grand Cayman.

The theme of this year’s conference was: “The Future of Work: Digitally Enabled, Human-Centered”.

With roughly 278 members, working in all aspects and levels of HR, (CISHRP) was founded in 2000 by a group of local HR professionals and positions itself as the recognised authority for HR in the Cayman Islands, “highlighting the most critical people management issues of today and tomorrow”.

The organisation founded the annual conference to create a platform where HR professionals could learn about new techniques, innovative topics and new theories in

HR, while networking and engaging with local and internationally acclaimed speakers.

The theme for this year’s conference reflected the dawn of an era where digital

transformation is reshaping industries and redefining how professionals work.

“Our focus remains on ensuring that technology enhances, rather than eclipses, the human element,” noted conference organisers, who added that the agenda throughout the day, explored the delicate balance between leveraging cutting-edge technologies and nurturing a workplace culture that prioritises human connections, inclusivity, and well-being.

From insightful keynotes to interactive panel discussion, each session was designed to equip participants with the knowledge and tools to navigate the new dynamic work landscape and lead the charge in creating a future of work that is both innovative and “deeply human”.

The administrative team for the conference was led by Cayman HR, a company formed in 2000 with the mandate of redefining the landscape of Human Resources.

The foundation of the company was built upon research that shows that businesses are more successful when their employees are inspired, ambitious and having fun.

“Our mission is the cultivate this culture of excellence, innovation and integrity - for both our company and our clients,” noted a Cayman HR spokesperson.

The morning’s keynote address at this year’s CISHRP was led by Lisa Walden, who authored “Managing Millennials for Dummies,” along with her cofounder and business partner Hannah Ubl. Both also recently released “The Future of Work is Human”, a book that takes a closer look at how the pandemic will forever change the way we work and lead.

The title of Lisa Walden’s presentation was “Making Hybrid Work #Awesome”.

A Panel discussion entitled” “AI IN PRACTICE: LEVERAGING TECHNOLOGY TO BUILD TOMORROW’S WORKFORCE” featured guest speakers such as Ravi Campbell, an accomplished IT Professional with over 15 years experience in the industry, Monique Malcolm, who brought her 20 years of experience in senior strategic and talent development, as well as Saving Taylor, a passionate entrepreneur and professional and Pieta Brown, who leads the generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) at Deloitte in the Caribbean and Bermuda region.

Randy Conley of Blanchard Consulting, a company that has been partnered with Caymanian Firm Olie Consulting for over 10 years also spoke on the “Building Trust In the Age of AI”.

Other guest speakers included Fiona McDougall, Minda Harts, Benjamin McCall, Rebecca Cox and Chris Bailey and Tim Sackett. Topics ranged from, “AI AS AN ALLY: LEVERAGING TECHNOLOGY TO ENHANCE DIVERSITY IN THE WORKPLACE” to “THE ROBOTS AREN’T COMING, THEY’RE HERE!  UNDERSTANDING THE LANDSCAPE OF AI AND TOOLS FOR YOUR WORK & LEARNING”.