When it comes to workplace disruption, generative AI is quickly shifting from hype to reality—and the University of Phoenix is leaning in. At the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation’s annual Workforce Summit on Aug. 27, the university will lead a general session unpacking how HR and learning leaders can use AI to reshape productivity, innovation, and workforce strategies.
The discussion will be led by Leo Goncalves, VP of the university’s Workforce Solutions Group, alongside Jeanne Meister, a well-known workplace futurist and author. At the center: insights from the 2025 Generative AI Report: Learning Fuels Human + AI Collaboration, commissioned by University of Phoenix.
Generative AI Goes Mainstream in L&D
The new report paints a clear picture: adoption is accelerating. 74% of HR and learning leaders say they’re piloting or actively using generative AI in learning and development—up from just 40% last year. And it’s not just leaders pushing the agenda. Nearly half of leaders and 39% of workers expressed interest in developing the ability to co-create with AI, signaling a shift toward more collaborative human-AI workflows.
But challenges remain. The study found a gender gap in AI use—63% of men reported using AI tools at work at least monthly, compared with only 47% of women. And without clear AI policies, employees are left wondering how far they can safely go.
Why This Matters
For companies scrambling to adapt to rapid workplace change, generative AI is no longer optional. As Meister put it:
“Generative AI is not just a technological shift; it offers a strategic imperative for HR and learning leaders.”
That imperative extends to leadership development, employee engagement, and talent mobility—areas where AI could become a multiplier if implemented responsibly.
Goncalves echoed the urgency:
“The future of work depends on equipping people with the skills to collaborate with AI, not compete against it.”
Beyond Theory: Real-World AI in Action
The Workforce Summit session won’t just be theoretical. Organizers say it will feature case studies of companies already using AI to scale leadership development and improve team dynamics—giving attendees a practical look at how generative AI is moving from concept to impact.
Workforce Summit: A Local Event with National Relevance
The annual summit attracts business and education leaders from across Arizona but resonates far beyond the state. With talent shortages still biting and AI adoption surging, these discussions are increasingly national in scope. Attendees will also join breakout sessions on talent attraction and retention, workforce development strategies, and networking with community leaders.
For HR and learning leaders, the message is clear: generative AI isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about rethinking how people and machines work together to create stronger, more adaptive organizations.
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