jim barnett

CEO and Co-founder of Wisq

[jim barnett @jjbarnett]

Who should lead your AI transformation?

One common mistake companies make is treating AI like another IT project.
The result? A familiar pattern. Committees form. New tools get evaluated. Maybe a few pilots get launched. But real transformation, the kind that changes how a company operates, stalls before it starts.

AI isn’t just another tool rollout. It’s a shift in how work gets done, and more importantly, how people and technology collaborate. That’s not just a technology shift. It’s a dramatic shift in how we think about people, roles and collaboration.

That’s why AI transformation can’t be led by IT alone. It should be equally led by someone who knows how to change behavior at scale, someone who understands not only systems but also culture, incentives, and the human side of technology.

In many organizations, that person is the CHRO. The CHRO role requires adaptability, systems thinking, and a relentless focus on how organizations evolve. Those are exactly the traits AI leadership demands.

We’re already seeing this shift. Moderna, for example, merged HR and technology leadership under a new Chief People and Digital Technology Officer, a recognition that the future of work isn’t about what AI can do, but how people and technology work together.

In a moment of rapid change, the advantage will go to companies that put AI—AND the people who can harness it—at the center of their strategy.

If you’re deciding who should lead an AI transformation, I urge you:

* Don’t wait for consensus. Don’t wait for committees to decide.
* Challenge every leader to move quickly to embrace AI.
* Consider appointing an AI transformation leader.
* Give your team the mandate to move fast and rethink how work gets done.

AI won’t transform your organization. Your people will.

[jim barnett @jjbarnett]

Every high-performing team will include AI teammates by the end of this year.

If you’re not planning for this yet, you need to.

In marketing, content creation that once took five hours can now take five minutes. In engineering, senior developers are able to vibe code a starter SaaS clone over a weekend. And in HR, AI can streamline operations, administer policies, investigate requests, provide guidance, augment core programs and much more, with humans only needing to supervise the outcomes.

AI teammates will go way beyond what software tools can accomplish. In 2025's enterprise, one of your most valuable HR team members won't require sleep, sick days, or a promotion. AI teammates will silently transform your human capital strategy while your competitors still wrestle with manual processes and scaled mediocrity.

The companies that win won’t just adopt AI; they’ll hire AI teammates and design intelligent systems to manage and optimize these agents across every function.

The year of AI teammates isn’t 2030. It’s 2025.

[Wisq @wisqinc]

AI will revolutionize leadership coaching. Get up to speed on this exciting space - discover 5 essential things to know about the application of AI to coaching and guidance. https://t.co/rvZMP2M9UD

[Wisq @wisqinc]

“That was the genesis of Wisq. Jim Barnett, the team and I asked ourselves, ‘How can we bring the benefits of coaching and critical learning to all employees, at any hour of the day?’”-Marc Maloy, President, GTM, Wisq
https://t.co/8zvXMQWfFp

[jim barnett @jjbarnett]

The world of manager upskilling is poised for a revolution, driven by the dramatic improvements in AI.

Today we are announcing that Wisq is here, and we are leading the revolution.

Wisq is the first AI guide built exclusively for managers and emerging leaders, key foundations to an engaged, high-performing team and organization. Wisq delivers personalized coaching, real-time guidance and expert advice precisely when needed.

It’s time we gave each and every manager the technology they need to be exceptional leaders, to learn and grow, and to deliver organization-wide excellence. Try Wisq for free or request a demo: https://t.co/wEY7Z30i6g

[Dani Grant @thedanigrant]

Finding PMF is a game of delayed gratification.

Notion: 3 yrs
Airtable: 4 yrs
Figma: 5 yrs

Don't go so fast you tire out your ability to think non-linearly.

In PMF, go slower to go fast.

[jim barnett @jjbarnett]

How can you connect a line of code to purpose?
Richard Deal, EVP and CHRO, at FICO, recently joined my podcast, Happy Here, to explore this topic.
Apple: https://t.co/8ClKxSeYNA
Spotify:
https://t.co/XuQYAGfXuQ
Happy Here
Listen to Happy Here on Spotify.

[jim barnett @jjbarnett]

Excited to share the latest episode of the Happy Here podcast featuring Richard Deal at FICO, #1 on Forbes List of America's Best Mid-Sized Employers https://t.co/yuiJLMPcvE

[jim barnett @jjbarnett]

Really excited to share the first three episodes of Happy Here. Hope you enjoy them.

[Wisq @wisqinc]

3 episodes of Wisq's podcast “Happy Here” are live🎙️

Listen to Wisq CEO Jim Barnett's conversations with:
> Diana Chapman, Conscious Leadership Group
> Cynthia Burks, HR advisor
> Joan Burke, former CPO, DocuSign

Apple: https://t.co/WlXogAdCJT
Spotify: https://t.co/soAGkWnjc2

[Wisq @wisqinc]

The Wisq team recently came together for another great summit.

Gathering in person helps us work through challenges and strengthen bonds that serve everything we do as a team. Not to mention, we have a lot of fun together!

#Wisq #TeamBuilding #Culture #DistributedTeam

[Wisq @wisqinc]

🗣️ Has our new podcast gotten through the grapevine yet? The first 3 episodes are live! Listen now to "Happy Here."

#BelongingAtWork #leadership

[Wisq @wisqinc]

⚖️ 50% of Gen Z respondents said they worry employers will favor employees who work on-site. Here's what our survey revealed about remote #EmployeeWellbeing.
https://t.co/UAnVSRs4KD

[jim barnett @jjbarnett]

https://t.co/DeP7Xuv9qH

[jim barnett @jjbarnett]

https://t.co/h4PrVLQdOD

[jim barnett @jjbarnett]

I’m so excited to announce the launch of Wisq Lounges, audio- and chat-based experiences that drive connection and belonging at work.

These spaces help employees casually run into each other and have conversations whenever they like.

https://t.co/n4ItSAI9Tx

[jim barnett @jjbarnett]

https://t.co/3UG8UCLsYz

[jim barnett @jjbarnett]

Super excited to be doing the "Happy Here" podcast. Please join me.

[Wisq @wisqinc]

Isn’t it time we talked about what it takes to be happy at work?

Join Wisq CEO @jjbarnett for "Happy Here," a new podcast about enabling people to be successful, to thrive, to contribute to their organization and so much more.

Watch the trailer: https://t.co/g3t0B8eeVg

[Wisq @wisqinc]

In case you haven't heard, we have opened up access to our app!

We were built on the belief that when you connect with coworkers on a platform that's only for #connection, you’re more likely to feel happy at work.

Learn more: https://t.co/zVV6h3VJpF
#HappyAtWork #Belonging

[Norwest @NorwestVP]

Have you seen @Inc Magazine’s October edition? 👀

We're honored to make their list of founder-friendly VC/PE firms and share our story with @jjbarnett! Why he partnered with @jeffmcrowe 🚣 for his companies @TurnPlatform,@GlintInc, and @WisqInc. https://t.co/3IFcir80gi

[jim barnett @jjbarnett]

@ShaanVP @wisqinc was created to do exactly this. Wisq helps employees connect, build relationships, and feel a greater sense of belonging at work. Would love to talk with you about it. https://t.co/Mm8gXa10Ju