How AI Turns Teams into Transformation Engines | Caryn Katsikogianis (Former CPO, Woolworths)​

In this episode of Business & Beyond, Sanjay Chari sits down with Caryn Katsikogianis, former Chief People Officer at Woolworths, for a conversation on leadership, culture, and the future of work.​ Drawing on her decades-long career in people leadership, Caryn reflects on what it takes to build trust, lead with purpose, and navigate change in complex organisations.​ The conversation also explores how AI is reshaping the way work gets done — and why the next wave of transformation will depend not just on technology, but on the teams closest to the work. Chapters: 00:00 Introducing Caryn Katsikogianis 04:24 Leading through challenge and what great leadership looks like in a crisis 09:14 Can empathy and connection be learned? 10:32 Calling out poor leadership and finding courage 13:48 How business culture has changed 15:40 Why AI is fundamentally changing work 18:47 Building AI confidence across teams 20:58 Why AI needs to start with strategy 22:51 From top-down change to team-led transformation 23:51 Balancing AI speed, risk and governance 24:45 How successful organisations will scale AI 25:40 What AI means for talent and future skills 27:10 Why Caryn is optimistic about the future of work 28:09 Caryn’s next chapter 29:18 Advice for the next generation 30:19 Final reflections