Organizational Intelligence: Agents, AI‑First Hiring, and Leading with Vulnerability

AI is constantly changing how work is defined and how HR strategy evolves in modern organizations. How do you differentiate between artificial and human intelligence in the workplace? In this episode of The Human Element, host Barb Bidan sits down with Remko Verheul, the Vice President and Head of People at Wrike. Remko shares the blueprint Wrike promotes: human intelligence plus AI equals organizational intelligence. He explains that Wrike does not seek to replace human work with AI, but rather to amplify human creativity, empathy, and decision-making within organizations. Remko shares how HR operation and AI tools for HR can operate repetitive tasks, such as automated note-taking, while maintaining human oversight. His dual approach—top-down direction plus bottom-up experimentation—outlines practical strategies that can help organizations embrace innovation while keeping a human-centered AI approach at the core. His final strategy tip involves pressure-testing every plan with AI from multiple stakeholder personas before taking anything to the board. The most successful companies will be those that combine technology with human insight. Take the step, but do it the right way. Chapters [Start] Guest Intro: Barb introduces Remko Verheul, SVP & Head of People at Wrike, as they explore human and artificial intelligence. 02:36 Inside Wrike: How AI unlocks new efficiencies in Wrike’s business workflows. 06:44 Pitfalls and AI Enablers: Shifting perspective to avoid pitfalls and be vulnerable in what you don’t know. 11:54 AI in the Workplace: Misconceptions about AI being used in business, and where to learn more. 15:07 Zoom In/Zoom Out: The best ways HR leaders can begin their journey of incorporating AI in the workplace. Links and Resources Wrike's Website Connect with Remko Verheul on LinkedIn The Human Element is brought to you by Harper, Wisq’s always-on AI HR Generalist, transforming how work gets done. Powered by deep HR intelligence, Harper delivers instant, accurate, and empathetic support, from policy questions to performance coaching, so employees get answers fast and HR teams can focus on strategic work. By handling routine HR requests and automating everyday workflows, Harper helps organizations scale people operations while maintaining a human-centered employee experience. Learn more and see Harper in action at https://www.wisq.com/.