Melissa Crawford - Tech with Heart - Director | The Psychology of AI & the Future of Work

AI isn’t just changing how we work — it’s changing how we think, behave, and relate to each other.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ In this episode of HR Unlocked, Lisa Oakley is joined by Melissa Crawford, futurist and Director of Tech with Heart, to explore the human side of technological change.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ With a rare combination of deep technology expertise and psychological insight, Melissa brings a fresh perspective to the future of work — not focused on tools or tactics, but on the subtle behavioural shifts AI is already creating.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ From reduced tolerance for conflict to changing expectations of feedback, leadership, and performance, this conversation challenges leaders and HR professionals to think differently about what’s coming next — and what needs to change now.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐘𝐨𝐮’𝐥𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧⁣⁣ ● How AI is reducing friction — and why that matters for behaviour and performance⁣⁣ ● The psychological impact of AI on conflict, feedback, and resilience⁣⁣ ● Why AI often reinforces thinking instead of challenging it⁣⁣ ● What leaders need to understand about human behaviour in an AI-enabled workplace⁣⁣ ● Why traditional career pathways may no longer be relevant⁣⁣ ● How to stay employable and adaptable over the next 5–15 years⁣⁣ ● The importance of building capability, not relying on stability⁣⁣ ● Emerging signals around physical AI and workforce design⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬⁣⁣ ● AI is shaping behaviour — not just productivity⁣⁣ ● Reduced friction can lower resilience and tolerance for disagreement⁣⁣ ● Leaders must actively create challenge and critical thinking⁣⁣ ● Career planning is shifting from fixed pathways to continuous capability building⁣⁣ ● Future readiness is about adaptability, not certainty⁣⁣ ● The human element of work will become more important, not less⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐌𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐚 𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐰𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐝⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Melissa Crawford is a futurist and Director of Tech with Heart, working at the intersection of people and technology.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ With two technology degrees, a Master of Science in Psychology underway, and formal foresight training from the Institute for the Future and the University of Houston, she brings both academic rigour and real-world insight to the future of work.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Melissa has worked across New Zealand’s largest organisations in tech, airline, banking, FMCG, retail, education, and energy. She advises leaders, speaks globally, and sits on governance and advisory boards.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ In 2025, she was recognised on the HRD Hotlist and received the Emerging Directors Award from the Institute of Directors.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Why This Episode Matters⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ If you’re leading people, shaping culture, or thinking about the future of work, this episode will challenge how you view AI — shifting the focus from tools to human impact.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬 & 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐬⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Specialising in the Intersection of Future Technology and People https://www.techwithheart.co.nz/⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Melissa Crawford | LinkedIn   / melissacrawfordnz