Becoming a key part of the modern world, GenAI is no longer just a buzzword; it’s a practical tool that organizations are actively exploring within today’s technology landscape and for the future. The conversation around GenAI, however, cannot be generalized because its true transformative power lies in tailored solutions for specific industries and operational areas. One of these areas is HR – the heartbeat of any organization, seamlessly connecting systems, applications and employees.
In an interview with ERP Today, Reshma Mahapatra, an Associate Partner at IBM UKI responsible for leading digital transformations, and a UK Oracle User Group executive board member for GenAI and Innovation, emphasized that true innovation in AI and HR stems from inclusivity and diversity. Mahapatra’s journey to becoming a recognized industry leader highlights her commitment to driving change. She shared, “I have worked tirelessly to inspire women from different walks of life to choose technology as a mainstream career.” With a strong focus on HR and Talent Transformation, Mahapatra has led groundbreaking projects that don’t just implement technology but redefine its role within organizations. “Technology is not an end goal – it’s the enabler. True transformation happens when we empower people with tools that make their work more impactful and meaningful,” she said.
Rooted in this vision, Mahapatra’s contributions have been widely recognized, including her spot on the list of the top 100 UKI Women in Tech for her efforts to increase women’s representation in the tech industry. She argues that without diversity, ethical technology and unbiased decision-making cannot exist.
Explore related questions
Diversity: The Catalyst for AI Innovation
“Ethical AI development must include diverse perspectives to ensure unbiased decision-making and responsible innovation,” Mahapatra stated. By advocating for this approach, she has championed initiatives to ensure that technological advancements like AI comply with regulatory standards while avoiding bias.
Mahapatra’s vision for AI extends beyond just the technology itself. As a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, she told ERP Today, “Without diversity, we risk creating technology that lacks empathy and fairness. Every voice matters, and every perspective shapes the future of innovation.” Her belief in ethical AI development has driven her efforts to ensure solutions are not only cutting-edge but also responsible. “AI isn’t just about making things faster or cheaper – it’s about building trust. When you integrate diversity and ethics into your AI strategy, you create solutions that are not only innovative but also sustainable.”
HR: The Heartbeat of an Organization through GenAI-Human Partnership
HR, traditionally seen as the backbone of organizational operations, is undergoing a major shift with GenAI integration. “The role of HR is evolving,” Mahapatra explained. “It’s no longer just a support function – it’s now a client-facing, strategic unit empowered by AI-driven insights.”
With every major vendor making advancements in the AI space, business leaders must understand what it takes to stay relevant. In Mahapatra’s words, that means not losing the ‘human touch.’ Instead of focusing on how GenAI might replace jobs, business leaders need to focus on how GenAI and humans can work together in partnership – creating work that benefits not just clients, but the global community.
One key way to achieve this, Mahapatra said, is by staying flexible and adaptable, embracing non-traditional ways of working, such as hybrid environments where humans and machines coexist. This kind of flexibility is what the practical application of diverse thinking can drive, moving societies away from manual spreadsheets and routine tasks.
Similarly, the incorporation of GenAI is transforming HR’s role. Traditionally seen as a standard business unit, HR is now expanding its responsibilities and taking a leading role in an organization’s corporate strategy, “having the power to link in with other service lines or work streams such as procurement.”
Speaking about digital assistants, Mahapatra highlighted IBM’s AskHR tool – a state-of-the-art digital assistant that showcases the power of GenAI in revolutionizing HR operations. Used by a workforce of 300,000 employees spread across multiple applications at IBM, AskHR functions as everyone’s digital worker, even used by C-suite executives, including IBM’s CEO.
The tool’s specific feature is its ability to unify various systems and applications, allowing users to access documents and information with the touch of a button. There’s no longer a need to log into different systems and search manually through multiple pages. It also helps users create transactions, transfers, line management changes, direct report adjustments and vacation bookings, regardless of the primary system used by the employee.
Mahapatra explained: “In HR, when you need to transfer an employee from one department to another, it could take days or weeks, but with this tool… you can complete the transfer in minutes.”
Make AI Your Friend, Not Foe
Mahapatra stresses that GenAI should be embraced as a partner, not a competitor. For ERP Insider, the conversation around GenAI often misses the point: it’s not about replacing humans – it’s about amplifying their potential. Organizations should focus on fostering flexibility and adopting hybrid work environments where humans and machines collaborate effectively. Such a mindset not only boosts productivity but also cultivates a culture of inclusivity and ethical innovation.
As she puts it, the best outcomes arise when humans and AI collaborate, each contributing their unique strengths. AI innovation cannot thrive without diversity and ethics at its core. She encourages leaders and HR professionals to adopt a forward-thinking mindset that embraces hybrid environments where technology and talent coexist.
“Flexibility and adaptability are non-negotiable in today’s world. Leaders need to ask themselves: How can we use technology to make our work more meaningful for our people?”
As organizations navigate the opportunities and challenges of AI, Mahapatra’s message is clear: embrace GenAI fully and inclusively. “We’re not just building solutions; we’re shaping the future,” she said. “When AI innovation is guided by ethics, diversity and a focus on people, the possibilities are endless.”
What it means for ERP Insiders
Unlocking The Power of GenAI For HR Professionals and Business Leaders: For HR professionals, talent managers and ERP specialists, IBM’s advancements in GenAI are set to redefine your day-to-day responsibilities. Imagine a world where routine HR operations – like employee transfers, direct report adjustments or even vacation approvals – are completed in minutes instead of days. With tools like IBM’s AskHR, powered by GenAI, you can streamline complex processes, allowing you to focus on strategic initiatives like fostering inclusivity, improving employee engagement and driving talent development. As Reshma Mahapatra, a trailblazer in digital transformation and HR innovation at IBM UKI, explains, this technology empowers organizations by bridging operational efficiency with meaningful human impact. The role of HR is no longer limited to support; it’s becoming a strategic, client-facing function with the tools to lead in today’s dynamic business environment.
GenAI in the Market, A Rising Tide: The GenAI market is booming, projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) exceeding 30 percent in the next five years, with HR technology emerging as a critical segment. Vendors like IBM, Oracle and Workday are racing to deliver AI-powered solutions tailored to HR’s evolving needs, from digital assistants to advanced workforce analytics. This surge is part of a broader industry shift, where AI applications are being integrated across organizational functions, transforming how businesses operate. Yet, the competition is fierce. While IBM’s AskHR demonstrates a strong foothold in enterprise AI, other vendors are introducing similar solutions with varying degrees of focus on scalability, industry customization and ethical AI practices. Understanding these market dynamics is crucial for organizations seeking to remain competitive while adopting solutions that align with their values and goals.
Choosing the Right AI Partner: When evaluating GenAI providers, end-users should prioritize three critical factors: ethical innovation, usability and scalability. Ethical AI development, as championed by leaders like Mahapatra, ensures the technology aligns with diversity, inclusivity and unbiased decision-making principles. Usability is equally vital – HR teams need tools that integrate seamlessly with existing systems, eliminating silos and enhancing accessibility. Lastly, scalability ensures solutions remain viable as organizations grow and evolve. Decision-makers should ask whether the technology empowers employees and enhances human-machine collaboration without compromising trust or adaptability. By focusing on these criteria, HR and ERP leaders can choose solutions that not only address immediate needs but also future-proof their organizations in an ever-evolving digital landscape.