David and Steve discuss what stood out in HR technology in 2026 and where the field may be headed. Steve reflects on the surge of emerging HR-tech companies and argues that organizations should focus on strategic outcomes, especially organizational agility—rather than technology alone. They also explore how AI may reshape HR work and help make workforce needs more visible.
Key topics and takeaways
Emerging HR-tech companies: Steve says he saw an estimate of nearly 2,000 HR-tech startups launched in 2026, and describes increasingly advising emerging players.
Organizational agility: Steve defines it as anticipating business risks and opportunities, choosing a response, and coordinating across the organization to execute. He connects agility with financial success, successful change, and the ability to adapt.
Three organizational priorities: Steve’s “ascension test” highlights organizational agility, becoming an employer of choice, and improving employee productivity.
AI and the future of HR work: Steve expects AI to take on routine, repetitive tasks that don’t require ingenuity, judgment or compassion. He says workers and organizations will need resilience and agility as work changes.
“Make the invisible visible”: Steve sees AI helping reveal workforce information that can guide decisions, such as which skills are growing in importance, when above-market pay may be warranted, how long it takes to build a skill, and how best to staff a project.
Use judgment, not just data: David notes that an AI system may not be able to determine when above-market pay is justified; Steve agrees that many HR technology use cases are still ahead.
Global context matters: Steve describes working across countries and says understanding local culture is important when introducing technology and improving processes.
Names and resources mentioned
Steve Goldberg (guest); HR-tech and compensation practitioner who works with emerging companies.
Work Carousel (sponsor); the host directs listeners to workcarousel.com/join.
UKG; mentioned in connection with Steve’s organizational-agility work.
SUNY Buffalo; where Steve says he studied social work and later HR and business.
Attica Correctional Facility and Florida State Prison; Steve describes teaching job-transition classes to people nearing parole.
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