Is AI really replacing jobs, or are we misunderstanding AI's role at work?
In this episode of The Gen Mess with Tess, Tess Brigham sits down with People Operations executive Erin Turnmeyer to break down what leaders, employees, and organizations are getting wrong about AI in the workplace.
With 15+ years of experience building talent systems, including time at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, Erin brings a data-driven perspective on how AI, automation, and analytics are reshaping work.
💡 In this episode, we cover:
- Why AI is a force multiplier, not a replacement
- The real reason companies are making AI-related layoffs
- What tasks should (and should NOT) be automated
- How to use AI without losing the human element at work
- Why resume screening with AI can backfire
- Practical ways to start using AI without feeling overwhelmed
- How early-career professionals can stand out in an AI-driven world
If you’ve been feeling anxious, confused, or curious about AI, this conversation will help you rethink what’s actually happening—and how to adapt without fear.
Whether you’re a leader, job seeker, or just trying to keep up with the future of work, this episode will give you clarity and practical takeaways.
Timestamps
00:00 – Intro: “Fixing the mess vs living in it”
00:42 – Meet Erin Turnmeyer (People Ops + AI perspective)
01:05 – From chem bio weapons analyst → HR leader
03:10 – What people get wrong about AI at work
04:00 – “AI is a force multiplier, not a replacement”
05:00 – Fear-based headlines & why they’re misleading
06:00 – Why fear blocks people from learning AI
07:30 – How companies fail at AI adoption
08:15 – Real example: teaching AI internally at work
09:30 – What AI should NOT replace (human touchpoints)
10:30 – What to automate vs keep human
11:10 – Why AI resume screening is flawed
13:00 – Smart ways to use AI in recruiting (without bias)
15:00 – Removing “administrative weight” from work
16:00 – Will AI lead to layoffs—or growth?
17:00 – The real opportunity: 20% more strategic thinking
18:10 – Why companies must allow time to learn AI
19:20 – Advice for early-career professionals
20:00 – Using AI as a daily learning coach
21:30 – Don’t outsource your thinking
23:00 – Could AI finally deliver work-life balance?
24:00 – The 4-day workweek conversation
25:00 – Real-world AI use cases (healthcare, systems, etc.)
26:00 – What happens to jobs AI can fully replace?
27:00 – What actually gets someone hired today
28:00 – Why AI-generated resumes are hurting candidates
30:00 – How to use AI correctly for resumes
32:00 – Training AI to sound like you
34:00 – Spotting AI-generated applications instantly
35:00 – How young professionals can “train” AI on themselves
37:00 – Using AI as a thinking partner (not a cheerleader)
38:00 – Trust but verify: why sources matter
40:00 – First step: how to start using AI today
41:00 – Unexpected tip: use AI for shopping decisions
43:00 – Final thoughts + where to find Erin
Connect with Tess at tessbrigham.com
Subscribe to Erin's Substack, AI for Human Operators, at hrai.substack.com
Follow for weekly episodes, and be sure to visit tessbrigham.com to learn more about Tess's work as a licensed therapist and certified coach.
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