Now to Next with Jason Averbook
Now to Next with Jason Averbook
Podcast Description
A place to sit down with trailblazers, truth-tellers, and builders who are actively reshaping our world.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast covers themes such as HR transformation, the evolution of work technology, and leadership in challenging environments, with specific episodes focusing on subjects like rebuilding HR structures through AI and leadership challenges during crises. Notable episodes include conversations about AI-first HR practices and the impact of curiosity on leadership effectiveness.

A place to sit down with trailblazers, truth-tellers, and builders who are actively reshaping our world.
As technology and AI reshape how organizations work, what happens when we react too late?
In this episode of Now to Next, Jason Averbook sits down with Alexandra Zea, HR Digital Transformation Leader at Mercer, to talk about the danger of waiting for certainty before acting — and how to make sure people don’t become the collateral of change.
Drawing on her experience helping organizations rethink HR strategy, operating models, and digital transformation, Alex shares why readiness isn’t about speed alone — it’s about balance, governance, and leading with humanity as technology accelerates.
Guest:
Alexandra Zea is an HR Digital Transformation Leader at Mercer, where she integrates technology, strategy, and innovation to help organizations evolve the way HR delivers business value.
Part of Mercer’s HR Digital Transformation practice, Alex guides clients through digital evolution while shaping the future of HR in a world transformed by AI.
She holds a Master’s in Organizational Behavior from New York University and a Bachelor’s in Organizational Leadership from Temple University, and is passionate about building human-centered, data-driven organizations that thrive through change.
Follow Jason Averbook:
Substack: https://substack.com/@jasonaverbook
X: https://x.com/jasonaverbook
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonaverbook
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonaverbook
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nowtonextwithjasonaverbook
Facebook: https://facebook.com/jasonaverbook
Follow Alexandra Zea:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexdzea/
(0:00) Introduction
(1:02) Alex Zea’s career shift from print to digital media
(4:35) The shift from reactive to proactive in business and HR
(6:26) AI’s impact on personal and professional life
(7:11) Operating models for future HR readiness
(10:28) Exploring HR operating model constraints
(15:49) AI readiness in HR systems vs. AI absence
(17:00) Understanding the evolving technology landscape in HR
(19:49) Comparing car engines to AI in HR
(21:33) The evolution of HR technology
(23:50) Personal growth alongside technology advancements
(25:00) Mindset’s role in professional development
(26:11) Business adaptability and the future landscape
(29:15) Strategic actions for CHROs in the digital era
(31:40) The importance of daily leadership resets
(31:45) Closing remarks

Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.