BDO has championed a human-centric approach to the future of work—an ethos powerfully echoed at Workday Rising 2025, where over 30,000 attendees gathered at San Francisco’s Moscone Center. CEO Carl Eschenbach’s keynote reinforced what BDO has long believed: technology, especially AI, should embrace people, not replace them. Below, we share the event’s top insights, spotlighting how AI and visionary leadership are redefining tomorrow’s organizations.
1. The Human-Centric Workday: Reimagining Organizational Transformation
A central theme of Workday Rising 2025 was the shift toward a human-centric workplace. Eschenbach outlined three foundational pillars for the future of work: AI-powered, human-centric, and future-ready. Technology, he stressed, should facilitate transformation, but it is people who drive meaningful change. Attendees were encouraged to challenge traditional models, empower leadership, and pursue significant organizational transformation across HR, Finance and IT.
2. Paradox of Technology and Humanity: Insights from Brene Brown
Renowned storyteller Brene Brown added depth to the conversation by exploring the paradox of technology and humanity. She emphasized the importance of paradoxical thinking, noting that human connection and collaboration remain at the heart of successful organizations—even as technology evolves. Her message reinforced the need for organizations to remain tethered to one another, leveraging technology to enhance—not diminish—human relationships.
3. AI Leadership Lessons: From Efficiency to Empowerment
A leading digital global technology company’s Chief People, Policy, and Purpose Officer, emphasized how AI can amplify human potential rather than replace it. The organization’s experience—processing over 1 million cases with AI—demonstrated the vast possibilities of the technology, but the true impact was felt by its people. An annual readiness survey revealed that only 13% of employees felt confident with AI last year. What made the difference was leadership: targeted training, open dialogue, and space to experiment helped build confidence and trust across the workforce.
Key leadership lessons included:
- Listen First: Understand how AI can help teams and where they feel stuck.
- Model Curiosity: Leaders who use AI themselves double adoption rates.
- Reduce Fear: Provide hands-on practice and permission to rethink workflows.
- Look Ahead: Define the future employee experience—skills, growth paths, and evolving work models.
- Everyday AI: Practical adoption and employee experience
Workday’s “Everyday AI” initiative highlighted the importance of making technology accessible and practical. Adoption happens when AI is woven into daily work, not just implemented as a standalone tool. The focus is on shaping the employee experience in human-centric ways, with leaders fostering environments where teams feel safe to learn, experiment, and grow.
5. The Learning Revolution: Shaping the Future of Work
AI is driving not just a technological revolution, but a learning revolution. Organizations have a unique opportunity to define the employee experience for the future—focusing on skills, growth, and new ways of working in HR, Finance and IT. Leaders who bring their teams along on this journey will build trust and unlock growth that efficiency alone cannot deliver.
BDO’s Role: Navigating the Intersection of Technology and Human Capital
For BDO and its clients, these messages underscore the importance of advising organizations on technological strategies that prioritize people. BDO can guide the thoughtful adoption of AI and other technologies to enhance, rather than replace, human capabilities. The future of work is about leveraging technological advancements to foster deeper human connection and drive lasting transformation.
What’s Next for Businesses?
As AI and human-centric strategies become central to the future of work, organizations have a unique opportunity to capitalize on these advancements. From reimagining leadership and employee experience to practical AI adoption, the innovations discussed at Workday Rising 2025 are set to redefine how businesses operate and grow. BDO’s experienced consulting team is ready to help organizations of all sizes navigate this evolving landscape, helping to ensure technology serves as a catalyst for people-driven change.
Stay tuned for more insights from BDO on how these innovative strategies can transform your business.