EP13: From Reactive to Ready — with Alexandra Zea, HR Digital Transformation Leader at Mercer

Now to Next with Jason Averbook

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EP13: From Reactive to Ready — with Alexandra Zea, HR Digital Transformation Leader at Mercer

E13 • Nov 6, 2025 • 32 mins

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.

Key Points

Why reacting too late can cost more than moving too soon
How HR operating models must evolve for an AI-driven future
The importance of “proof of work” and skills transparency
Why data-driven decision-making builds trust in transformation
Practical ways leaders can experiment early — and bring people along

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/

Speakers

Jason Averbook

Host • 22%

Alex Zea

Guest • 78%

Chapters

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

Transcript

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