Building Culture with AI In People Operations

Wiebke Rowedda, HR and Facility Manager, Bulgari Ireland, Bvlgari

Wiebke Rowedda, HR and Facility Manager, Bulgari Ireland, Bvlgari

For me, AI is like having a super-efficient assistant who never sleeps—but it still needs a human to guide it. In HR, I love using AI for the repetitive stuff: screening CVs, scheduling interviews and answering common questions. That way, my team can spend more time on what really matters: connecting with people, understanding their motivations and building culture. I remember last month, we had a candidate who wasn’t fitting the algorithm’s “perfect profile,” but the human touch spotted something unique in them—and they turned out to be an amazing hire. That’s the balance I strive for: efficiency plus empathy.

Smart Simplicity for People and Planet

In facilities, the potential is huge. Predictive maintenance keeps things running smoothly, smart energy systems save costs and the planet and AI can help us understand how our offices are really used—especially now with hybrid work. But the part I enjoy most is that AI can free up our facility managers to focus on the human experience: making the workplace welcoming, safe and flexible. I always say, machines can manage the lights and temperatures, but only humans can make a space feel like “home. But I have to admit that we are not at the level yet.

“Machines can manage the lights and temperatures, but only humans can make a space feel like home.”

I ask a simple question: Does it make life easier, faster, or better for our people? If it creates more complexity than benefit, it’s not worth it. One thing I learned early in Dublin is that even the most sophisticated tool is useless if your team spends more time managing it than using it. Value isn’t about cool tech—it’s about outcomes and human impact.

Human-First Skills for AI Adoption

Curiosity is key. Teams need to understand AI enough to interpret its suggestions critically and challenge it when needed. Data literacy, critical thinking and communication skills are vital. But above all, emotional intelligence— the ability to connect, empathize and influence—remains irreplaceable. I sometimes joke with my team: AI can help you analyze 1,000 employee surveys, but it won’t know why someone in my team is stressed on a Friday afternoon—only you can see that.

Start with humans, not technology. Ask yourself: “What problem am I trying to solve and how does this improve someone’s experience?” Don’t chase AI because it’s trendy. Invest in your teams, give them confidence to use it and always combine tech with human judgment. I’ve seen it in Dublin: the best outcomes happen when efficiency meets empathy. AI can help us get there—but culture and care will always come first. And: Take your time, it is not happening overnight and it needs the buy-in from all team members.

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