Summary
How do you lead a 60,000-person global workforce through rapid technological change, economic uncertainty, and a shifting definition of workplace wellbeing? In this episode of Built by People, host David engages in a rich conversation with Lisa Stevens, Chief People Officer at Aon, who shares her unexpected journey from nearly three decades in banking to leading human capital strategy during one of the most disruptive periods in recent history.
Lisa reveals how Aon is helping employees embrace AI rather than fear it, using strategies that blend digital fluency training with a focus on wellness and work-life balance. She also offers a behind-the-scenes look at Aon’s data-driven approach to benefits design—illustrated by their groundbreaking use of analytics to manage the rising costs of GLP-1 medications. Throughout, she highlights the company’s role as both a laboratory and a partner for clients, testing innovative workforce solutions internally before rolling them out to the market.
Whether you’re a business leader, HR professional, or someone curious about the intersection of people, technology, and health, Lisa’s insights offer a practical roadmap for building a resilient, future-ready workforce.
Key Timestamps
[00:45] – Lisa’s career journey from banking to Chief People Officer at Aon
[02:58] – Why employees fear AI—and how Aon is helping them embrace it
[06:08] – Using data to improve workforce health and control rising benefits costs
[10:49] – How Aon acts as an innovation incubator for clients and employees alike
[13:29] – Proactive approaches to mental wellness and workplace health
[15:07] – Lisa’s parting advice on leading with humanity and curiosity
Takeaways
Empower employees to embrace AI by pairing training with in-the-flow-of-work learning.
Leverage workforce analytics to make smarter, long-term benefits decisions.
Treat your organization as a testing ground for innovations before bringing them to clients.
Shift from reactive to proactive wellbeing programs to improve health and reduce crisis interventions.
Lead with humanity—curiosity, authenticity, and genuine care create lasting trust and engagement.
Our Sponsor
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