Successful AI transformation starts with the knowledge and wisdom of people.
Artificial intelligence can create enormous advantages for organisations and has become an important competitive consideration. But during 2025, AI hype started showing cracks as many companies reported failed pilots and underwhelming results.
Yet, the organisations that got it right experienced incredible improvements to their productivity. Their secret? Focus on people.
“Technology always depends on how people use it, and that remains true with artificial intelligence. But what many don’t realise is how much more it matters. Most AI projects fail because there isn’t enough human input and enablement,” says Heinrich Swanepoel, Head of Business Development at Deel Local Payroll, powered by PaySpace.
Why people matter for AI
AI isn’t taking many jobs from people. Even though there is a parallel trend between AI hype and workforce reductions, AI is often a scapegoat for other factors causing layoffs, such as economic strain and over-hiring. In fact, less than 5% of job cuts in the US since 2023 are directly because of AI.
Casting AI against humans creates a skewed perspective that one should replace the other, which is often a fallacy that leads to expensive rehires. It also blinds leaders to the fact that successful AI stems from empowering and upskilling people. Overlook human capital, and you undermine AI’s true potential.
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