KINGSTON, Jamaica — With talks around humans being replaced by artificial intelligence (AI), founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of Star Apple AI Adrian Dunkley assured human resource professionals that AI is here to amplify human intelligence.

Dunkley was addressing human resource professionals during the Human Resource Management Association of Jamaica’s (HRMAJ) official launch of HRM Week 2025.

The event was held from October 5 to 10 under the theme, “Transforming Work: Human-Centered Leadership in the Age of AI”.

“AI didn’t replace human intelligence; it amplified it,” said Dunkley during the HRMAJ webinar on Empowering People with AI. The session explored how AI can enhance, rather than replace, human potential.

“The real opportunity lies in using AI to make work more human, by freeing people to think, create and connect in new ways,” he said.

Dunkley noted that Caribbean organisations already using AI were saving an average of five hours per employee each week, adding that technology, when guided by trust and leadership, can improve both productivity and purpose.

“When leaders help employees understand and experiment safely with AI, confidence and collaboration grow,” he said.

President of HRMAJ, Dr Cassida Jones Johnson, shared, “Human-centered leadership in action means creating safe, empathetic and inclusive spaces where employees feel valued and motivated to perform at their best.”

She added, “As AI takes over routine and analytical tasks, emotional intelligence is fast becoming the defining skill of successful leaders.”

HRMAJ highlighted that empathy, creativity, adaptability, and ethical decision-making are now essential leadership competencies. The association pointed to World Economic Forum findings that these skills will be among the most in-demand by 2030.

“Human-centered leadership acknowledges the irreplaceable value of human insight, emotion and connection. In this new era, the most powerful leaders are those who lead not only with intelligence, but with empathy and ethics,” Dr Jones Johnson said.

This year’s HRM Week also emphasised neurodiversity, psychological safety and inclusive leadership as critical to building resilient and innovative workplaces. HRMAJ stressed that human-centered leadership is not just a cultural goal but a strategic necessity for sustainable business growth.

HRM Week will set the stage for the HRMAJ annual conference, scheduled for November 12–13, 2025 at the Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston.

The event will explore the theme “From Strategy to Impact: Mastering Leadership Excellence Through HR”.