Dr. Anna Tavis on Rethinking Humans at Work in an Era of AI and Digital Coaching
In this episode of the Health and Wellness Coach Journal Podcast, Dr. Jessica Singh is joined by Dr. Anna Tavis, Clinical Professor and Chair of the Human Capital Management Department at NYU. She is the Director of NYU Coaching Innovation Lab and the host of NYU Coaching & Tech Summit. Dr. Tavis is the co-author of Humans at Work and The Digital Coaching Revolution. A leading voice in the future of work, she brings a unique perspective shaped by her global career across business, consulting, and academia, bridging organizational science, human behavior, coaching, and the rapid evolution of technology.
Together, Dr. Singh and Dr. Tavis explore what it means to be human at work in an era of rapid technological change. Dr. Tavis shares insights from her professional journey, the science behind human-centered organizations, and why efficiency-driven systems often overlook the human side of work.
The conversation explores how traditional models of work, built on efficiency and standardization, are beginning to shift. There is a growing need to design organizations that are more responsive, more adaptive, and more aligned with the complexity of human experience. This includes rethinking how we define productivity, how we support employees, and how we create environments where people can thrive.
The discussion also examines the growing role of coaching within organizations. Coaching is no longer limited to one-on-one engagements with senior leaders. With the rise of digital platforms and AI-supported tools, coaching is becoming more accessible and more scalable, creating opportunities to support individuals across entire organizations. This shift allows for a more personalized and human-centered approach to development, even within large systems.
At the same time, this evolution brings important considerations. As coaching expands through technology, there is a responsibility to ensure that it remains grounded in ethics, presence, and genuine human connection. Dr. Tavis emphasizes that the future is not about choosing between human coaching and technology, but about learning how to integrate both in a way that enhances, rather than diminishes, the coaching experience.
The episode also highlights the broader transformation taking place in the workplace. As organizations navigate this period of change, there is both uncertainty and possibility. While many may feel the impact of disruption, there is also an opportunity to reimagine how we work, how we connect, and how we support one another.
For coaches and healthcare professionals, this conversation offers a meaningful perspective on the role they play in this evolving landscape. Coaching has the potential to act as a bridge between individuals and the systems they operate within, helping people navigate change while maintaining a sense of balance, purpose, and well-being.
For detailed show notes, resources, and information to connect with Dr Anna Tavis, visit: https://www.centerforhealthandwellnesscoaches.com/blog/dr-anna-tavis-on-rethinking-humans-at-work-in-an-era-of-ai-and-digital-coaching
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Timestamps:
0 - Introduction
2:26 - Dr. Anna Tavisā Professional Journey: Advancing the Science of Humans at Work
7:51 - Humans at Work: Reimagining Organizations in the Age of AI
10:38 - Reimagining Organizations Beyond Efficiency: The Human Side of Work
15:42 - Empathy in the Workplace and Coachingās Role in Strengthening Organizational Culture
21:32 - The Digital Coaching Revolution: Technology and the Rapid Evolution of Coaching
25:21 - Coaching Innovation, Technology, and the Future of Health & Wellbeing Coaching
33:29 - Takeaways
