November 2, 2025

When Zensar launched its in-house AI hackathon, ZenseAI SPARK, it did more than just create tech magic. It gave HR a sparkling new lens to spot future stars! "This platform not only encouraged creative problem-solving but also provided a valuable opportunity to recognise and nurture high-potential (HiPo), future-ready talent within our workforce," said Vivek Ranjan, CHRO of Zensar. This shows how the HR game is evolving— from quiet office corners to the thrilling testing grounds once reserved for CTOs and COOs. This change is not just at Zensar. Across industries, HR chiefs are peeking through AI-colored glasses to find their next leaders. The old rules? Tossed. Now, it’s less about how long you’ve been in the job or chasing a manager title. The new star qualities: how fast you learn, how well you work with AI, and your knack to reinvent your work with technology. Still, humans hold the reins when it’s time to promote. At Innovaccer, a digital healthcare wizard, Satyajit Menon, global head of people experience, says bluntly, "The new HiPos aren't just high performers anymore - they're as fluid as water." He explains their secret weapon: AI teaming up with humans. AI scans performance, skills, and potential faster and wider than ever, "even spotting future leaders before they’ve raised their hands." Innovaccer saw a 15-20% jump in predicting who stays and grows, thanks to AI models. Plus, AI-driven "flight simulators" slashed the time to get good at key jobs by around 40%. Over at IIFL Finance, CHRO Preeti Kannan shares that AI is like a detective that reduces bias and finds "hidden HiPos" who don’t fit usual molds. She says, "It's about mindset, ownership, and the courage to shape the future with technology." Already, more than 60% of business functions use AI, and HR’s AI tools have boosted response speeds by over 25%. Consulting giant EY India also feels the AI breeze. Partner Anurag Malik notes that traits like "AI-fluency" and "Human-AI orchestration" are now must-haves for rising stars. Their platforms mix technical and behavioral checks with AI to craft ongoing personalized growth plans. Malik says spotting HiPos is moving from yearly reviews to everyday work, though he warns, "the workforce data must be solid for AI to make smart calls." Legacy firms like Raymond Group keep their eyes wide open too. President-HR K A Narayan shares their focus on AI literacy, handling complexity, and futuristic skills. Simplilearn’s CHRO Archana Krishna reveals, "Our framework balances 75% traditional performance with 25% future readiness, including AI collaboration, data fluency, and experimentation," with a neat plan to use GenAI for spotting adaptable learners soon. Ericsson’s Priyanka Anand puts it simply: great leadership still means empathy, inclusion and teamwork. AI has widened what they value, but "the final call always rests with people - our technology enhances decision-making; it doesn't replace it." In this lively new world, AI and humans are teaming up to find, grow and celebrate the leaders of tomorrow. It’s a high-tech, heart-smart revolution in how companies find their shining stars!

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Tags: Artificial intelligence, Hipo Employees, Talent Identification, Ai In Hr, Leadership Development, Workforce Analytics,