Leveraging data and AI to lift people and performance: Lessons from the frontlines
Looking for new ways to leverage data and AI to support your people and drive higher performance in 2025? Check out these highlights from our recent webinar with leaders in this space.
At Groov’s recent webinar, Leveraging Data & AI to Lift Performance and People, three industry leaders shared how they are translating data into meaningful, immediate action to drive employee engagement and performance.
Groov CEO Matt Krogstad led a dynamic discussion with Anna Bishop Crow, Kate Rawnsley, and Kirsty Lloyd. Watch the full replay or read on for the key highlights!
👋 Meet the panelists
Anna Bishop Crow, People & Culture Manager, +More Group
Anna oversees all aspects of HR at +More Group, a national network of advisory and accounting firms with seven locations across New Zealand. With a team of 150 employees, her role spans recruitment, performance, and capability development. Anna is leveraging AI and data to track metrics such as productivity, recoverability, and alignment with core values. “We gather a lot of data, and we do really rely on automation and AI to help us kind of analyze that and extract the key points,” she shared.
Kate Rawnsley, General Manager, Calder and Lawson
Kate leads Calder and Lawson, a travel business comprising Orbit World Travel, House of Travel, and Marathon Tours. Kate and her team are currently utilizing AI to enhance the customer experience by streamlining workflows and providing real-time solutions for travel bookings.
Kirsty Lloyd, People & Capability Manager, Haka House Hostels
Kirsty oversees the people strategy for New Zealand’s largest network of backpacker hostels. Following rapid growth post-COVID, Kirsty implemented Groov’s AI-powered platform to stay connected with a geographically disparate workforce. “Groov’s been an integral part of keeping the finger on the pulse around how people are doing with that growth,” she noted. AI and data are also used to support operational efficiency, enabling Kirsty’s team to respond swiftly to challenges and maintain alignment with the company’s core values.
⬇️ 5 key topics explored in the webinar
1. How AI is transforming the way we work
AI is reshaping workplaces across industries by automating repetitive tasks, streamlining workflows, and generating insights in real time.
Anna revealed how her team has used AI to enhance efficiency: “We’ve been able to implement robotic processes that take on consistent, repetitive tasks, freeing up time for the interesting, value-added work.”
Kate highlighted how AI has transformed customer service at Calder and Lawson: “It stress-tests workflows, ensuring customers get immediate feedback on travel options, which would traditionally take much longer.”
Kirsty shared how AI tools have enabled her team to stay connected across locations: “Groov has been integral in keeping the finger on the pulse of how our people are doing, especially during periods of rapid growth.”
The panelists agreed that AI’s greatest power lies in amplifying human efforts, enabling employees to focus on higher-value, strategic activities.
2. The power of data to drive cultural change
Data and AI aren’t just about performance—they can also be catalysts for meaningful cultural shifts. The panelists explored how data insights have helped redefine workplace norms and foster more balanced, engaging environments.
Anna described how her organization used data to implement a transformative policy: “Tracking metrics like productivity and recoverability has allowed us to implement a reduced working week. If teams meet their targets, they get a four-and-a-half-day working week.”
Kirsty emphasized the importance of staying aligned with cultural values, even in a high-turnover environment: “Having access to great data allows us to educate our team in real time and ensure everyone stays connected to what we’re about.”
Kate explained how data-driven initiatives like micro-breaks have helped improve employee wellbeing: “When Groov’s insights revealed people weren’t taking breaks, we focused our efforts on promoting micro-breaks, making well-being a priority in our day-to-day operations.”
These examples demonstrate how data can help organizations build cultures that prioritize well-being, connection, and purpose while achieving performance goals.
3. The importance of turning data into immediate action
Data is only as valuable as the actions it inspires, and acting quickly is critical in fast-paced or high-turnover industries.
Anna explained how leveraging data allowed her organization to uncover actionable insights that translated into measurable results: “We gather a lot of data, but you need to do something with it. You need to show something back to the team as to why you’re tracking and measuring this.”
Kirsty stressed the need for urgency: “If you’re not interpreting and acting fast enough, the data loses relevance—especially in an industry like ours with high turnover.” Her advice to leaders is clear: “Stop overthinking it and just get on with it.”
Proactive, timely action ensures that data translates into tangible outcomes for employees and the business.
4. Empathy and transparency in AI implementation
Introducing AI into an organization requires empathy, clear communication, and trust-building. The panelists emphasized the importance of reassuring employees about AI’s role and purpose.
Kirsty described how her team addressed potential concerns: “We’ve made it clear that AI isn’t about reducing headcount. It’s about supporting our people to work more efficiently and focus on what really matters.”
Kate highlighted the importance of maintaining a balance: “While AI can make us more efficient, we need to ensure it doesn’t replace the genuine, human interactions that are core to our culture and customer relationships.”
Transparency about AI’s goals fosters a culture of collaboration, ensuring employees see it as a tool for empowerment rather than a threat.
5. What the future holds for AI in the workplace
The future of AI in the workplace is brimming with potential, from smarter tools to more personalized insights. Panelists shared exciting possibilities while acknowledging the challenges that come with rapid innovation.
Kirsty expressed her enthusiasm for how AI could revolutionize operations: “AI could revolutionize things like rostering, linking operational data with customer demand to create more efficient schedules.” This points to a future where AI doesn’t just automate but optimizes processes in ways that directly enhance employee productivity and satisfaction.
Anna shared a forward-looking perspective, emphasizing how AI enables businesses to move from reactive to proactive strategies: “Rather than wait for change to happen to us, we wanted to get in front of it… AI lets us focus on spending more time with clients and doing the interesting, value-added work.”
The excitement was palpable as Kate reflected on how AI might transform leadership and collaboration: “Imagine being able to have AI agents that can attend meetings, respond to emails, or help you draft strategies—freeing up more time for big-picture thinking and connection.” But she also cautioned, “It’s exciting, but it raises questions about how much of ourselves we’re handing over to systems.”
The panelists agreed: the future of AI is a thrilling frontier, but navigating it thoughtfully is key. With tools evolving at breakneck speed, leaders have the opportunity to harness AI to create workplaces that are not only more efficient but also more human. As Kirsty put it, “The possibilities are endless—as long as we stay clear on the role of people in the equation.”
Noteworthy clips: Watch the highlights!
Keen to watch the webinar but short on time? Check out our 11-minute highlight reel, featuring the most impactful moments from the webinar. Hear directly from the panelists as they share their stories, insights, and actionable advice on leveraging data and AI to elevate people and performance.
Explore what Groov can do for you
Groov is a leader in leveraging data and AI to enhance employee engagement, well-being, and performance. With our bespoke Workplace Science Strategy, we provide actionable insights and tailored solutions that help your organization thrive. Learn more about Groov today!