Future-Proofing HR in a High-Risk Industry: Lessons from the Power Grid

In this episode of the Future Proof HR podcast, Thomas Kunjappu sits down with Amy Johnston, Head of People and Capability at Orion New Zealand Ltd., to explore what it really takes to future-proof HR inside a high-risk, highly regulated industry undergoing massive transformation. As electricity demand accelerates due to electrification, sustainability goals, and AI-driven data centers, Amy shares how HR plays a critical role in keeping people safe, workforces resilient, and organizations ready for what’s coming next.

Amy explains how Orion is using AI responsibly across People & Culture and operational teams, why HR became a “safe place to play” for AI experimentation, and how governance, privacy, and employee trust shape every deployment. She walks through real-world examples, from tier-zero automation that reduced employee service requests by 50%, to AI-assisted drone inspections that improve safety on the power network.

This episode offers a rare look at HR leadership where mistakes carry real-world consequences, and where future-proofing means balancing innovation, safety, dignity, and long-term workforce planning.

Topics Discussed:

• Why HR can be a safe starting point for AI adoption in high-risk industries

• AI governance, privacy, and employee communication in regulated environments

• Using AI to automate tier-zero HR support and reduce service demand

• Improving safety through AI-assisted inspections and operational workflows

• Workforce challenges driven by electrification and AI-related energy demand

• Retaining institutional knowledge through transition-to-retirement programs

• Treating retirees as paid alumni, coaches, and mentors

• Building diverse talent pipelines through STEM and early-career programs

• Industry-wide collaboration to solve shared workforce shortages

• What it truly means to future-proof HR when the lights have to stay on

If you’re an HR leader, people strategist, or operator working in a regulated, safety-critical, or infrastructure-heavy environment, this episode offers practical insight into how HR can lead through disruption without compromising trust, safety, or human connection.

Additional Resources:

• Cleary’s AI-powered HR Chatbot

• Future Proof HR Community

• Connect with Amy Johnston on LinkedIn