Building Human-Centered Teams in the Age of AI: A Conversation with Saralynn Pizano, Head of People at Sanas
In an era where artificial intelligence is reshaping entire industries, the challenge of building and leading teams has become more complex than ever. How do you scale a workforce while maintaining authentic human connections? How do you prepare people for AI-driven transformation while preserving the collaborative spirit that drives innovation?
We sat down with Saralynn Pizano, Head of People at Sanas, to explore these questions. With over 18 years of experience in HR and a master's degree in employment law, Saralynn has witnessed the evolution of team-building from the inside out. At Sanas—a company at the forefront of real-time speech technology—she's responsible for scaling teams, driving engagement, and fostering people-focused cultures in one of tech's most dynamic sectors.
Her approach combines deep expertise in navigating complex HR challenges with an unwavering commitment to creating environments where employees don't just work, but truly thrive. In our conversation, Saralynn shares insights on the surprising shifts in team-building philosophy, offers advice for those looking to build careers in AI, and reveals how leaders can guide their teams through AI-driven transformation while keeping humanity at the center of everything they do.
You've been in HR for 18 years - what's the most surprising thing that's changed about building teams today versus when you started?
Eighteen years ago, team-building was often about "culture fit"—finding people who matched an existing mold. Today, it’s about culture add. We look for individuals who bring fresh perspectives, challenge the status quo, and elevate our thinking. The most surprising shift has been how much more intentional we’ve become about inclusion not just in hiring, but in how we lead, communicate, and create space for every voice to be heard. It’s no longer about replicating past success, it’s about building for the future.
The AI industry is evolving incredibly fast, and Sanas is at the forefront of real-time speech technology. What advice would you give to someone looking to build a career in AI? What qualities or skills do you see in people who really thrive in this space?
My advice: stay curious and stay human. AI is a space where technical skill is critical, but empathy, adaptability, and collaboration are just as essential. The people who thrive in this industry aren’t just great at solving problems, they ask the right questions, they listen deeply, and they care about the impact of what they’re building. At Sanas, we’re working on technology that changes how people connect. That’s why we need team members who care as much about people as they do about product.
AI is transforming how we work and communicate. From a people leadership perspective, how do you help employees adapt to and embrace AI-driven changes while maintaining that human connection that's so important to team culture?
For us, the human connection always comes first. We make space for questions, for learning, and for honest conversations about what change means because transformation without trust doesn’t work. As leaders, we have to model vulnerability and provide clarity. At Sanas, we use AI to enhance communication, not replace it. My role is to help ensure that while we evolve, we stay grounded in empathy, in community, and in the belief that people, not just tools, are our greatest asset.
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