Session 3 of 4 in

AIHR's Connected Learning Series

AI is reshaping work faster than ever before. Join Dr. Dieter Veldsman and Dr. Marna van der Merwe as they unpack the trends shaping HR, Employee Experience, and HR Technology in 2026. Learn how leading organizations are using AI, rethinking workforce strategies, and creating more agile, employee-centric workplaces—and discover the priorities HR leaders can't afford to ignore.

You'll learn how to:

• Identify the HR and EX trends redefining the future of work
• Understand AI's impact on employee experience and workforce productivity
• Explore technologies enabling more agile, skills-based organizations
• Prioritize actions to build a future-ready workforce

Presenter #1: Dr. Dieter Veldsman, Chief HR Scientist at AIHR

Dr. Dieter Veldsman is an organizational psychologist with a passion for HR. He has over 15+ years of experience across the HR value chain and lifecycle, having worked for and consulted with various multi-national corporations in Europe, Asia, and Africa. He has held the positions of CHRO, Organizational Effectiveness Executive, and Organizational Design and Development Principal. He is a regular speaker at international conferences and industry panels on Strategic HR, Future of Work, and Organisational Development. He co-hosts a monthly podcast called “HR Hot Topics” that discusses actual events impacting the world of HR and interviews leading HR Practitioners as part of his HR Dialogues Videocast series.

He is passionate about the development of the profession and guest lectures at various institutions while also holding the position of Senior Research Associate at the University of Johannesburg. He has contributed to 40+ peer-reviewed articles, blogs and book chapters on the Future of Work and HR, Organizational Development and Employee Experience.

He was awarded the CHRO of the year title by the CHRO Society of South Africa for 2021 and has been recognized in the categories of HR Strategy and Leadership, HR Technology, and HR Innovation by various institutions. He was recognized as the Practitioner of the Year by the Society of Industrial and Organisational Psychology of South Africa in 2018.

Currently, Dr Dieter Veldsman forms part of the Academy to Innovate HR (AIHR) as an HR and OD Thought Leader working towards the continuous upskilling of 100 000 HR professionals by 2025. He is responsible for applied research, product development and engagement with our member community that spans more than 15 000 students across 140 countries and working with our clients to reposition their HR functions for the future.

Presenter #2: Dr. Marna van der Merwe, Senior Subject Matter Expert at AIHR

Dr. Marna van der Merwe is a seasoned Organizational Psychologist and Subject Matter Expert at AIHR, bringing extensive expertise in Human Resources, Organizational Effectiveness, and Strategic Talent Management. A distinguished researcher and published author, Dr. van der Merwe is a sought-after speaker at conferences, where she shares insights on talent management, experience design, and the evolving nature of careers.

She holds a PhD in Organizational Psychology, specializing in talent management and careers in the future of work, underscoring her commitment to advancing the HR profession and preparing organizations for the challenges of tomorrow.

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Upcoming AIHR Connected Learning Series Sessions:

November 12, 2026 – Session 4: Leading Learning in a Changing World