Quick Hits in the News: The AI+HI Project, Week 4 of 2025

Each week, as SHRM’s executive in residence for AI+HI, I scour the media landscape to bring you expert summaries of the biggest AI headlines—and what they mean for you and your business.

1. Ph.D.-Level AI Superagent Breakthrough Expected Very Soon

What to Know: 

A major breakthrough in generative AI is anticipated, with leading companies like OpenAI rumored to release “Ph.D.-level superagents” capable of executing complex, humanlike tasks. These agents—designed to analyze, synthesize, and execute multilayered goals—could revolutionize industries by replacing employees in mid-level roles, such as software engineers.

Despite this, companies are still facing significant challenges in areas such as reliability. According to press reports, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is set to discuss this advancement during a closed-door briefing with U.S. officials, emphasizing the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in productivity, research, and innovation.

Why It Matters: 

These superagents could shift AI from an assistive tool to a full-fledged replacement for many human jobs, disrupting industries while opening doors for unprecedented efficiency and innovation. However, addressing trust and safety issues as well as job displacement will be critical for widespread adoption.

2. AI in America: OpenAI’s Economic Blueprint

What to Know: 

OpenAI’s “Economic Blueprint” outlines a comprehensive strategy to harness AI’s transformative potential for the U.S. economy and society. The document emphasizes AI’s role in solving complex problems, fostering innovation, and creating widespread economic opportunities.

Key priorities include expanding the national AI infrastructure, advocating governance principles, and fostering collaboration between government, industry, and academia. OpenAI proposes investments in energy, compute resources, and talent development to secure the U.S.’s leadership in AI while ensuring equitable access to its benefits.

Why It Matters:

OpenAI’s proposed framework will impact HR, especially around talent development.

3. Closing the AI Gap 

What to Know:

A Boston Consulting Group (BCG) report highlights the widening gap between companies achieving significant AI value and those struggling to bridge the “AI impact gap.” Only 25% of companies report substantial returns from AI, with leaders focusing on a few transformative initiatives and laggards diluting their efforts across many projects.

Key challenges include lack of workforce training, insufficient focus on cultural transformation, and minimal tracking of AI’s financial impact. Top performers emphasize the “10-20-70 principle,” dedicating most of their resources to people, processes, and organizational change rather than technology alone.

Why It Matters: 

Organizations that succeed with AI prioritize workforce adaptation and cultural shifts, as technology alone cannot drive results. To close the gap, companies must focus on strategic initiatives, comprehensive upskilling, and clear value tracking, ensuring AI investments align with broader business goals.

4. AI Offers a Rare Look Inside the Minds of CEOs

What to Know:

A study published in the Journal of Accounting Research reveals that AI models can detect signs of depression in CEOs by analyzing their vocal patterns during earnings calls. Researchers examined over 14,500 calls from S&P 500 companies (2010-2021) using AI to identify subtle vocal cues that humans might miss.

Depression among CEOs was linked to increased organizational risks, such as stock volatility and legal challenges; it was also linked to specific traits, including larger performance-based compensation packages.

Why It Matters:

This research not only highlights the prevalence of mental health challenges among executives but also the potential for AI to reveal things that employees would prefer to keep private.