In a world obsessed with technology, disruption, and the race to automate, we risk forgetting the one force that has always driven real progress - people. This talk explores why the future of work, leadership, and society will not be defined by machines alone, but by the choices, empathy, and creativity of humans. Drawing from experiences of building HR Sangam, a community of minds, and leading transformations in business, the talk reminds us that the next big thing isn’t a gadget or an algorithm - it’s us. Shashi is a dynamic, high energy HR leader blending strategy and execution with over 23 years of experience in managing global workforces across BPO, BFSI, Retail, Automobile, IT Services, Edtech, Consulting and Start-ups in organisations like ABN AMRO Bank, Reliance Retail, Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance, TVS & Sons among others. Ran a successful start-up offering Fractional HR Consulting & Advisory services working extensively with start-up founders and CXOs on transformational journeys. As the founder & convenor of HR Sangam, Shashi is an avid networker and the curator of various HR community initiatives. Outside of work, he pursues interests in spirituality, books and travel His active pro-bono engagements include teaching HR at B schools, speaking in various industry and academic forums, mentoring of young HR professionals and Coaching Start-up founders Recipient of various awards for performance, excellence and leadership from past employers and industry bodies. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx