Graham Abell
VP, Software Engineering & Site Lead, Workday
Upskilling will Keep Humans Firmly in the AI Loop
The workforce has undergone a fundamental shift. It is no longer made up of people alone, but a mix of humans and AI agents working together. At Workday, we’ve spent over a decade thoughtfully implementing AI to help customers and users spend more time on valuable initiatives and less on mundane tasks. We believe this new era of work isn't a choice between humans or AI; it's a powerful partnership between the two. It’s not just about removing friction; it is about using AI to amplify human performance. This allows organisations to reinvest in high-value work, doubling down on uniquely human skills like creativity, empathy, and connection.
We are betting big on an optimistic and practical future for AI: that‘s why we’ve made a major €175 million investment to foster our AI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Ireland and create 200 specialised new roles. It represents our commitment to pioneering the next generation of ERP, redefined for the AI era. The Centre will drive the development of purpose-built AI that addresses the complex needs of global customers, ensuring accessibility and compliance from day one.
It could be argued that the greatest barrier to this future is not software; it is skills. The mandate for leadership is clear: we cannot simply "buy" an AI-ready culture; we must build it. Leadership requires intentional upskilling to cultivate an adaptable, future-ready workforce. That’s why we’ve partnered with Technology Ireland Digital Skillnet to upskill 300 of our leaders through the AI Business Academy. And through our partnership with TU Dublin, more than 285 employees have already graduated with certifications in AI relevant themes including Machine Learning, Cybersecurity and Entrepreneurial Leadership.
Building a skills-based culture also means looking outward. We are actively bridging the gap between academia and industry. Through our AI Industry Fellowship program with partners like Trinity College Dublin, Dublin City University, and Research Ireland, we are embedding cutting-edge researchers directly into our product teams. This ensures our innovation is grounded in the latest scientific breakthroughs and diverse perspectives.
Crucially, building AI is about more than just research and deployment: it requires diverse perspectives, from ethics to design. Ireland is full of highly skilled professionals who bring diverse, global experience and an openness to iterate and innovate.
Cultural fluency in innovation is essential, because technology must work across different legal frameworks and cultural contexts. Our diverse team of over 2,200 people, approximately 80% of whom work in product and development, help ensure our products reflect this.
For leaders looking toward 2026, the mandate is clear: do not wait for the future of work to arrive. AI is here. Reinvest in your people now. The organisations that succeed will be those that prioritise upskilling to ensure humans remain firmly in the AI loop.
