Ashley Goldsmith, Chief People Officer at Workday, is driving a workforce transformation that balances advanced technology with timeless human skills. She believes that AI’s greatest impact is how it unlocks new human potential. “Do those skills atrophy if they aren’t used?” she’s asked, underscoring her belief that human-centric leadership and empathy must evolve alongside automation. Under Goldsmith’s leadership, Workday has launched initiatives like “Everyday AI,” which engages employees through creative experiments such as a prompt-a-thon, and equips them with role-specific tools through a digital AI academy. Her approach shows how companies can empower individuals, rather than overwhelm them, in a fast-changing landscape.
Born and raised in the U.S., Goldsmith holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Vanderbilt University, a master’s degree in human resource development from Georgia State University, and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. At Workday, she leads global efforts across human resources, diversity and belonging, and impact initiatives. She brings over two decades of HR experience to the role, having served in executive positions at Polycom, Ventana Medical Systems, Roche, and The Home Depot. Beyond Workday, she serves on the board of directors of the Human Resources Policy Association, is a fellow of the National Academy of Human Resources, and sits on the board of the San Francisco SPCA.
Goldsmith's unique strength lies in using data and sentiment analysis to surface challenges early and lead with action. She recounts how a plateau in AI adoption led her team to investigate deeper through real-time weekly pulse surveys. They discovered that what truly encouraged uptake wasn’t just tools, but peer-to-peer learning and “time and permission to play.” That insight didn’t just drive improvement—it shaped an internal culture where curiosity and experimentation are valued. By integrating AI into leadership in ways that support ethical decision-making, empathy, and transparency, Goldsmith is not only preparing Workday for the future of work, but also helping others across industries do the same.