Leading HR into the AI era: A Conversation with Grant Wyatt, Head of HR at Ensign Laboratories

When you sit down with Grant Wyatt, Head of Human Resources (HR) at Ensign Laboratories Pty Ltd, it becomes clear that his perspective is rooted in more than process. It’s about people, operations, and technology coming together. With a background in people strategy across fast-paced manufacturing, Grant understands that innovation in the workplace is no longer a “nice-to-have”; it’s a necessity. 

At Ensign Laboratories, a contract manufacturer producing pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and consumer goods with over 500 employees, Grant has seen how adaptability and innovation have shifted from optional traits to vital drivers of sustainability. 

We spoke with him about the evolving role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in HR and resourcing, and what it means for the future of work. 

A career shaped by people, operations, and technology 

“I’ve spent my career in HR leading people strategies in manufacturing environments where the pace is fast and the challenges complex. At Ensign Laboratories, I’ve learned that innovation in the workplace isn’t optional anymore. It’s central to business viability.” 

“For me, success in HR isn’t just about process and compliance; it’s about creating initiatives that enhance culture, capability, and innovation, while also improving efficiency and productivity. Today, innovation and adaptability aren’t just the traits of top talent — they’re essential for everyone if businesses are to thrive.” 

First encounters with AI 

Grant’s first experience with AI was “equal parts awe and curiosity.” He explains: 

“It wasn’t just about speeding up tasks. It expanded my ability to think, create, and execute. These days, I use AI daily. At work, it helps me refine communication drafts, analyse workforce data, and test ideas. Outside of work, I use it for productivity, brainstorming, and information-gathering. 

In 2025, if you’re not using AI, you’re working alongside people who are—which puts you at a disadvantage.” 

Why Ensign joined the AI enablement program 

According to Grant, the decision came down to two things: opportunity and credibility. 

“AI is a chance to streamline how we work and unlock new value. But with so many offerings on the market, we wanted a structured, credible program. The Enablement Program with VCCI and Microsoft gives us access to expertise and a safe way to experiment.” 

“The Victorian Chamber Learning to ride the AI bike webinar was a fantastic kickstart - clear, practical, and engaging. As someone exploring AI in business, I walked away with fresh ideas I can apply immediately. Great session!” 

Also read: Victorian Chamber and Microsoft launch AI Enablement Program to build SME capability and power Australia’s AI economy 

AI at Work: Opportunity or challenge? 

For Grant, AI is an opportunity, if adopted responsibly. 

“AI can unlock efficiency, sharpen decision-making, and free up human energy for more meaningful work. But adoption is the challenge. There’s a saying that money doesn’t change people, it magnifies who they are. AI is the same—it magnifies capability. It accelerates creativity and problem-solving, but it can also expose gaps in adaptability." 

"That’s why leaders must build cultures of curiosity and experimentation.” 

Training and empowering people 

“AI training is about empowerment. We want our workforce to see AI as a tool that enhances their capability. The immediate win is time, limiting repetitive tasks so people can focus on value-adding work, problem-solving, or developing themselves. 

For me personally, natural language AI tools like ChatGPT or Copilot are invaluable. They help distil complex ideas, speed up repetitive tasks, and generate content that I can then refine with my expertise. It’s like having a thought partner available 24/7.”

Reshaping Recruitment, Development, and Engagement 

Recruitment, development, and engagement are all being reshaped by AI, Grant explains: 

• Recruitment: “The backend is heavy with admin: Writing job ads, resume reviews, and screening. AI can automate much of that, giving recruiters more time for quality conversations.”
• Employee development: “AI enables personalised learning pathways instead of one-size-fits-all modules, shifting development from top-down delivery to self-guided growth.”
• Engagement: “AI allows us to analyse cultural sentiment, turnover, and leadership trends more accurately. Engagement becomes even more evidence-based rather than guesswork.” 

From compliance, reporting, and onboarding checklists to policy updates, AI is already lifting a huge administrative load, allowing HR to focus on coaching managers, building culture, and supporting business growth. 

Balancing change with employee concerns 

“Change naturally brings uncertainty and fear. Our responsibility is transparency and optimism. That means involving staff early, communicating often, and focusing on change management as much as project management. 

Job security won’t come from protection; it will come from awareness and adaptability. HR leaders need to foster a mindset of curiosity and experimentation. This isn’t just a technology project. It’s a people and culture transformation.” 

Looking ahead 

For the future, Grant sees AI as a potential “coach in your pocket” for managers. 

“Leaders juggle employee engagement, risk management, and business outcomes all at once. AI could provide real-time guidance, help navigate tough situations, and even take care of admin like notetaking. That kind of support would sharpen judgement and improve decision-making.” 

Where THRIVE fits in 

At the Victorian Chamber, THRIVE is all about helping businesses harness smarter ways of working, whether that’s through leadership development, workplace culture programs, or AI enablement initiatives. For HR leaders like Grant, THRIVE offers not just tools, but frameworks that lighten the administrative load and put more energy into people-focused initiatives. In short, THRIVE helps HR professionals do what they do best — support, guide, and grow their people.