When generative AI made headlines in 2023, Ivanti didn’t react with fear or haste. Instead, the global software firm saw both potential and responsibility. Leading this balanced response was Brooke Johnson, Chief Legal Counsel and SVP of Human Resources and Security, who steered the company through an era of disruption without sacrificing its workforce.

Rather than allow Gen AI to dictate its direction, Ivanti proactively defined what AI integration would look like for its employees. Under Johnson’s leadership, the company built a robust governance framework to manage AI’s impact responsibly. A key initiative was the formation of the AI Governance Council (AIGC), a cross-functional team including IT, product, privacy, HR, and legal experts. Their mission: to align innovation with human values.

One standout principle came from HR—treat every new AI tool as if it were a new employee. That meant thorough vetting, continuous oversight, and structured onboarding. This approach helped ensure AI was integrated thoughtfully, not recklessly.

Crucially, Ivanti addressed employee displacement head-on. Rather than resort to layoffs, the company committed to internal redeployment. Roles affected by automation were reimagined, not removed. Employees whose tasks were automated were retrained for more strategic responsibilities. Johnson emphasized, “We stayed committed to our people, even when their jobs changed.”

Every AI use case underwent a comprehensive review process, weighing efficiency gains against the human cost. The company used pilot programs, required legal and security checks, and gathered team feedback before full-scale implementation. This measured rollout helped build trust and avoided abrupt disruptions.

Johnson’s legal background brought a critical perspective to AI governance. From recruitment tools to data privacy, legal oversight was embedded from the beginning—not as an afterthought. “Legal had to help shape how AI was adopted, not just approve it at the end,” she explained.

Ivanti also developed practical metrics to measure AI’s value—focusing on time saved, reduced meetings, and increased productivity. In one case, an AI-generated meeting summary replaced a one-hour meeting with a five-minute readout, illustrating how small efficiencies compound over time.

Ultimately, Ivanti’s AI journey wasn’t about replacing people but reimagining how they work. By prioritizing transparency, ethical oversight, and workforce retention, the company turned a disruptive moment into an opportunity for growth.

“We never saw this as just a legal issue or a tech opportunity,” said Johnson. “It was always about people.”

Ivanti’s experience stands as a compelling example of how innovation, when paired with empathy, can strengthen—not shrink—a company’s human foundation.

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Source: Ceoworld.Biz