Opinions expressed by Digital Journal contributors are their own.
AI is changing how businesses operate, helping teams work smarter and making processes more efficient. Among those driving this shift is Stanislava Tarasiuk, who focuses on using AI to streamline people operations, improve decision-making, and build stronger teams. Known to colleagues as Stacey, she brings a practical, human-centered approach to using AI in the workplace.
Using technology to enhance human potential
While some see AI as a tool for automation, Stacey believes its true strength lies in helping people focus on what they do best. By handling repetitive tasks, AI frees up time for strategic thinking and creative problem-solving. With experience in optimizing workflows, improving employee engagement, and using data to guide decisions, she’s seen how AI can boost both individual performance and team productivity.
“Technology should help people perform at their best,” she says. “AI works best when it supports human skills and offers insights that lead to smarter choices.”
At Exa, a San Francisco-based startup building an AI-powered search engine, she uses LLMs to streamline people operations. The team also uses their own product for hiring, making it easier to find and evaluate candidates who fit their needs.
Recently, Tarasiuk revamped the hiring process and improved the internal flow of candidates. She introduced AI-powered tools to automate candidate sourcing, track applicant progress, and match skills with job requirements. By integrating these tools into the existing recruitment systems, she made the candidate pipeline more efficient and transparent, reducing time-to-hire and ensuring that the right candidates are matched with the right roles.
Facing challenges in a fast-paced industry
The tech industry is known for its fast-moving nature, which can create pressure to scale quickly. After a recent funding round at Exa, the need to accelerate hiring and automate processes became more urgent than ever. Stacey focused on integrating AI into recruitment and internal workflows to help the company keep up with this rapid growth, ensuring that both hiring and day-to-day operations could keep pace with the company’s evolving needs.
AI’s growing role in modern workplaces
By automating repetitive tasks and improving communication, AI allows businesses to focus on innovation and long-term goals. It also plays a key role in analyzing data, helping organizations make smarter decisions and improve performance. For example, AI is increasingly used to track employee performance trends, assess team dynamics, and identify areas where additional support is needed.
Bringing AI into people operations
Stacey is particularly interested in how AI can improve hiring, onboarding, and employee development. Using AI-driven tools helps teams identify the right talent, simplify recruitment, and create more personalized employee experiences. By automating administrative tasks, HR teams can spend more time supporting employees and building a workplace where people feel motivated, valued, and connected.
“People are at the heart of any successful company,” she says. “AI helps us create environments where individuals can thrive while giving us the data we need to make better decisions about talent and team dynamics.”
One practical example of this is Exa’s approach to onboarding, where AI tools help new hires quickly access resources, connect with colleagues, and get up to speed with company processes. This not only shortens the onboarding period but also helps employees feel more confident and engaged from the start.
Improving collaboration and engagement
In people operations, AI is transforming the employee experience. From tailored learning programs to AI-assisted recruitment tools, technology is helping create more inclusive and productive workplaces. By analyzing feedback and performance data, organizations can identify areas for growth and create environments where employees feel supported and motivated.
Tarasiuk has experience implementing AI solutions that strengthen collaboration, improve feedback systems, and help employees stay connected. For example, automated feedback platforms allow teams to share input regularly, creating a culture of continuous improvement. These tools also provide managers with real-time insights into team dynamics, enabling them to address challenges before they impact performance.
Balancing innovation with ethics
As AI becomes more common, it’s essential to ensure its development is guided by fairness and accountability. Stacey believes that ethics should be part of the process from the start. “We need to be transparent about how AI works and ensure it benefits as many people as possible,” she says.
Her approach centers on aligning AI capabilities with human values, building public trust, and ensuring technology creates long-term, positive change. Companies that prioritize transparency and fairness are more likely to build stronger relationships with both employees and customers.
Looking ahead
With a deep understanding of how technology impacts businesses, Stacey continues to explore new ways AI can drive productivity and innovation. Her work spans different industries, from improving operational processes to enhancing the employee experience. Recent initiatives include using AI to support remote teams, develop leadership skills, and create more agile and responsive organizations.
“AI is still evolving, and we’ve only begun to see its potential,” she says. “The goal is to use it as a tool that helps people achieve more, not as a replacement for their skills.”
While opinions on the role of AI in the workplace vary, Tarasiuk believes that technology, when used thoughtfully, can empower individuals, support stronger teams, and contribute to both business success and broader societal progress.
