The Innovation Safeguard: Integrating AI Through Psychological Safety – April Lens Webinar

As artificial intelligence becomes embedded in organizational strategy, the way it is implemented-not just its capabilities-is proving to be a defining factor in workforce stability and public trust.

This webinar explores a central reality of 2026: psychological safety is no longer a "soft" cultural concept-it is an operational requirement. Organizations that fail to embed it into AI adoption risk accelerating what experts describe as Strategic Rot, where confidence in AI-driven insights outpaces critical judgment, allowing biased or unvetted data to shape high-stakes decisions.

Across industries, sustainable innovation increasingly depends on whether employees feel empowered to question AI outputs, experiment with new workflows, raise concerns about data integrity, and surface risks amid shifting roles and job security. Without these conditions, organizations may inadvertently suppress the very scrutiny required to ensure responsible AI use.

Key topics include:

• Managing workforce disruption and evolving role expectations
• Strengthening algorithmic accountability and oversight
• Meeting rising demands for transparency in AI-driven decisions
• Bridging the gap between organizational culture and operational practice

Grounded in real-world case studies and emerging industry practices, the webinar highlights how resilient organizations are aligning cultural conditions with governance structures to ensure AI delivers durable value.

About the presenter

Sarika Bhakta, CDE, SHRM-SCP, is the Founder and President of Nikeya Consulting, where she advises organizations navigating complexity and change. Her strength-based, data-driven approach builds alignment, trust, and capacity that sustain performance under pressure.

As Founder and Managing Partner of InnoSpark Global, she advances AI literacy for K-12 learners, developing critical thinking, ethical judgment, and global readiness to address the global skills gap.

With over three decades of experience leading turnarounds, transformations, and scalable learning initiatives, her work is rooted in servant leadership-empowering people to lead authentically and inspire change globally.

Event Details

Date: Thursday, April 23, 2026
Time: Noon - 1 p.m.
Location: Virtual webinar

Registration

Pre-registration is required. Please sign up at this registration page.

*The views and opinions expressed during programs hosted by the Office of Human Rights are those of the presenters and do not reflect the official policy or position of the City of Iowa City.

Accessibility

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate, please contact the organizer in advance at [email protected] or 319-356-5022.