Human and Change Summit: New Generation HR Approaches Meet in Istanbul
Organized on May 6, 2025 at the santralistanbul Campus in collaboration with Istanbul Bilgi University and Baltas Group, the “New Approaches in HR: Human and Change Summit” hosted a striking meeting where human-centered transformation in the business world was discussed. The event, attended by experts from both the field and the academy on topics such as artificial intelligence, leadership, cultural transformation, psychological health and value-based management, offered insights that will shape the future of HR.
The summit, which featured 30 speakers, 4 panels, 2 simulations and 1 interview, was organized specifically for the 41st year of the Baltas Group. Participants were inspired by speeches emphasizing that humans are at the center of technology and met with valuable approaches to new generation HR strategies.
Prof. Dr. Ege Yazgan (Istanbul Bilgi University)
“Smart intelligence can help you, make everything easier, but it should not be forgotten that the human is at the center of everything.” Rector Mr. Yazgan drew attention to the critical role of approaches that center on humans in the technological transformation process.
Prof. Dr. Zuhal Baltas (Baltas Group)
“The miracle is in the human brain!” Baltas focused on the transformation power at the intersection of psychology and technology. He emphasized that the spark in the human brain forms the basis of technological development by saying, “Many things start with fire.” He pointed out the power of natural intelligence beyond artificial intelligence, in the words of Amos Tversky.
Dr. Kerem Dundar (London School of Mind)
“HR is now obliged to provide people with experiences.” Dundar explained the neuro HR approach. He said, “There can be no real transformation in HR without making a distinction between data, information and experience.” Based on McKinsey data, he revealed that psychological well-being will become an HR performance area.
“Values: The Compass of Change and Decisions” panel
Moderator: Ebru Guresin (Baltas Group) She brought value-based leadership and culture building to the table with systematic questions.
Burcak Gokceer Baltas (Baltas Group)
“Culture eats strategy for breakfast!” Gokceer Baltas defined values as the immune system of institutions. She stated that the compass function will not work in institutions that do not share meaning.
Prof. Dr. Gonca Gunay (Istanbul Bilgi University)
“Values are the personality of institutions.” Gunay emphasized that when a clear line is not drawn between the values that are and the values that are desired to be, the corporate culture becomes unclear.
Ahmet Akın (Communication Strategist, Consultant)
“Insidious and limiting values are hidden obstacles to transformation.” Akin drew attention to the aspects of seemingly positive values such as “respect” that prevent feedback.
Dr. Eylem Ozgur (Eczacıbası Group)
“We build strategies on whatever keeps us awake.” Ozgur emphasized that HR is a strategic actor of companies and is decisive in talent wars. He drew attention to the importance of learning how to learn.
Idil Turkmenoglu (Social Entrepreneur, Strategic Consultant)
“The rebirth of HR is a journey that does not exclude what we cannot measure, focuses on people, and answers the question of “why” boldly.” Turkmenoglu explained the inadequacy of traditional HR patterns. He shared the importance of context-appropriate and value-oriented recruitment strategies that prioritize the purpose of the job.
“Visionary HR Practices”
Moderator: Bilgen Cagli (Bell Holding CHRO) made the participants think with questions that served to establish the connection between HR practices and the company vision.
Sebnem Tavsancil Bezmen (Dogan Holding)
Bezmen shared corporate practices aimed at the psychological well-being of employees with the “well-being” and “motivation” teams. She showed how peace within the organization can be increased with practical examples.
Ihsan Erbil Baycol (Enerjisa Uretim)
Baycol told the story of a power plant transformed under the leadership of women. She exemplified the critical role of growth mindset and psychological safety in corporate transformation.
Murat Yesildere (Egon Zehnder)
Yesildere emphasized that in a period when innovative approaches are expected from corporate leaders, it is critical for companies to constantly update their HR strategies by evaluating the reasons why employees leave their companies based on data and observation.
Prof. Dr. Idil Isık (Bahcesehir University)
“Balancing leadership reduces psychosocial risks.” Isık emphasized that there is a difference between wellness and healthy living practices, and that institutions should consider the integrity of employees with psychosocial resources.
Ercan Kesal – Interview (Moderator: Prof. Dr. Itir Erhart)
“Don’t be the one waiting, be the one trying.” Kesal explained that a career is shaped by coincidences and that the search for meaning comes before success. He provided information about his doctoral study, in which he conveyed his personal story through autoethnography.
“The Effect of Personality and Competence on Job Performance” panel
Moderator: Assistant Professor Ahmet Aydemir focused on the relationship between personality and competence with performance measurement through leadership and institutional practices.
Dr. Ryne A. Sherman (Hogan Assessment Systems)
“Leadership is the most important issue in human relations.” Sherman addressed the urgent challenges facing modern leadership and emphasized that ineffective leadership is still a critical problem worldwide.
Senay Yalic (Vaillant Group Turkey)
Drawing attention to the connection between job role and performance, she explained the role of the appropriate personality profile in this connection and the interaction of different characteristics with examples.
Ekin Capar Findik (Baltas Group)
In the design and implementation processes of the assessment center, instead of ready-made solutions, she emphasized the difference and the power of making designs specific to the institution, strategy and position in predicting performance.
Akan Abdula (FutureBright Group)
“The human mind is a simulation machine and there are three typical responses to this new world; flee, fight or become paralyzed.” Abdula emphasized that the new era is a profound transformation that affects not only institutions but also individuals and societies. He invited participants to think about the impact of the US on a global scale and changing values.
“Artificial Intelligence-Based HR and Applications” panel
Moderator: Basar Baltas (Baltas Group) Discussed the reshaping of HR with artificial intelligence in light of current developments.
Sercan Celebi (Enocta)
Celebi touched on the role of digital learning designs in HR transformation. He conveyed artificial intelligence applications that reshape the learning experience.
Dr. Aslan Onur Nacak (Ahlatci Holding; Bahcesehir University)
“If we put the transformative power of artificial intelligence into a narrow tunnel such as only facilitating work and increasing efficiency, it may end up at a point we never expected.” Nacak explained that artificial intelligence should not be limited to application examples in HR, and that the main impact should be sought in the transformation of business models, specializations and leadership understanding.
Assoc. Prof. Tugba Dalyan (Istanbul Bilgi University)
“Artificial intelligence makes its impact felt in all HR areas, from recruitment processes to employee experience.” Dalyan drew attention to the rapid spread of video analysis and chatbot applications; he stated that data security standards differ from institution to institution, and therefore the need for a common framework has come to the fore.
Prof. Dr. Acar Baltas (Baltas Group)
“Every person brings their own climate wherever they go.” Baltas emphasized that discipline, not motivation, is the determining factor. He explained the place of wisdom intelligence in individual development and stated that it can develop with art, philosophy and diversity.
PHOTOGRAPHS FROM THE SUMMIT:
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