Jamie Viramontes, Founder & CEO of Konnect, contributes regularly on the questions shaping the next generation of human resources — from AI in the workplace to compensation strategy, talent acquisition, and people-first leadership at scale.
As featured in
In April 2026, Jamie keynoted Transform — the largest HR & AI conference in the country — on what it takes to keep people at the center of an AI-driven workplace. The talk and the conversation that followed were captured by Transform Media and Bartko Pavia LLP.
The Forbes Human Resources Council is an invitation-only organization for senior HR executives. Recent featured contributions, plus the back catalog.
Speed and quality come down to discipline in the process. Clear role definition and a focused job description set the foundation, while structured interviews with defined roles keep decisions consistent. That balance prevents bias and keeps hiring efficient as you scale.
In a downturn, compensation has to be more than salary; it needs to feel like a full value exchange. Strong benefits, growth opportunities and recognition create stability when cash is tight. When employees feel invested in, they stay engaged and help the business push through volatility.
More from the Forbes Council
Generative AI can simplify compensation planning by enhancing consistency, detecting bias and ensuring equity through data-driven insights. However, fair pay decisions still require clear job descriptions, a solid compensation framework and human oversight. Since AI learns from past data, biased or poor inputs can lead to biased or inaccurate outcomes.Read on Forbes
HR leaders can help by creating a culture of continuous learning that fosters growth and development leading to retainment. Leaders can also ensure roles and responsibilities are clearly defined, so functions have a strong understanding of objectives aligned with the larger business strategy to get the right work done efficiently.Read on Forbes
HR burnout can have a detrimental effect because of the huge influence HR teams have on fostering culture. One individual can have a domino effect on others. As the HR function is fast-paced and everything is urgent, setting clear expectations with partners upfront and using prioritization skills to help teams navigate through the most pressing business issues first can help limit stress.Read on Forbes
Konnect ships infrastructure, not just advice. From AI assistants to learning systems, each release is a step toward the full operating model.
A human-centered AI assistant set to transform HR support.
In September 2025, Konnect introduced Sophie — an AI-powered HR assistant designed to give time back to overstretched HR teams. The first integrated AI service offering for HR professionals, the launch was picked up by the Los Angeles Times and across financial and HR technology press.
We’re not replacing HR. We’re empowering HR.Read the full release
With KonnectAi, HR teams can bridge the gap between responsiveness and humanity by taking care of repetitive tasks so HR professionals can focus on what really matters: their people. Jamie Viramontes — Los Angeles Times
Rescue retention rates with a custom learning platform.
Konnect’s centralized learning hub launched in late 2023 — helping organizations create stronger, more engaged leaders through self-paced courses on leadership, management, and compliance, curated by Konnect’s leadership team. Within weeks, organizations of any size can have a customized learning management system deployed nationally.
Read the announcementKonnect perspective
As the business environment continues to evolve, employee retention is an area of increasing importance for business leaders and our clients are paying attention. Leaders need easy solutions with quick implementation to track compliance, while simultaneously fostering professional development goals, especially at the manager level.
Jamie Viramontes · Founder & CEO, Konnect
Operations perspective
Learning is a human-centered function that is a crucial part of bringing value to organizations by hiring, training and developing its people. Through KonnectED, organizations can provide a virtual experience building talent capabilities while creating a more engaged and agile workforce.
Jessica Stones · COO, Konnect
Konnect partners with private equity-backed operating companies and consumer brands to build HR infrastructure that scales.
Multi-year partnership with TREW Capital Management to deliver comprehensive HR services and a learning management platform across Rubio’s 85 restaurant locations — including standardized HR infrastructure, employee relations, payroll, benefits administration, and tailored training programs through KonnectEd.
Client perspective
We are excited to partner with Konnect to provide industry-leading HR services and an innovative learning platform to our Rubio’s team.
Jeff Crivello · Owner, Rubio’s Restaurant Group
Konnect perspective
HR has the power to shape culture, build trust, and elevate the entire organization. We are excited to partner with Rubio’s Restaurant Group to bring ‘best in class’ HR services that will help fuel this new chapter for Rubio’s.
Jamie Viramontes · Founder & CEO, Konnect
Beyond the press, Jamie’s work has been recognized through awards nominations, leadership appointments, and speaking invitations across business education and industry forums.
LA Times · OC Executive Awards
Orange County, California
Recognized by the Los Angeles Times among Orange County’s top executives for leadership and business impact across the region.
View nomination →UC Irvine Paul Merage School of Business
Annual giving society for executive alumni
Vice Chair of the DLC, the premier philanthropic and advisory body of the Merage School — supporting student grants, faculty research, and the next generation of business leaders.
About the DLC →UCI Black Management Association
Black Innovation Summit · May 1, 2026
Featured panelist alongside leaders from PIMCO, Pacific Harbor Line, and Tarsus Pharmaceuticals at the BMA’s 6th annual conference: Unstoppable Excellence.
View summit →Long-form conversations on building people-first cultures and the ROI of getting HR right.
For interview requests, expert commentary, speaking engagements, or product briefings.
Press & Media Relations
Cheri Quigley
Fernleaf Marketing — for Konnect
cheri.quigley@fernleafmarketing.com 949 · 842 · 7371
Featured commentary on the work of HR.
Trade press and industry outlets regularly call on Jamie for perspective on layoffs, leadership, employee experience, and the evolving role of HR.
Insights and Trends from Transform 2026
Read the recapEmpathetic exits: How to avoid missteps during layoffs
Read on HR DiveLead by listening: How HR leaders can impact the unexpected employee experience
Read on HR DiveSummer is over. Now what? Leveraging seasonality to your advantage
Read on HR DiveBigger Pond: Seven Transition Tips for Leaders Moving to Larger Companies
Read on SHRM