Sprout at 10: Re-engineering AI People Strategies for the Next Decade

What does it take for a company to stay ahead in a world that’s always changing? Is it enough to keep making small improvements, or do you need to rethink everything from the ground up? For businesses that want to make a real difference, it’s often about pushing bold ideas and not just changing what already exists. 

These insights were highlighted at the Sprout’s SOHR Summit 2025’s panel session, “Sprout at 10: Re-engineering AI People Strategies for the Next Decade,” where leaders talked about how true progress means not just “making better candles” but “inventing the light bulb”.

The discussion featured a powerhouse lineup from Sprout Solutions:

• VK Virata – VP of Product
• Java Gancayco – General Manager
• Cookie Enriquez – Director of Fintech
• Iras Naga – Lead Product Manager
• Moderator: Francis Peña – Head of Category and Product Marketing

The panelists highlighted that staying competitive isn’t just about making your current product a little better. It’s about understanding what people actually need and using AI and  technology to meet those needs. Instead of asking, “How can I make this candle better?”, real innovators ask, “What can I build that will actually change things for the better?”

Ms. Virata pointed out that this mindset is what drives Sprout’s team. Rather than just adding new features for the sake of it, the team asks what their users and clients truly need in today’s fast-changing environment. This means looking at available technology and imagining how it can be used to solve real problems, not just tweak old solutions.

Tip: Explore key AI trends and strategies to stay ahead in our State of AI 2025 report.

Ten years in tech is a long time, and the Sprout team was candid about the challenge of staying relevant. Ms. Gancayco pointed out that it’s essential to ensure clients still enjoy the same capabilities and benefits, no matter how much the platform changes. We 

The panelists emphasized that while innovation is important, it should never come at the expense of the user experience. For Sprout, no matter how much changes behind the scenes, users can still rely on the company to help them get their work done. This means always asking, “Are we still providing the value our users expect?” and making sure the answer is yes.

Not every leap forward means abandoning what works. Ms. Enriquez discussed how Sprout is careful to build on its successes rather than reject them outright. The company’s approach is to change when necessary, but always with the user’s needs in mind. This means that even as new features and capabilities are added, the core strengths of the platform remain intact.

This approach is especially important for organizations that have built a strong foundation over the years. Change should be intentional and strategic, and improvements should add real value without sacrificing what clients love about the product. This way, your teams can keep moving forward without losing sight of what made the platform great in the first place. 

Even with all the focus on technology, people are still at the heart of everything Sprout does. Technology should make it easier for people to connect, collaborate, and do their best work—not replace them.

Sprout’s goal is to empower HR teams and business leaders to build stronger, more engaged teams. Technology is just the tool; people are the real drivers of success. This mindset helps Sprout deliver solutions that evolve alongside their clients’ needs.

• Aim for true innovation, not just small improvements. Lasting progress comes from rethinking the problem, not just making minor upgrades. The story of the light bulb shows that real breakthroughs happen when you step back and ask what people actually need, rather than just improving what already exists. 
• Keep users’ needs at the center of every decision. User experience should always be the top priority. Make sure your clients continue to enjoy the same value and capabilities, even as the platform evolves. This approach helps build trust and ensures that any updates or changes genuinely benefit the people who use the product every day.
• Balance innovation with what works. Leaders shouldn’t forget the core strengths that users already rely on. Change should be thoughtful to make sure that valuable existing features are preserved while new solutions are added. 
• Let feedback guide your next steps. Listening to users is essential for meaningful progress. By using this input to guide updates, changes are relevant and truly helpful for clients.
• Be open to change and willing to learn. Growth comes from embracing change and learning from every experience. The panelists encouraged leaders to see change as a journey, not a one-time event. By staying adaptable and learning alongside their users, companies can continue to provide value, even as the world and technology keep moving forward.

Change is constant, and Sprout is committed to growing and evolving alongside its clients. The company promises to keep listening, keep learning, and keep putting people first as they move into the next decade.

The key message? Real progress means daring to imagine what’s possible and working together to make it happen. For Sprout and its users, the future looks bright, like switching from candles to light bulbs.

Missed the live event? You can watch the recording here. If you want to catch up on the SOHR Summit 2025, check out the highlights to see key moments and insights.