Antoni Girod, Halifax Consulting Asia | Manage HR Magazine | Top Sales Training Companies in APAC 2025Antoni Girod, Managing Partner
Antoni Girod, managing partner of Halifax Consulting Asia, has been in the training industry for over 30 years, witnessing countless waves of transformation—some gradual, others groundbreaking. But 2025 stands out with the rapid rise of AI. This shift has sparked a common concern— Will AI replace people? If machines take over, will training still be relevant?

Halifax Consulting Asia sees things differently. Every major technological leap—from the Internet to quantum computing— has triggered similar fears. The future of training isn’t about AI replacing humans; it’s about AI amplifying human potential.

“We believe true transformation happens when three key elements align—people, process and technology. When these forces work together, real change becomes possible,” says Girod.

The Power of Human Connection

Technology alone doesn’t guarantee learning success. Many companies invest in digital learning platforms only to face low engagement because they assume technology itself will drive motivation. Learning doesn’t work that way.

Halifax’s digital learning programs boast an 86 percent completion rate globally—far above the 10 percent industry average. The key? It engages people from the start. By involving top management, managers and learners early, the company ensures everyone sees the value and takes ownership. This drives engagement.

A major shift is the growing investment in sales managers’ coaching skills. Previously, training mainly focused on frontline sales teams. Now, more and more companies recognize that managers are pivotal in sustaining learning impact. This aligns with the 70-20-10 learning model—70 percent of learning happens on the job, 20 percent from social interactions and only 10 percent from formal training. Without managers reinforcing new skills, even the best training fades. That’s why Halifax prioritizes equipping managers with advanced coaching skills.

AI as a Game-Changer, Not a Replacement

Halifax invests heavily in AI-powered learning tools, not to replace trainers but to enhance training. Imagine a salesperson using Halifax’s digital learning platform to interact with an AI-driven client avatar, handling objections, refining pitches and receiving instant, personalized feedback.

  • We believe true transformation happens when three key elements align—people, process and technology. When these forces work together, real change becomes possible


Even better, this AI-powered platform integrates with CRM systems. If a salesperson’s conversion rate drops, the CRM flags it, prompting AI-driven coaching. The AI recommends targeted modules based on actual performance gaps rather than generic content.

But AI alone isn’t enough. Without human connection, even the most advanced AI remains underutilized. That’s why Halifax advocates a hybrid model—AI for efficiency and automation, managers for motivation and relationships.

Aligning People, Process and Technology for Successful Onboarding

To give a specific example, many companies are struggling with their onboarding approach. They also have the illusion that an AI-powered onboarding platform can solve all their problems. But technology alone doesn’t guarantee success—alignment between people, process and technology is critical for driving real results.

Halifax addresses this particular challenge through a comprehensive approach:

• People – Incorporate live coaching, mentoring and expert-led webinars, ensuring human interaction remains central to onboarding.

• Process – Designs a structured yet scalable framework, enabling clear KPIs, automated feedback and active management involvement in tracking progress and completion.

• Technology – Optimize the AI-driven experience by integrating gamified learning and AI simulations, making training more engaging and actionable.

The result? Faster market readiness, increased engagement and improved retention—proving that true success comes from aligning people, process and technology in a seamless and strategic way.

The Future: A Hybrid Learning Model

In 2025, one thing is clear—the future of training isn’t purely digital or human; it’s hybrid. AI will enhance scalability, but human connection, managerial involvement and strategic alignment remain essential.

Companies that embrace this hybrid model will thrive. Those that don’t will struggle. Halifax helps organizations navigate this transition, ensuring their sales teams are not just prepared for the future but excel at it.

The learning revolution isn’t coming—it’s here. The real question is: how will you adapt?