Julia Richardson

Head of Social Media & Digital Paid Amplification
Bayer, Global Communications

Julia Richardson is a strategic leader in digital communications, specializing in the integration of insights and amplification strategies to elevate brand engagement and visibility. As the Head of Social Media & Digital Paid Amplification for Global Communications at Bayer, she spearheads innovative approaches to content delivery, ensuring alignment with business priorities and audience needs across global channels.

With a strong foundation in content marketing and a career spanning roles in user experience, branding, and editorial leadership, Julia brings a unique blend of technical acumen and creative vision to her work. She is known for her ability to translate data into actionable digital strategies, leveraging analytics and AI to optimize performance, governance, and channel effectiveness.

Julia’s leadership is rooted in collaboration, operational excellence, and a passion for innovation. Her work empowers teams to harness emerging technologies, including AI, to drive meaningful impact in social communications. A graduate of Washington University in St. Louis, she is based in Missouri, enjoying time with her family and pursuing interests in reading, traveling, cooking, and volunteering at the local pet shelter.

Julia Richardson’s Session

12:45 p.m.–1:30 p.m. PT — Friday, October 24, 2025

Panel: The Age of AI: Knowing When to Automate and When to Be Human

The rise of AI in social media has opened new possibilities for speed, scale, and efficiency. But with audiences demanding authenticity and human connection, the challenge for brands is knowing when to lean on automation—and when to let people take the lead. Moderated by Carley Cori, Director, Social Media and Creative Services at Stony Brook Medicine, this panel brings together leaders from Bayer, Hershey, and Procore to explore how they’re striking the right balance between AI-driven efficiency and the irreplaceable power of human voice, empathy, and creativity.

Hear how social teams are using AI behind the scenes for content ideation, social listening, and rapid responses—while still protecting trust, staying true to brand personality, and ensuring genuine connection with audiences. You’ll walk away with real-world strategies to sharpen your automation approach while making sure the human element remains at the heart of your brand’s social presence.

Key takeaways:

  • Determine when to automate tasks and when to rely on human oversight
  • Leverage AI to strengthen social listening, reporting, and creative development
  • Preserve brand personality and voice across AI-powered interactions
  • Avoid the risks of over-automation and audience backlash with practical safeguards
  • Balance efficiency with empathy and trust in customer engagement strategies
  • Anticipate the future role of AI in social media to keep your team prepared
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