The Tech Talent Shift: Navigating AI, DEI, and Next-Gen Workforce Demands
What do tech hiring, Olympic figure skating, and the shifting tides of global work culture have in common? According to Ann Kuss, CEO of Outstaff Your Team, more than you'd think. In this episode, Ann joins David Rice to dissect the rapidly evolving landscape of tech talent: who's winning, who's losing, and why so many companies are still playing yesterday's game with today's rules. From the rise of AI-native roles to the global appetite for remote work, Ann unpacks the contradictions shaping how we recruit, retain, and reskill in 2025 and beyond.David and Ann explore the dual realities in tech hiring: one where AI-driven skillsets command premium salaries, and another where traditional roles face declining value and shrinking budgets. They also dig into the elusive promise of cognitive diversity, the myth of the "perfect skill fit," and why Gen Z talent won't be lured by ping pong tables and kombucha anymore.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsCheck out this episode’s sponsor: Oyster HR, Inc.Connect with Ann on LinkedInCheck out Outstaff Your TeamSupport the show
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Authenticity or Bust: Why Performative Values Don't Work Anymore
Kelly Meerbott, CEO of YOU: Loud and Clear, dives into the growing disconnect between the C-suite and everyday employees, exposing how middle managers become "human shock absorbers" caught between corporate pressures and workforce realities. She calls out performative leadership and urges executives to prioritize coherence over charisma, advocating for leaders who genuinely embody their values rather than just posting them online.Kelly also challenges traditional ideas around gender and leadership, encouraging women to replace "niceness" with "ferocious kindness" — honest, empathetic communication that fosters trust and drives results. This candid conversation offers powerful insights for leaders ready to move beyond outdated paradigms and build authentic, courageous connections with their teams.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Kelly on LinkedInCheck out Kelly’s websiteSupport the show
The People Managing People podcast, hosted by David Rice, aims to inspire people leaders, managers, and HR professionals as they build the workplace of the future and develop the talent it needs to thrive. Our guests are innovators and thought leaders exploring topics ranging from technology to performance management, workplace culture and employee experience.
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