AI isn’t just transforming technology, it’s reshaping the very definition of talent. This episode of Pure Signal examines why organizations need to change their hiring scope to focus on skills like adaptability, curiosity, and a real eagerness to embrace new technologies as AI adoption continues across today’s workforce.
As companies struggle to accelerate AI adoption, a new reality is emerging: technology alone won’t drive transformation. Leaders are realizing that success depends on people who can learn quickly, embrace change, and rethink how work gets done. From mid-market disruptors to global enterprises, the pressure is on to identify and develop teams built for continuous reinvention.
Join Vincent and Kevin as they explore what defines AI-ready talent, how leaders can nurture curiosity and resilience across their organizations, and why the ability to adapt is now a competitive advantage. Their conversation offers a candid look at the human side of AI transformation, and the stakes for companies that fail to evolve their workforce as fast as their tech.
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Quotes
“Everything goes back to simplistic elements and traits. Who's going to be successful in that model where you have to learn? Well, it's someone who has a learning mindset, a growth mindset. Someone who is curious, someone who's got the discipline to figure it out. Someone who's got the perseverance to work through things. Someone who gets excited about doing it in a different way." – Kevin Erickson
“In these moments, I think we're going to see the mid-market companies get a lot more aggressive. They have the agility, they have the conviction. Oftentimes they're still sort of founder-led or privately owned in some cases, and that gives them more flexibility. They want real growth." – Vincent Yates
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Time Stamps
00:00 Intro
00:30 Why AI adoption is uneven across organizations
03:00 Getting past the first hurdle
06:00 Carrots vs. sticks
10:00 Moving from faster work to better work
13:00 Redefining value when AI levels the field
17:00 Why mid-market companies have the advantage
23:00 Lessons from past tech transformations
28:00 Hiring for adaptability
36:00 Curiosity, resilience, and change as competitive advantage
42:00 Leading through change without burning out teams
46:30 Closing thoughts
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Links
Connect with the hosts on LinkedIn!
