North Carolina is becoming one of the fastest rising tech hubs in the country. Matt sits down with Brooks Raiford, CEO of NC Tech, to unpack the forces shaping the region’s innovation economy. They get into hiring trends, the truth about the AI skills gap, why non-tech companies now dominate tech hiring, and the surprising drop in computer science majors. Brooks explains how employers are navigating rapid AI transformation and why soft skills still matter. They also talk leadership, communication habits that elevate influence and the challenges start-ups face. It’s a grounded, wide-angle look at tech, talent and the future of work.

TOPIC TIME CODES

00:00 – 06:06: NC Tech overview and annual programming

06:06: Membership composition and geographic breakdown

10:16: Small business presence, local HQ footprint, and non-traditional members

14:36: Hiring data and the monthly IT job trends dashboard

16:40: Top hiring companies and non-tech sectors driving demand

19:20: Talent supply concerns and the dip in CS degree applications

21:49: Why young people are confused about tech careers in the AI era

24:40: AI skills, stackable credentials, and the new baseline of competency

26:52: How employers are adapting hiring and upskilling strategies

29:30: AI risks, data privacy concerns, and community college upskilling

32:04: Soft skills, communication, and what really drives leadership success

34:12: Brooks’ three life insights and the “walking stick” communication metaphor

38:03: How better communication creates influence and opportunity

41:45: The 2026 Young Tech Professionals Network

42:03: NC Tech’s advocacy role and statewide collaboration

45:03: Early-stage funding challenges in the Southeast and startup relocation

46:39: Closing thoughts.

SOURCES:

NCTECH.org
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooksraiford/