Why can’t you find great tech talent—even after layoffs flooded the market?

In this episode of Gaining the Technology Leadership Edge, Mike Mahoney talks with elite recruiter Peter Hire about how today’s best AI, ML, and IT professionals aren’t applying to your job postings—and why that’s actually normal.

Peter explains that top-tier technologists are drawn to purpose, culture, and meaningful work—not just compensation or brand names. He breaks down how companies unintentionally repel strong candidates by overselling roles, misusing buzzwords like “DEI,” or hiring expensive specialists they don’t truly need.

The conversation covers practical strategies leaders can use right now: showcasing culture authentically on social media, promoting internal talent instead of defaulting to external hires, and knowing when to bring in recruiting expertise rather than pulling CEOs into hiring tasks that drain value.

Mike and Peter also unpack the current state of remote work, why many organizations misunderstand AI hiring, and how poor onboarding and vague role definitions quietly push great hires out the door.

If you’re struggling to attract high-quality technical talent—or worried you’re hiring the wrong roles altogether—this episode will help you rethink how hiring really works in today’s market.