In this insightful episode of Robots and Red Tape, host Nick Schutt is joined by experts Jon Conradt and Elena Agaragimova, co-founders of Shiftwell.ai, to discuss the evolving landscape of AI talent and workforce development. Elena, a seasoned professional in talent development and people operations, shares her experience creating effective talent pipelines, training programs, and strategic talent solutions. Jon, a technology veteran and former Principal AI Researcher at Amazon, brings a wealth of practical AI insights from his work with Google's Chrome browser and beyond.

The conversation explores:

• Defining the modern AI workforce and how businesses are integrating AI technologies.
• Common misconceptions around AI talent needs and the reality of hiring in this space.
• The critical roles of data engineers, software engineers, and AI researchers, and where companies should prioritize investment.
• Strategies for addressing the significant talent gaps in AI, including upskilling, reskilling, and innovative recruitment approaches.
• Importance of soft skills such as problem-solving, curiosity, adaptability, and effective communication for technical roles.
• How leaders can effectively recognize AI-solvable problems and avoid pitfalls when investing in AI solutions.
• Practical advice for leadership to foster transparency, reduce fear, and build a collaborative environment during AI-driven transformation.

Jon and Elena emphasize the importance of balancing technical capabilities with soft skills, advocating for curiosity, effective communication, and adaptability as essential attributes for success in the AI era. Tune in for actionable insights to build robust, resilient, and innovative AI talent pipelines and retain skilled teams in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

To learn more, you can check out https://www.shiftwell.ai/

To connect with Elena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/

To connect with Jon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonconradt/

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