Talent Bytes - September 2024

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I think that a lot of us are struggling with some level of innovation fatigue right now. It can seem that every time we get on top of technological (or geopolitical) change, every time we get our feet under ourselves, something else shifts.  

This month, I’ve seen some serious AI progress in an area that I never thought would be touched, cold calling. Do me a favour, go to 11x (link in the comments) and book a call with their phone rep Jordan. It’ll blow your mind. TLDR:  

⭐ Realistic, real time AI driven phone conversations aren’t quite there yet but they’re really, really, really, really close 

⭐The phone agent is thoughtful, funny, and generally very realistic   

⭐This is an example of where legislation will prevent job losses – robo calls are illegal in the US and most of Europe  

⭐We need to retain an agile approach and be happy to rethink where ‘human optimal’ activities begin and end 

Find out more in this month’s edition of Talent Bytes. I’m also diving into the latest tech trends and sharing insights on how they might impact our industry. Let’s explore the most exciting developments from September! 

Learning Bytes 

Apple launches AI-powered iPhone 16 - Sky News, September 2024 

• Apple has unveiled the iPhone 16, featuring Apple Intelligence, its first smartphone AI.  

• Privacy remains a focus, with encrypted requests and visual cues when the AI listens. 

• This technology integrates with core iPhone apps like calendars and messages, allowing users to perform tasks more efficiently.  

• Andrew Laughlin questions if these features will convince cash-strapped consumers to upgrade.  

• My take: Apple's approach to AI aligns with its usual strategy: refine and deliver rather than rush to market. As usual, Apple will define the expectations for the hardware market, and I’d expect to see many smartphones, watches, and laptops follow suit and build with AI front of mind.  

plxAI Secures $2m to Combat Chatbot Cybersecurity Threats - Sky News, September 2024 

• Cybersecurity start-up SplxAI, which focuses on protecting AI chatbots from vulnerabilities, has raised $2m.  

• SplxAI's platform, Probe, aims to identify weaknesses in chatbot systems before they are exploited by cyberattackers. With AI chatbots increasingly being used globally, security in this area has become a critical concern. 

My take: The threat here is huge. Companies and customers are at massive risk to hacking and phishing so we’re all going to have to double down on security.  

 Klarna's Bold Move to Replace SaaS with AI Faces Skepticism from Tech Experts - INC 

The buy-now-pay-later giant is cutting ties with Salesforce and Workday as it looks to streamline operations with AI. 

Klarna is shifting away from major software providers like Salesforce and Workday, planning to replace them with in-house AI solutions. CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski aims to automate processes and reduce reliance on external SaaS providers, raising concerns about the company's ability to manage this transition effectively. 

My take: This move is risky. While AI offers efficiency, replacing established systems like Salesforce and Workday may result in costly setbacks if the transition isn’t seamless. 

Big Bytes 

I sat down with Caroline and Marcus, co-founders of Talk’N’Job, to explore their innovative platform. They discuss the founding story, future plans, and the current state of talent acquisition technology, offering insights into how AI is transforming the recruitment process. 

Key Talking Points: 

1. The Founding Story of Talk and Job: Marcus shares the motivation behind creating Talk and Job, a platform designed to streamline recruitment and job applications using AI to enhance the candidate experience. 

1. Future Expansion Plans: The founders discuss their vision for the future, including expanding their integration with large Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and reducing candidate churn through improved communication tools. 

1. Innovative Players in Talent Tech: Caroline and Marcus share their thoughts on other companies in the HR tech space, with shoutouts to startups like Pezzonio, while Marcus emphasizes Talk and Job's unique approach to AI-driven recruitment solutions. 

 We Need To Talk About HR Podcast 

This week I was joined b Tushar Pandit, an experienced CPO who shares insights on how HR has become a crucial player in leading change and preparing businesses for the future.   

Key themes include:   

⭐How the pandemic elevated HR's role in organisational leadership. 

💙The unique responsibilities HR took on during the crisis. 

😄The importance of thinking outside the box and utilizing internal talent for future growth.  From the power of AI in training to creating a unified learning culture, this episode is packed with insights for HR leaders and L&D professionals!   

Click here to check out the full episode.

Need to Know Technology for Recruitment