Why Your Talent Strategy Might Be Holding You Back
Insights from General Assembly on Future-Ready Workforce Development
As AI continues to transform the workplace, forward-thinking organizations are rethinking how they build and support their teams. General Assembly (GA) is sounding the alarm on outdated talent strategies—and offering practical guidance to help companies stay competitive.
Learning Needs to Look More Like Working
GA’s Chief Learning Officer, Dr. Jeff Bergin, notes that AI could automate up to 30% of annual work hours by the end of the decade. With this rapid pace of change, traditional education models aren’t keeping up.
“When learning mirrors working,” says Bergin, “people develop capabilities that truly matter—closing the gap between education and workplace needs, especially for fast-evolving technologies.”
The AI Talent Race Is Unsustainable
A recent GA report reveals that 75% of tech hiring managers are scrambling to recruit AI talent without building sustainable pipelines. GA CEO Daniele Grassi warns against this short-term mindset:
“Too many companies approach AI with the same tired playbook—layoffs followed by hiring sprees with no strategy.”
Instead, leaders are encouraged to develop talent from within while still tapping external candidates. Hannah Calhoon, VP of AI at Indeed, emphasizes the need for skills-based hiring and internal upskilling to keep pace with innovation.
Radical Transparency Builds Better Pipelines
In a recent Talk Talent To Me podcast, GA’s Lupe Colangelo made a compelling case for radical transparency in recruiting and workforce development.
“Telling people where they stand, when they’ll hear back, if they’re still being considered— it transforms the candidate experience,” she says. The same approach applies to AI integration: when leaders are transparent and confident, employees are more likely to embrace new technologies.
Your Next Great Tech Hire Might Already Work for You
Sometimes, the best tech talent isn’t outside your organization—it’s hidden in plain sight. GA highlights how team members in marketing, finance, and customer service often demonstrate the traits of successful tech talent: curiosity, problem-solving, and a drive to innovate.
Whether it’s a designer learning to code on the weekend or a project manager automating workflows, these employees thrive when given clear pathways to grow. Upskilling from within not only reduces hiring costs but also builds a more loyal, future-ready workforce.
→ Explore more insights from General Assembly here
More AI Articles
