Ep 777: Why AI Needs To Drive Value Not Efficiency

We’re at a fork in the road for how companies adopt AI. Some are taking shortcuts, slashing entry-level roles and chasing efficiency savings. Others are slowing down to ask a harder question: how does this technology actually create new value? The data suggests that many companies are choosing the wrong path, using AI as a scapegoat for cost-cutting that is really caused by other business challenges. The consequences for their talent pipelines, skills development, and long-term competitiveness could be severe. So what separates organisations that get AI right from those that don't, and what does this mean for talent acquisition? My guest this week is Kelly Monahan, founder of Beyond the Desk. and a highly experienced labour economist who advises organisations on building genuine AI capability. In our conversation, she explains what most companies are getting wrong, the skills that actually matter, and the implications for talent acquisition. In the interview, we discuss: How are skills evolving? Why AI is being used as a scapegoat The real cost of cutting entry-level roles Three skills that define AI readiness Protecting high-value human touchpoints Buy or build? Using technology strategically AI for organizational value, not efficiency shortcuts Data privacy and compliance risks Developing the skills and mindset needed to future-proof your career What does the future look like? Follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts. Follow this podcast on Spotify.

You can listen to Ep 777: Why AI Needs To Drive Value Not Efficiency online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

Ep 777: Why AI Needs To Drive Value Not Efficiency is an episode from Recruiting Future with Matt Alder by Matt Alder.

This episode is 27:11 long.

This episode was published on Mar 23, 2026.

Yes. Use the heart button on the episode page to add it to your favorite episodes list.

Yes. This page shows related episodes from Recruiting Future with Matt Alder when more episodes are available from the podcast feed.