Identifying and placing creative tech talent: A conversation with Andy Wardlaw

In this episode of Catalyst, Tammy is joined by Andy Wardlaw, a seasoned advisor in executive search and talent strategy. Andy has helped companies across marketing, technology and creative industries find leaders who thrive in complex environments. He brings a rare mix of instinct and experience to the work of placing people where they can create lasting impact. Tammy and Andy explore how to identify the right people for leadership roles, the importance of human creativity alongside AI and strategies for successful organizational change.

Highlights from the episode include:

• Hire for the current state of the business. Too often, people are hired for a future role that doesn’t exist yet, leading to frustration for both the hire and the company. It’s important to understand how someone’s skill set applies to the organization’s present challenges, not just future aspirations.
• Get people speaking the same language. Creative and technical leaders often use the same words but mean very different things. Without a common vocabulary, collaboration falls apart. Andy sees AI as a tool that can help bridge those gaps in communication.
• Instinct still beats the algorithm. Andy compares great leaders to chess players who know when to lean on instinct rather than logic. While AI can process data, the human ability to read situations and anticipate future outcomes is still unmatched.

Check out the full episode to learn more about the role of domain experts in an AI world and how creativity manifests across business functions.

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Please note that the views expressed in this episode may not necessarily be those of NTT DATA.