10 Bold Predictions for TA/HR Tech Companies

Last week in Paris TAtech I had the honor of speaking not just once but twice. Due to a family emergency one of the speakers was unable to make it, and I was asked by Peter Weddle and Stephen O'Donnell ? to fill in. They thought the group would like a deeper dive on my my predictions for the future of the industry.

Reading an article is never the same for discussing these topics as the energy in a room of executives - but I wanted to share them with here anyhow since many of these thoughts seemed to resonate at the event.

1. Let's Get Past the US Election - Frankly, I don't think it matters who wins, the economy will loosen up a bit early next year. I have shared data my sentiment - the only thing I have to say is the economy suffers the most with a Republican Pres and a Democratic Congress.
2. Candidate Application Commoditization is Done - The last decade has been a race to the bottom with advanced technology in recruitment marketing leading the way. Quality matters now more than ever.
3. AI is Not Optional - I liken this to adding search function to your technology platform. Google taught us how the internet should work, and clobbered Yahoo et al. AI features and functions are expected. AI is not a strategy, it's simply expected UIX
4. Programmatic Overshadowed by AI - Following on #3 - Programmatic is going to take a back seat to AI in all aspects of TA and HR Technology.
5. Consolidation/Roll Ups/Retirement - This industry has gotten older and so has it's leaders. We are moving into a Gen Z dominated workforce over the next 5-10 years and both companies and leaders are missing the boat in adjusting. This will lead to more M&A and some old folks cashing out and moving on.
6. StepStone v. Indeed v. LinkedIN - I told the audience I was Nostradamus before the major announcement from StepStone/Axel and KKR - which happened to drop WHILE I was speaking! These 3 will battle for the hearts and minds of the industry. If you aren't them - look for the gaps they are leaving for the rest of us. They will leave us room, by fighting with each other.
7. Recruitment Advertising Agencies (RAAs) - For my entire career, these firms have represented at least 20% of spend; but more importantly they have been at the forefront at introducing large organizations to new and cutting edge products and services. As almost all have been acquired or converted to technology platforms leaving a major gap and challenge for HR/TA Tech to get early feedback on new things. Joe Shaker Jr and team are the last major, pure play, independent standing from what I can tell (Congrats to Shaker!).
8. Fractional Executives - Obviously there is a business in matching great leaders to great employers; but I think this is equally or more important for companies looking for top executive talent and experience, but who can't necessarily afford it.
9. Augmented Related and Wearables (Google Glass<Apple Vision Pro<Whatever Is Next) - Hundreds of Billions has been invested; while it may seem like punchlines to your jokes, this will eventually catch on for people other nerdy early adopter types. Think about your businesses in these terms - the nature of work will change.
10. TA Professionals (Corp) Have Had Tough Couple of Years - It's time to recognize the sidelined talent out there and begin to bring these folks into the commercial side. They have so much knowledge and experience with candidate screening, sourcing and ultimately everything that goes into matching. As you implement the necessary AI in your platforms, you should be bringing in the experts to train and measure the AI!

BONUS Observations:

A. Sales and Biz Dev joins the Influencer Era - Forget everything you ever knew about sales and sales teams; build influencer teams. (that is hard for me to say since I have spent my live leading sales!)

B. Direct Relationships with Employers - For a long time there have been cottage industries (arbitrage, backfill, etc). I don't think companies will survive without direct relationships in the long run.

Happy to chat about any of these thoughts in more depth with just about anyone. Not interested in diving into the elections more than my points above.

Thanks as always!

Ethan