AI Sector Talent Insights and Salary Trends

Welcome back to our newsletter! We’ve had a great summer break at Lucent and have some exciting updates to share.??

Launching our UK AI Sector Talent Insights and Salary Trends

This is the first of a few guides we’ve been researching. In it, we cover the talent dynamics, how candidate behaviour is evolving, the hiring strategies yielding the best results securing talent, regional differences in salary and demand for talent throughout the UK, skills in demand and salary trends over the last few years.?

Get your copy here or sign up for our upcoming market guides on commercial and global talent.

How to Master Onboarding and Scale Engineering Teams: Insights from Gavin Cowie?

This year, several companies have spoken with us about revisiting onboarding processes. Why? Candidates are moving on faster than ever if they don’t integrate quickly. Onboarding is critical for retention, maintaining the culture you want and driving performance.??

In my most recent conversation on The Lucent Perspective podcast with Gavin Cowie , a VP of Engineering and CTO, we discussed the critical aspects of onboarding senior tech leaders and scaling engineering teams. Gavin's experience spanning AI, data science, and cybersecurity companies on both sides of the Atlantic offers a unique perspective on these challenges.?

One key insight Gavin shared is the importance of developing an understanding of a company's history of change when starting a new role. This often-overlooked aspect provides crucial context for new leaders, helping them align their strategies with the organization's culture and past experiences. Gavin emphasizes that knowing how you got there can give you a huge advantage when trying to establish rapport with folks.

Another valuable point Gavin made is the evolution of leadership styles as companies grow. He described the transition from being deeply involved in every decision at the seed stage to delegating more as the company reaches Series A and beyond. This shift requires leaders to adapt their communication styles and decision-making processes, a crucial skill for tech executives navigating rapid growth.?

Gavin also shared:?

• Strategies for building key relationships in a new role?

• Tips for effective engineer onboarding?

• Navigating cultural differences between US and UK tech scenes?

• The impact of AI and emerging technologies on the future of work?

Learn more about Gavin's comprehensive onboarding framework and his insights on maintaining company culture in hybrid work environments in the full podcast episode. His practical advice is invaluable for tech leaders facing the complexities of scaling teams and adapting to post-pandemic work realities.?

As always, if you're looking to build or join high-performing tech teams, feel free to reach out. I'm here to help you find the right talent or opportunities.?

How AI is Transforming Procurement: Insights from Globality's CTO?

In a previous conversation on The Lucent Perspective podcast, I spoke with Keith McFarlane . He is the CTO of Globality, Inc. . We explored the significant impact of AI on the procurement industry and how Keith overcame technical challenges.??

Keith emphasized the critical role of data science teams in effective AI implementation. He stressed that having the right talent is crucial for harnessing AI's potential in business processes. This aligns with what I've observed in recent years - companies that prioritized building strong data science capabilities are now often at the forefront of AI innovation.?

We also discussed the growing importance of AI governance. As AI becomes more integrated into core business functions like procurement, establishing clear governance structures is essential. This ensures that AI systems are not only efficient but also ethical and compliant with regulations.?

Keith also shared strategies for maintaining company culture in hybrid work environments, a challenge many tech companies are currently facing. He highlighted the importance of balancing in-person collaboration with the flexibility of remote work to foster innovation and team cohesion.?

In the full podcast episode, Keith also discussed:?

• How AI is impacting CFO decision-making and driving efficiency?

• Technical challenges in scaling AI-driven platforms?

• The future of AI in procurement and its potential to transform business operations?

Here's a short video where we discuss:?

What Should AI Leaders Focus On Now?

As AI transforms business operations, leaders must carefully consider how to adapt and implement these technologies. In a recent episode of The Lucent Perspective podcast, I spoke with Oliver King-Smith , AI expert and Founder of smartR AI , who shared invaluable insights on both the promises and pitfalls of AI adoption.?

One of the key takeaways from our conversation was the importance of distinguishing between true AI and standard algorithms. AI systems, unlike traditional software, can learn and evolve, making them powerful tools when used correctly. However, many companies are still unclear on whether they are truly leveraging AI. Oliver advises asking crucial questions: Can the system learn from its mistakes? Can it adapt beyond its initial training data? And does it make decisions autonomously? These questions help clarify whether a company is simply using algorithms or working with genuine AI.?

Moreover, privacy and security are top concerns. As businesses increasingly adopt AI, the handling of sensitive data becomes more complex. Oliver stresses the importance of keeping data within your own private ecosystem, minimizing risks associated with third-party providers. He also emphasizes the value of strong encryption and secure data management practices, such as multi-factor authentication, which are critical to safe AI implementation.?

Oliver’s insights also highlighted broader implications for leadership. CEOs and other C-suite leaders must be prepared for significant shifts in business operations. Integrating AI into your organization isn't just a technical challenge; it’s a strategic one. Strong governance, ethical considerations, and a clear roadmap for workforce adaptation are essential for successful AI adoption.?

Want to hear more insights on preparing for AI challenges, building secure infrastructures, and fostering future AI leaders? Check out the episode with Oliver King-Smith on The Lucent Perspective.?

How AI is Shaping Sales Strategy: Insights from Daniel Codd?

In today's sales environment, the role of AI has expanded far beyond lead generation. During my conversation with sales leader Daniel Codd , we explored how AI is transforming sales strategies. One key takeaway was the importance of intent data allowing businesses to focus their outreach efforts on high-potential leads rather than casting wide, unproductive nets. By targeting the right people at the right time, sales teams can streamline efforts and deliver more tailored communications.?

Daniel emphasized that while AI tools offer valuable insights, they are no substitute for a solid sales process. Organizations must have clear objectives for any tool they bring in. He also highlighted the importance of balancing new business development with account growth, noting that farming existing accounts is often overlooked in favor of acquiring new customers.?

We also discussed the need for organizations to look at sales holistically—treating data and relationships as long-term assets, not short-term wins. Daniel shared practical advice on integrating AI tools to complement strong sales processes and ensure sustainable growth.?

Learn more about how AI is shaping sales strategies by listening to our discussion with Daniel on The Lucent Perspective.?

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?? Get in touch if you'd like help finding the leadership, sales and tech talent for growth.?

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?? Comment below if you have any questions or comments ???

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