Thanks for checking out this month's news.

Market Overview

The UK’s IT and digital job market remains strong, with a focus on roles in cloud computing, data analytics, and AI. There is still a continuing trend for a rise in demand for senior-level technical roles, despite this, some roles have seen salary declines year on year. Skills in AWS, Azure, Python, and DevOps continue to dominate, reflecting the increasing reliance on cloud infrastructure and automation. AI is reshaping the landscape, driving growth in roles like AI Engineers and Data Scientists, with AI-related jobs offering premium salaries.

The UK’s AI sector, valued at ￡72.3 billion, still leads Europe, creating many opportunities in areas like machine learning and AI ethics. This evolution highlights the market’s shift towards AI integration and the creation of new tech roles, balancing automation with fresh job growth. The US market mirrors these trends, but on a larger scale, with demand especially high in California, New York and Texas.

For specific benchmarking, or advice on leadership compensation packages, get in touch with Rebecca Hastings .

How to Hit the Ground Running in Your New Tech Leadership Role

Stepping into a leadership position in a tech company is exciting but comes with unique challenges. The first 90 days are crucial in setting the foundation for your success. Here are key insights to help you make the most of this period:?

1. Assess whether you’re in a Start-up, Turnaround, Accelerated Growth, Realignment, or Sustaining Success situation. Each requires a tailored leadership approach, and knowing where your company stands will help you prioritize your efforts effectively.?
2. Discuss the business situation, resources, expectations, communication styles, and opportunities for personal development as soon as possible. These conversations will lay the groundwork for productive working relationships and ensure smooth collaboration.?
3. Early victories in your role can establish trust and build momentum. Focus on identifying achievable goals in the first few weeks to demonstrate your ability to deliver results. Whether it’s improving a process, building a strong team, or completing a critical project, these wins will set the stage for longer-term success.?

?? For more detailed guidance on making your transition as smooth as possible, download our full guide and checklist here .?

What AI Leaders Need to Know About Hiring in 2025?

As AI becomes a key part of many industries, the competition for skilled professionals is intense. To secure top talent and drive innovation, leaders need to rethink their hiring strategies. Here are three critical insights to help you stay ahead:?

1. Target Talent Hotspots?

Identifying where the best AI talent is located can give your company a significant advantage. By planning ahead, building relationships and strategically targeting talent you can build a steady stream of candidates ready to join your team when needed.?

2. Stay Competitive with Compensation?

Make sure your compensation packages align with the latest market data to attract the best professionals. It’s important to assess not just general market trends but also the specific salary expectations of your ideal hires to stay competitive. Write “Guide” in the comments for a copy of our salary and talent market guide, or message Rachelle Talabucon.?

3. Consider Your Approach?

Top talents are always getting tapped up about the next great job. Being hyper personal and going the extra mile is now more essential than ever. People want to know why you’re approaching them, what it means to them and how you talk about your company.?

?????? To get a copy of our 28 page AI Talent and Salary Guide, post "Guide" in the comments or message Rachelle Talabucon ??????

??? For more strategies on securing top AI talent and to learn from industry leaders, check out this video.

AI, Cybersecurity, Boards, Career Transitions?

As technology evolves, so does the landscape of cybersecurity. Jamie Graves shares how artificial intelligence (AI) is making waves in cybersecurity, particularly in business-to-business (B2B) environments. His journey from founding ZoneFox, an award-winning cybersecurity company that sold to Fortinet, to transitioning into advisory roles has provided him with unique insights into how AI can augment human capabilities in securing digital infrastructures.?

Jamie discusses the practical applications of AI, from detecting anomalies to streamlining threat response times, making cybersecurity more efficient. He emphasizes that AI doesn’t replace human expertise but rather enhances it, allowing cybersecurity professionals to focus on high-value tasks while AI handles data-heavy processes.?

For tech leaders, understanding how to leverage AI in their security strategy is crucial for staying ahead of increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. Jamie also touches on the importance of translating technical capabilities into clear business value, a challenge many tech companies face as they scale.?

Jamie also discussed:?

• Key lessons learned from founding and selling ZoneFox.?

• The evolving role of product management in scaling companies.?

• Working effectively with board members.?

• Transitioning to a career as an advisor.?

Learn more about AI’s role in cybersecurity and how Jamie Graves’ experience can help tech companies prepare for future challenges on The Lucent Perspective .?

?

?

How AI Can Help Us Manage Global Content?

Businesses are more more often operating across multiple markets, and managing multilingual content is a growing challenge. David Meikle , founder of BloxWeaver language technology expert, provides a unique perspective on how AI is transforming content management for global companies. With his extensive background in open-source software and leading tech teams, David offers insights into the ways AI can address the complexities of translation, localization, and content creation at scale.?

David highlights how AI-driven content management systems are evolving to meet the needs of enterprises with global footprints. He introduces the concept of a “content fabric,” a strategic approach that weaves together different language technologies to ensure consistency and accuracy across languages. For companies looking to streamline their content strategies, customizing AI to their specific business needs can be the game-changer, allowing them to focus on growth without getting bogged down by linguistic barriers.?

Beyond AI, David also sheds light on tech leadership and career development, particularly his experience balancing open-source contributions alongside his day job. He also offers valuable lessons for tech leaders aiming to future-proof their organizations while navigating the complexities of an exit strategy.?

David also discussed:?

• The limitations of off-the-shelf language models and the importance of customization for business success.?

• Key considerations for CTOs when preparing a company for exit.?

Learn more about how AI is shaping the future of content management and global strategy in our conversation with David Meikle, now available on The Lucent Perspective.?

Thank You!?

Thank you to everyone who offered useful tech suggestions in dealing with my lack of functioning right hand this month. So far, it appears to be on the mend. If you have ever had your thumb and/or hand in a brace, splint or plaster cast, you will know that using a mouse is really difficult. The level of hand eye coordination is greater than I ever imagined.??

After trialing several different mouses the one that has worked best is a wired trackpad.?I had assumed a vertical mouse would be best, but it turns out having no working thumb = no grip. I am recovering well and hope my hand is back to normal soon.

Join the Conversation.

?? Get in touch if you'd like help finding the leadership, sales and tech talent for growth on +44 7564 444 680. ?

??? Check out our podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. ?

?? Connect with me Rebecca Hastings on LinkedIn ?

?? Drop us a message below if you have any questions or comments ???

?

?