I hear people speak of ‘talent management’ confidently, but when did you last pause and consider what talent actually is?

🚸 Is talent innate or developed?

💯 When we identify ‘high-potential’ employees are we recognising genuine ability?

💰 How often are we rewarding those who conform to our existing leadership models?

🤔 How does our definition of talent need to evolve in an age of AI and automation?

Talent has, in the past, been about the focus on specific skills or competencies measured against predetermined frameworks. This approach does, however, create blind spots, is built from the organisation’s current purpose and overlooks contributions that don’t fit neatly into existing categories. Indeed, what future categories need to be crafted?

AI is increasingly handling routine tasks and the unique human capabilities which constitute ‘talent’ in the future will change. Critical and creative thought will remain essential, but what about adaptability, ethical decision-making or technical proficiency in specific tools or systems?

These are some of the questions, topics and thoughts I’m having ahead of Thinqi’s Roundtable on The Future of Talent Management on Tuesday, 8th April 2025 from 11am (BST).

It’d be great if you could be there.