Tech Scenes Unplugged with Brett Waikart, Co-founder & CEO of Skillfully

In this episode of Tech Scenes Unplugged, Jeff James Martin sits down with Brett Waikart, Co-founder & CEO of Skillfully, to discuss the future of hiring, the impact of AI on recruitment, and how traditional resumes are failing both companies and job seekers.

Brett shares how Skillfully is transforming the hiring process by shifting focus from outdated resumes to dynamic, real-world simulations that showcase candidates’ actual abilities. “The resume has been around for 500 years, but it’s time for change.” Instead of filtering through AI-generated resumes and rehearsed interview responses, employers can now see how candidates perform before making hiring decisions.

The conversation also dives into the challenges of scaling a startup in the AI era, how workforce evolution is reshaping hiring methods, and the role of experimentation in business success. Brett shares insights on team alignment, OKRs, and navigating rapid technological change. They also touch on the future of work, the impact of AI on job disruption, and why org charts may become obsolete.

"We want to see what they can do." – Brett on why real-world simulations are the key to better hiring.
"AI is not a job killer." – Discussing how AI will disrupt tasks, not entire professions.
"Scaling a startup requires careful sequencing of challenges." – On why strategic decision-making is crucial when building a high-growth company.
"OKRs should be used to measure progress and learn from failures." – Brett shares insights on using objectives and key results effectively.
"We are not a real company yet." – A candid reflection on the startup journey and the milestones that define real success.

From rethinking job applications to leveraging AI for smarter hiring, this episode offers a fascinating look at the changing dynamics of recruitment, business scaling, and leadership in the digital age.

Key Takeaways:
- The resume has been around for 500 years, but it’s time for change—AI can provide a more accurate and fair assessment of candidates’ abilities.
- Skillfully enables job seekers to showcase real skills through simulated job tasks, reducing bias and inefficiency in hiring.
- Employers often rely on outdated job descriptions, leading to mismatches in hiring needs and inefficiencies in talent acquisition.
- AI is transforming recruitment, reducing screening time by 50%, and helping companies hire more effectively.
- Understanding a candidate’s potential is more important than assessing past job titles—companies need to hire for real capabilities, not just credentials.
- The evolution of technology is reshaping employment, forcing companies to adapt hiring methods to attract top talent.
- Scaling a company in the AI space requires adaptability and foresight—experimenting with new business strategies is crucial.
- The future of recruitment lies in assessing real-world skills, not just resumes—Skillfully is leading this charge.
- OKRs should be used as learning tools, not just performance metrics—companies must iterate and evolve based on real results.
- The org chart may become obsolete in the AI era, as technology reshapes job roles and team structures.

Episode Chapters:
00:00 Revolutionizing Recruitment: The Role of AI
03:11 Skillfully: A New Approach to Job Applications
05:59 The Limitations of Traditional Hiring Practices
09:02 The Evolution of Resumes and Job Descriptions
12:01 Creating Realistic Job Simulations
15:12 Understanding Motivation and Proactivity in Candidates
18:00 The Origins of Skillfully and Market Entry
20:55 Leveraging Data for Better Hiring Decisions
24:09 The Impact of Technology on Recruitment
26:53 Navigating the Future of AI in Hiring
29:15 The Slow Adoption of Electric Vehicles
31:19 AI's Impact on Jobs and Work Dynamics
34:41 Challenges in Scaling a Startup
37:42 The Importance of Experimentation in Business
42:30 Aligning Teams for Success
46:30 Navigating Rapid Change in Business
51:19 The Desert Island Album Question

Music by Andrew Applepie - https://soundcloud.com/andrewapplepie