Cisco's HR chief says AI and ML roles are 'really hard' to fill. Getting execs on the phone helps. (www.businessinsider.com)

Cisco's Chief People Officer, Kelly Jones, highlighted the intense challenges in filling AI and machine-learning operations roles due to high demand and a limited talent pool. As companies across various sectors scramble for specialized talent capable of automating and optimizing IT processes, Jones emphasized that securing top candidates requires more than conventional recruitment strategies. She detailed how Cisco has mobilized executives, including Chief Product Officer Jeetu Patel, to personally reach out to prime candidates, a tactic that has proven effective in a competitive hiring landscape filled with "AI washing"—where companies overstate their AI capabilities. The significance of these hiring challenges extends beyond Cisco, reflecting a broader trend as businesses recognize the critical need for AI expertise in both product development and internal operations. Jones noted that while technical skills are essential, qualities like intellectual curiosity and emotional agility are equally crucial in potential hires. Cisco's proactive approach to community engagement and talent attraction, including leveraging industry events and social media, illustrates a strategic effort to distinguish itself in the crowded AI talent market, ultimately aiming to enhance product innovation and organizational success.