This Google exec is hiring for a new engineering team. She evaluates creativity in 2 ways during interviews. (www.businessinsider.com)

Google executive Yasmeen Ahmad is spearheading the recruitment of a new engineering team focused on innovation and creative problem-solving, rather than just technical proficiency. Ahmad emphasizes the importance of hiring “early adopters” who actively experiment with AI tools and have the ability to rethink traditional processes. She evaluates candidates’ creativity through two primary methods: their inclination for constant experimentation with new technologies and scenario-based testing that challenges their innovative thinking in unfamiliar domains. Ahmad's approach is significant for the AI/ML community as it signals a shift in hiring practices towards valuing creativity and adaptability in an era where AI is increasingly automating engineering tasks. In interviews, candidates are encouraged to discuss how they’ve applied AI in practical contexts and may be tested on their ability to devise solutions for complex scenarios. Ahmad’s focus is on finding individuals who can foresee potential pitfalls in AI applications and design robust evaluation frameworks, highlighting a transformation in the role of software engineers from conventional coding to orchestrating multi-agent systems in response to evolving technological landscapes.