Bob Pulver talks with Jeff Mike, Managing Director, Customer Strategy and Value, at Flextrack, about AI in talent acquisition and how his organization’s next-generation vendor management system fits into the future of talent puzzle. Bob and Jeff discuss the practical use cases of AI, the integration of AI tools into the FlexTrack platform, and the benefits of using generative AI. They also touch on the importance of data privacy and trust in AI, the need for critical thinking when using AI, and the potential for AI to augment rather than replace human workers. The conversation explores the complexity of managing data in the contingent workforce ecosystem and the convergence of HR, procurement, IT, and finance. Bob and Jeff also discuss the challenges of skills taxonomy and the need for a common language. The potential use of small language models and AI assistants in HR and talent management is highlighted, along with the importance of engaging with AI tools and resources to elevate one’s AIQ. Keywords AI, talent acquisition, FlexTrack, vendor management system, practical use cases, integration, generative AI, data privacy, trust, critical thinking, augmentation, contingent workforce, data management, convergence, skills taxonomy, small language models, AI assistants, AIQ Takeaways FlexTrack is a next-generation vendor management system that focuses on practical use cases of AI in talent acquisition. The integration of AI tools into a software platform allows for more streamlined and efficient workflows. Data privacy and trust are important considerations when using AI, and critical thinking is necessary to ensure responsible AI use. AI has the potential to augment human workers and create new opportunities for upskilling and growth. Managing data in the contingent workforce ecosystem requires a focus on security, integration, and making sense of complex data from multiple sources. There is a convergence between HR, procurement, IT, and finance in adopting a total workforce approach. Skills taxonomy is a challenge in the talent space, and the development of a common language is needed. Small language models and AI assistants are valuable tools for generating content and navigating people data. Engaging with AI tools and resources is essential for developing AIQ and leveraging the benefits of AI. Sound Bites "Start with practical use cases." "A single user interface that acts as the general contractor." "We believe very much in the ecosystem approach and bringing the best of the ecosystem into their tech stack." "Now we have connectors and tools to bring these all together in a secure way." "Seeing convergence between HR, procurement, IT, and finance on a total workforce approach." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 07:33 Integration of AI Tools in the FlexTrack Platform 11:36 Data Privacy and Trust in AI 18:43 The Importance of Critical Thinking in AI 23:24 AI as an Augmentation, Not Replacement, for Human Workers 29:07 Managing Data in the Contingent Workforce Ecosystem 31:15 Convergence of HR, Procurement, IT, and Finance 34:44 The Value of Small Language Models and AI Assistants 45:08 Elevating AIQ: Engaging with AI Tools and Resources Jeff Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-mike FlexTrack: https://www.flextrack.com For advisory work and podcast sponsorship inquiries: Bob Pulver: https://linkedin.com/in/bobpulver Elevate Your AIQ: https://elevateyouraiq.com