Last year brought plenty of AI hype, but actual adoption in talent acquisition remained tentative. Some organizations ran pilots, most watched from the sidelines, and expectations stayed cautiously low. The technology advanced rapidly, yet widespread implementation lagged far behind the headlines.

Now, heading into 2026, there's a genuine opportunity to move beyond experimentation. But extracting real value won't come from simply buying the tools. It requires building entirely new capabilities around continuous workforce transformation and reskilling. The organizations that crack this will pull ahead. Those waiting for AI to deliver results on its own will be left wondering what went wrong. So what actually needs to change for companies to see a return on their AI investments?

My guest this week is Jonathan Kestenbaum, Managing Director at AMS. In our conversation, he shares his 2026 predictions for AI and outlines the transformation TA needs to make.

In the interview, we discuss:

The complexities of AI implementation
Is workforce planning the missing link in AI transformation?
Blockchain and identity
Hiring manager experience as the new KPI
The need for more context and the end of the resume
Innovation is outpacing regulation
Increasing velocity in internal mobility
How will the technology develop over the next few years?

Havner, V - What Makes the Difference