In the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, companies face new challenges in retaining top talent. As AI reshapes industries, employees are re-evaluating their roles, seeking opportunities that offer growth, purpose, and stability. To thrive in this era, companies must adopt innovative strategies that not only embrace AI but also prioritize the needs and aspirations of their workforce. We sat down with Kendra Johnson, founder of The Venned Group, to learn more about retaining top talent in the AI era.
What was the inspiration behind The Venned Group?
The Venned Group (TVG) was born from my own experience with leadership and project management, during which I experienced severe burnout. My experience is not unique, but I knew it was entirely preventable had I possessed the emotional acuity and proper communication tools to articulate my need for support. TVG has evolved into a leading soft skill-based leadership company, complete with our own working and communication style assessment. This evolution allows us to spotlight great people doing great things through our community events, which is the secondary inspiration behind The Venned Group.
How do you help companies grow when it comes to top talent?
We recognize that there is a large pool of untapped talent in the day-to-day operations of many organizations. We partner with organizations and senior leaders to develop the soft, people, and power skills of their aspiring and mid-level leaders, bridging the gap between competing priorities, objectives, and personalities.
With the development of AI, what is the importance of “soft skills” in today’s workforce?
I always say that the tools/tech we use are only as useful as the people who use them. We still need critical thinking, especially with the vast access to information today, and we still need to communicate efficiently with one another to move projects along. AI is great for streamlining projects, but the human element of business, customer service, and team cohesion will always require humans with soft skills who can connect with others. Storytelling and personal branding are on the rise because we’re moving away from human connection. The sooner brands realize that their people are still the best ambassadors, the better their customer and employee retention will be.
What are some ways companies can retain top talent?
Learn who your employees are—what motivates them? Why are they committed to your cause? Share your vision and values, and then act on them. Integrity is key to keeping your team; a lack of it is a quick way to lose them! Connect with your employees as individuals and understand the skills they bring to the table, then allow them to put those skills into action. Also, remember to say thank you. It’s not always about dollars and cents; appreciation and recognition go a long way. These ideas may seem simple in theory, but they’re often overlooked when things get stressful.
We live in a noisy world. How can companies differentiate their employer brand?
To differentiate your employer brand in a noisy world, focus on authentic storytelling and personal branding. Highlight the unique aspects of your company culture and the individual stories of your employees. Foster a culture of open communication and continuous learning, showing that you invest in the growth and development of your people. This not only attracts top talent, but also retains them by creating a sense of belonging and purpose. Additionally, leveraging the power of social proof through employee testimonials and success stories can set your brand apart.
What trends do you see in your industry?
What does it look like in five years? In the next five years, we will see a growing emphasis on emotional intelligence, adaptability, and resilience in the workplace. With the rise of remote work and AI integration, the need for strong communication and collaboration skills will be paramount. Companies will increasingly invest in personalized training programs to develop these soft skills. The future of our industry will be characterized by a holistic approach to employee development, blending technical skills with essential soft skills to create well-rounded leaders.
What’s next with The Venned Group?
We are thrilled to introduce our S.P.A.R.K. Assessment as a standalone product! With our leadership training alumni network growing, we are hosting dynamic in-person events to connect our community of leaders. We’re also going global, extending our services across North America, Europe, and Asia. With a few more projects in the works, I’ll leave it there for now, but the second half of 2024 is looking very exciting!
