HIRE SMARTER – THE HUMAN EDGE IN AN AI WORLD
Drive by Friday
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Drive by Friday –
“Hire the human, not the hardware.”
There’s no escaping it — AI is officially part of the workplace toolkit. It’s helping us analyse data faster, draft emails quicker, and keep admin tasks in check. But here’s the thing: while technology can speed things up, it can’t replace what really matters in a person - their human edge.
So, what are the top skills to hire for right now?
If you’re building teams in the novated leasing, salary packaging, or fleet world, these are the skills that will matter most as AI becomes more embedded in how we work:
Adaptability & Change Readiness
The pace of change isn’t slowing down. The people who will thrive are those who can roll with it - who don’t just accept new systems and tools but lean into them.
Look for candidates who show curiosity rather than resistance.
Data Literacy
You don’t need analysts in every seat, but everyone should understand how to read and use data to make better decisions. In leasing and fleet, that could mean spotting trends in vehicle usage, identifying cost efficiencies, or understanding customer patterns.
It’s not about crunching numbers — it’s about connecting insights.
Communication & Stakeholder Management
Even with AI streamlining the admin, it’s still the human conversations that close deals, resolve client issues, and build loyalty. The ability to tailor communication to your audience — whether it’s a customer, colleague, or supplier — remains invaluable.
Emotional Intelligence
As automation takes care of repetitive work, emotional intelligence takes centre stage. Being able to read people, empathise, and navigate tricky conversations is what turns a good employee into a trusted partner.
In an AI-driven world, empathy is the new currency.
Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving
Technology provides information, but humans provide judgement. The ability to weigh up scenarios, question assumptions, and make decisions with context and nuance is more valuable than ever.
Continuous Learning Mindset
The best hires aren’t just qualified for today - they’re motivated to keep evolving. They read, upskill, experiment, and ask questions.
It’s the mindset that says, “Teach me something new.”
Prioritising the Right Mix
Hiring in the age of AI isn’t about replacing traditional skills — it’s about rebalancing.
Technical knowledge and system experience still matter, but the standout employees will be those who pair these with adaptability, emotional intelligence, and strategic thinking.
In other words: hire for human, train for tech.
Final Thought
AI won’t replace your people — but the people who embrace it (and bring those uniquely human skills to the table) will take your business further, faster.
“Hire the human, not the hardware.”
“ AI might know the data — but it doesn’t know your customers like you do.”
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lorraine@simpli-u.com.au
Lorraine Singer
Director & Consultant, Simpli-U | Recruitment Solutions for the Novated Leasing, Salary Packaging & Automotive sectors | Australia-wide | Solutions all about ‘U’ (Clients & Candidates)