Rich shares invaluable insights from his time at Google and Facebook, explaining why he transitioned into the startup world and how Anyscale is tackling the challenges of machine learning talent acquisition. We also discuss the importance of sourcing differentiation, the role of AI in recruiting, and why every employee should think like a recruiter.

Key Points From This Episode:

Why Rich left big tech for startups and the lessons he brought with him.
Selling shovels during a gold rush: how Anyscale enables AI and ML scalability.
Anyscale’s plans to expand from 135 to 200 employees by the end of 2025.
The importance of sourcing differentiation in hiring.
Reflections on the role of AI in recruiting: what works, and what doesn’t.
Insight into the power of referrals and empowering employees as recruiters.
What goes into shifting from traditional referrals to proactive sourcing.
Different ways that hiring managers are embracing LinkedIn Recruiter.
Measuring hiring success as part of performance management.
The impact of helping hiring managers understand the realities of recruiting.
Rich’s mindset-focused advice for mid-career talent professionals.

Quotes:

“As a sourcing and recruiting team, you have to find differentiation – faster than your competitors. Otherwise, you're pulling up LinkedIn Recruiter, putting the same 150 engineers into a project folder that your competitors are, and going after the same talent.” — Rich Adao [12:45]

“I'm still waiting for a magic AI tool to emerge. – You still cannot replace the human connection [with] a recruiter that can get to know somebody and explain the business.” — Rich Adao [15:09]

“Recruiting is everybody's job. It is important. It is paramount for our future success.” — Rich Adao [26:02]

“Don’t put limitations on yourself. If you have the right approach in your current job, you can surprise yourself with what you can do. Always continue to reach above and beyond. At the same time, be realistic about where you are. Seek out feedback.” — Rich Adao [38:33]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Anyscale

Rich Adao on LinkedIn

LHH Recruitment Solutions