AI as Our Multiplier, People as Our Priority

Tobi Lutke’s recent memo on embracing AI at Shopify sparked some reflection on my own journey with technology and recruitment. I thought I’d share some thoughts on the parallels between his vision and the path we’ve been on at People Project.

I’ve been at the forefront of various technical innovations — from print to web, new programming languages, web to mobile transitions, data centers to cloud, and now AI, unleashing the next level of human potential. Each shift demands new skills and leadership approaches.

Throughout my recruiting career, I’ve navigated multiple paradigm shifts. I connected companies with mobile-first talent before most understood mobile’s impact and identified architectural minds for cloud transitions as they were just emerging.

With AI, we’re experiencing perhaps the most significant shift yet. In January 2023, when GPT-3 was still new, I was already analyzing its potential benefits and challenges for recruiters.

Just as Tobi describes AI as a “multiplier” enabling “10X the work done,” we’ve integrated AI tools throughout our recruiting workflow to dramatically increase efficiency. While he focuses on empowering entrepreneurs, we leverage AI to handle administrative tasks so we can focus on what truly matters: building authentic, meaningful relationships with candidates and clients.

Our brand relaunch in 2024 reaffirms this principle: “Despite the rapid changes in AI, people still matter most.” We’ve raised essential questions for business leaders: “Who should be responsible for how companies store and access these tools? What rules should ensure the ethical use of generative AI? How might this influence business strategy and competitive advantages?”

Our commitment remains unchanged: to use AI as a force multiplier that enhances rather than diminishes human expertise. We’ll continue adopting tools that increase efficiency while maintaining our focus on relationships and insights that only human recruiters can provide.

At People Project, innovation and fearless experimentation are core values. We naturally gravitate toward team members who approach new technologies with enthusiasm rather than hesitation, and value continuous learning.

Companies poised to thrive are those embracing change in their recruitment strategies, and technical leadership. At People Project, we’re excited to help clients build teams that will drive the next generation of innovation.