Cisco’s Chief People Officer, Kelly Jones, has highlighted that the most challenging positions to fill across the technology industry currently are roles focused on artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) operations. She points to a significant imbalance between the high demand for specialized AI talent and the limited supply available in the job market. This scarcity of qualified candidates is driving intense competition among tech companies seeking to build or expand their AI capabilities. At Cisco, this challenge has prompted an active and personal approach to talent acquisition, where senior executives, including the chief product officer, directly engage with top candidates. Leaders often reach out to promising individuals by phone, share career opportunities on platforms like LinkedIn, and participate in recruitment events targeting emerging AI professionals. This hands-on strategy is part of Cisco’s broader effort to secure elite AI talent to sustain innovation in the increasingly AI-driven technology landscape. The difficulties in hiring AI and ML talent underline a wider industry trend where companies are racing to integrate AI across their products and services, making these roles critical for competitive advantage. Cisco’s approach reflects a recognition that securing the right expertise is key to advancing their AI deployments and maintaining leadership amid accelerating AI adoption.