In the latest episode of the DE Talk Podcast, Shannon Offord catches up with a longtime friend and industry veteran, Shelia Gray. Recently named the Global Head of Talent Acquisition for Hyundai, Shelia brings over 20 years of experience as a recruiting architect to a conversation that is as practical as it is forward-thinking.

As we look toward the end of 2025 and into 2026, the world of talent acquisition is facing a paradox as technology has made hiring more efficient, yet more complex than ever.

The AI Double-Edged Sword

In this conversation, Shelia and Shannon dive deep into how AI is reshaping the hiring funnel. While tools like chatbots and automated scheduling save time, they also create new hurdles.

• The Bottleneck: Candidates are now using generative AI to apply to hundreds of jobs in seconds, creating a massive influx of homogeneous resumes that are harder for humans to differentiate.
• Authentic Self: Shelia discusses the transparency needed in interviews—when is it okay for a candidate to use AI, and when do we need to see their true, unassisted self?

Key Takeaways from the Conversation:

• The Skills-Based Evolution: Why skills validation is becoming critical for entry-level roles but remains complex for mid-to-senior career pivots.
• Regulatory Whiplash: Navigating the lack of guardrails in new AI laws and the shifting landscape of pay transparency and DEI.
• The Gig Dream: Shelia’s dream for the future: a world where we analyze the work first to determine if it needs a full-time hire, a contractor, or a gig worker before a job description is even written.
• The Problem-Solving Recruiter: Why the best TA professionals in 2026 aren’t order takers but flexible consultants who can pivot from playing checkers to chess overnight.

Beyond the technical talk, Shelia shares fascinating insights into the global brand strategy at Hyundai and the importance of leadership diversity. And, if you’re a sports fan, you won’t want to miss the rapid-fire round where Shelia talks about her passion for UNC basketball and her alternate life in sports management.

Ready for the full deep dive? Listen to the full episode to hear Shelia’s advice on leveraging vendor partners and the one thing TA professionals need to do to stay ahead of the regulatory curve. Listen to the full episode now and stay tuned for more great episodes in the New Year!