Building an Elite AI-Ready Workforce: The Power of Human Intelligence

66degrees CEO Ben Kessler and Selva Selvaraj, Senior Director of People, India recently sat down to discuss the strategy behind scaling a world-class team in the age of AI. With 66degrees experiencing rapid global growth, attracting top-tier data and AI talent requires looking beyond traditional resumes to build a workforce ready for the Agentic Enterprise.

The Three C’s and the Rise of "HI"

According to Selva, while the recruiting engine remains timeless, the criteria for elite talent have evolved. She emphasizes the "Three C's": Competence, a Client-centric mindset, and a Collaborative mindset. Technical excellence is the baseline, but the ability to seamlessly collaborate and solve client problems across a global team is what truly sets candidates apart.

Furthermore, in the era of Artificial Intelligence, Selva highlights that "HI" (Human Intelligence) has never been more crucial. It takes immense human intelligence to leverage AI effectively for business advantages and client success. It is about moving beyond simply riding the technological wave to actively forecasting challenges and proactively solving them.

The Fabric of Leadership and the Three T’s

Ben notes that while technical competence is table stakes, the true differentiator for hiring leaders is the "fabric" of the individual. It is not just about what work gets done, but how decisions are made and how leaders view the world. Carefully selecting leaders whose personal fabric aligns with company values ensures global consistency and fosters a culture where employees feel cared for and proud to be "66ers."

To support this culture, Selva introduces a personal compass for every team member known as the "Three T's": Technical Expertise, Teamwork, and Trust. Continuous innovation and learning, the understanding that you cannot succeed alone, and foundational trust are the core pillars that enable the organization to scale consistently.

The Bottom Line: Building an Agentic Enterprise is ultimately a deeply human endeavor. While AI transforms the tools we use, it is the unique combination of Human Intelligence, collaborative teamwork, and foundational trust that truly drives exponential growth and client success.