AI Talent and Culture: Closing the Expertise Gap

“Many organisations find that people and process issues are the biggest AI hurdles – not the tech.” It’s a sentiment echoed by BCG, which found that leaders spend 70% of their AI effort on people and processes, and only 30% on technology. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

Across industries, organisations are grappling with the same challenge: how to build the right skills and culture to make AI adoption successful. The good news? This gap can be closed – not by chasing unicorn hires, but by investing in the people you already have and fostering collaboration.

1. Train the Talent You Already Have

You don’t need a team of data scientists to start using AI effectively. Often, the most impactful changes come from empowering your existing staff with just enough AI know-how to enhance their roles.

• A customer service rep learns prompt engineering basics to improve chatbot handovers.
• A salesperson uses AI to document conversations with prospects – capturing key needs, objections, and next steps – and hands this over to administrators for seamless follow-up.
• A marketing assistant experiments with generative AI to draft campaign copy, freeing up time for creative strategy.

These aren’t radical transformations. They’re practical, achievable steps that build confidence and capability across your workforce.

2. Hire for Adaptability, Not Just Expertise

When recruiting, look beyond technical credentials. The most valuable hires are often those who can learn quickly, communicate clearly, and bridge gaps between teams.

Consider hybrid roles like AI translators – people who understand enough about both business needs and AI capabilities to facilitate meaningful collaboration. These roles don’t require deep coding skills, but they do require curiosity, empathy, and a willingness to learn.

Hiring for adaptability means building a team that can evolve with the technology, not just implement it.

3. Partner with Purpose

External experts can be a powerful accelerator – but only if they’re brought in with the right mindset. The goal isn’t just delivery; it’s capability-building.

Whether it’s consultants, vendors, or AI specialists, look for partners who are willing to mentor your team, share knowledge, and help embed AI into your culture. This is where models like Naitive's shine – combining technical expertise with a deep understanding of people and process.

Culture Is the Glue

AI success doesn’t happen in silos. It requires a collaborative culture where IT, data science, and business units work together. That means breaking down barriers, encouraging cross-functional projects, and creating space for experimentation.

It also means recognising that AI adoption is as much about mindset as it is about skillset.

You’re Not Alone – And You Can Close the Gap

The AI talent challenge is real, but it’s not insurmountable. With the right approach – training your people, hiring smartly, and partnering with purpose – you can build a culture where AI thrives.

At Naitive, we believe that successful AI adoption starts with people. We’re not just tech-savvy – we’re people-savvy. We help organisations build AI‑ready cultures that turn technology into lasting capability. And we’re here to help you close the gap.

Discover how Naitive helps organisations close the expertise gap responsibly and practically at naitive.co.uk