#shifthappens podcast

Artificial intelligence is everywhere: reshaping how we work, connect, and even how we build our teams. But as Travis Hann, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Pender & Howe and Board Member at Kestria, reminds us: Technology is only part of the story. The real magic of leadership and team building still belongs to people. 

Travis’s career has taken him from Toronto to Montreal, working with organizations across North America to find and nurture executive talent. His perspective is grounded in experience as well as a genuine appreciation for the human side of business. In this episode, he shares why, even as AI transforms recruitment, the most critical decisions still require a human touch. 

Let AI Find. You Qualify. 

AI has changed the game for recruiters. It can scan thousands of resumes in seconds, surfacing candidates who check all the right boxes. However, as Travis puts it, AI can identify but it cannot qualify. That is the crucial distinction. Technology can help us find people with the right experience, but it can’t tell us who will bring empathy, curiosity, and cultural awareness to the table. 

The final stages of hiring are about more than credentials; they’re about character, attitude, and the subtle signals that only people can read. Travis explains, “On paper, AI can very quickly identify who has done XYZ at company XYZ that we’re all looking for, but the reality is our process on the tail end is intentionally very slow… we want to make sure that we’re hiring the right person.” When it comes to building a team that lasts, it’s the human insight that makes all the difference. 

Don’t Trade Speed for Fit 

It’s tempting to let technology take charge to speed up every step of the hiring process. However, a fast hire can quickly become a costly mistake. The expense of a mis-hire, especially at the executive level, far outweighs the time saved by rushing. 

Meeting candidates in person, observing how they interact, and looking for alignment beyond the job description are essential steps. Sometimes, the most telling moments happen outside the interview room — a late arrival, a casual conversation, or a simple gesture can reveal whether someone truly fits. Travis’s approach is intentional: “We intentionally hit the brakes once we get closer to the finish line… making sure that you do that due diligence.” Slowing down to truly get to know someone is wise and necessary for building a team that works. 

Build Teams That Challenge You 

Strong leaders know their greatest strength isn’t knowing everything — it’s building teams that push them to grow. Travis believes humility is key: “We’re focused on winning. We’re not focused on always being right. And I think there’s such a great sense of humility with really good leaders… the best CEOs, it’s the ones that sit around the table, and they have HR sit at the boardroom table, and they have their CTO and their CPO, etc., and they don’t answer questions that they should be answering.” 

The best teams are diverse, with people who bring new perspectives and challenge assumptions. Leaders who invite smarter voices to the table, and listen, create environments where innovation thrives. It’s not just about technical expertise: Rather, it’s about fostering an environment where everyone is empowered to contribute and grow. 

Stay Curious or Get Left Behind 

Business is changing fast. The leaders who succeed are those who stay curious, open-minded, and ready to learn. Travis reflects on the launch of ChatGPT and how it divided leaders: some dismissed it, while others saw its potential and immediately began imagining new possibilities for their organizations. That natural sense of curiosity, he says, is what makes good leaders great. 

A fixed mindset, such as clinging to old ways and dismissing new possibilities, can hold organizations back. The best leaders ask how new tools can help them grow, rather than resisting what they don’t understand. Embracing new technologies and ideas as opportunities for growth keeps teams and organizations moving forward. 

Keep the Human Touch Non-Negotiable 

Despite all the advances in AI, Travis insists that the human touch is irreplaceable. “AI doesn’t build trust. Leaders do.” Trust, empathy, and storytelling are the glue that holds teams together. Face-to-face interactions, whether in interviews, meetings, or casual conversations, are vital for building relationships and assessing cultural fit. 

Travis’s firm has a simple rule: if they’re working on an assignment, they put eyes on every individual they’re assessing. In-person connection is essential for truly understanding someone’s fit within an organization. Virtual tools are convenient, but they can’t replace the richness of genuine interaction. It’s these moments of authentic engagement that build trust and inspire teams to achieve more together. 

AI Empowers, Leadership Defines 

Pender & Howe website