Trust Your Gut, Back It With Data - Kyle Lagunas - Hiring Happy Hour - Episode # 008
“We are solutions people, and solutions people are not just yes people.” - Kyle Lagunas
What does it actually mean to be AI-ready, and are you already doing it without knowing it? In this episode of Hiring Happy Hour, Nicole sits down with Kyle Lagunas, Founder of Kyle & Co., whose rare vantage point spanning practitioner, vendor, and analyst roles makes him one of the most grounded voices in talent today. Kyle unpacks the three dimensions of AI momentum and makes the case that getting AI-ready isn’t about chasing the hottest tools. It’s about the foundational work most organizations are already behind on. If you’re navigating transformation, skeptical executives, or just wondering where to start, this conversation meets you exactly where you are.
Takeaways:
Redefine what “doing AI work” actually means for your team. Cleaning data, building integrations, and growing AI literacy all matter more than the tools you’ve bought.
Ground your gut instincts in real data and experience. Strong instincts without receipts can come across as brash; the combination is what makes you a trusted advisor.
Own the KPIs your team can actually control. Measuring interview-quality talent from inbound efforts gives sourcing and attraction teams a defensible, meaningful metric.
Know your three dimensions of AI momentum: posture, capability, and investment. Every team, from a solo HR manager to a 3,000-person org, works through the same framework.
Being solutions-oriented means knowing when to push back. The best TA leaders aren’t yes people. They understand constraints and find a path that serves everyone.
Don’t wait for an executive mandate to start your AI readiness work. Most of the prep is within reach right now, regardless of company size.
The AI winners in HR and talent will be the ones who stay curious, stay connected, and resist the urge to confuse buying software with building strategy.
Quote of the Show:
“We are solutions people, and solutions people are not just yes people.” - Kyle Lagunas
Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylelagunas/
Website: https://www.kyleandco.com/
Ways to Tune In:
Substack: HiringHappyHour.com
Apple Podcasts:
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iHeart Radio: https://iheart.com/podcast/317223012/
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