Debbie Walton: What areas of talent tech does you think are most exciting? Where is the action in the US right now?

Andrew Erlichman: My goal is to uncover the latest and greatest tech that exists in our universe. To identify what we may be missing, and what others like TALiNT Partners are considering as cutting edge. We are heavily focused on a few key areas right now – direct sourcing enablement, automation across the end-to-end procure to pay experience, Statement of Work, data, and analytics applications and of course I would be off trend if I didn’t mention “AI” applications.

DW: What are the biggest challenges for talent tech companies to make them stand out?

AE: The tech landscape is a so large and competitive and today it is a moving target. Tech that is scalable, that adds value not only today, but is forward thinking is important. Having a change management plan for high adoption and an integration strategy with core systems (i.e. VMS, ATS, CRM, etc.) is also key. Clearly defining your value proposition and focus helps when we are vetting tech solutions. I’ve often been confused about where a tech solution fits into the ecosystem. A challenge within the MSP space is the vendor funded model. For existing clients, it is often hard to tack on costs, so consider that a challenge if engaging with the MSP.

Areas of focus that are driving growth are Statement of Work/Services Management, Advanced Direct Sourcing, Recruitment Process Outsourcing

DW: Why have you chosen to align yourself with the TIARAs?

AE: Impellam is aligned closely with the TALiNT Partners, so I am happy to support our partnerships and the TIARAs. With TALiNT Partners’ expanding presence in the US markets and the value that technology brings to our organization and the workforce eco-system, I felt the timing was right to join this impactful group. I am also hoping to identify potential partners to engage to add value, solve problems and create opportunities.

DW: What will you be looking for in a good entry?  

AE: For me, when I vet potential partners, I try to identify the following –

• What is their “why” statement?
• Where the tech fits within the ecosystem and within our organization?
• User experience.
• Is it solving a problem, adding value, creating opportunity – what specifically is the value-proposition?
• What is the ROI for our customers, our people, our partners? (What’s in it for them?)
• Commercial model.

DW: What trends in the market are you seeing that affect Guidant? What is driving your business growth?

AE: Areas of focus that are driving growth for Guidant are Statement of Work/Services Management, Advanced Direct Sourcing, Recruitment Process Outsourcing and enhanced Data and Analytics driven insights.