VP of People Stacey Richey shares Smartcat’s tech and people strategy to improve talent density and get the most from AI in 2026.
By Debbie Bolla
HRO Today: What’s the top item on your agenda for 2026?
Stacey Richey: For 2026, my top priority is increasing talent density. Not only hiring faster but hiring and developing people who consistently raise the bar.
Talent density has always mattered, but it matters even more now as AI accelerates the pace of work everywhere. When things move faster, clarity, judgment, and collaboration matter more, not less. Talent density allows teams to move quickly without burning out, make better decisions with less noise, and stay connected to their work and to one another. For Smartcat employees, this means higher expectations paired with stronger support, clearer growth paths, and more meaningful work.
HROT: What are your plans to address it?
Richey: We are focused on three practical steps.
On the hiring side, we are using AI to improve signals in hiring. This helps reduce bias, focus on capability, and identify people who will thrive in an AI-native culture.
Once someone joins, we are shortening time to impact. Clearer roles, stronger onboarding, and faster feedback loops help new hires contribute meaningfully within months, not quarters.
We are also strengthening workforce insights. Talent density does not scale unless leaders have timely, reliable signals that help them understand where to coach, when to step in, and how to make better decisions at scale.
HROT: What is your approach to AI and what impact is it having on the workforce?
Richey: We approach AI as a way to elevate the working experience.
At its best, AI reduces unnecessary work. It takes on repetitive tasks and helps team members see information more clearly, creating space for better conversations, deeper thinking, and more creativity. This shows up across the employee journey. AI can help managers notice things sooner, when someone is developing a new skill, when momentum is building, or when additional support may be needed.
What AI cannot do, and should not do, is replace leadership. Leaders bring the judgment, context, and conversations that turn awareness into growth.
People often ask whether AI will replace jobs, but what we’re seeing is roles are evolving. As routine work is automated, what remains depends on strong judgment and clear thinking. Work becomes more thoughtful, expectations clearer, and the most important skill is learning how to work alongside new tools with curiosity and accountability.
HROT: What’s your favorite way to spend your free time?
Richey: Pilates and yoga fill my free time. High intensity and full presence, on the mat and at work.
