Over time, my experience has slowly changed the way I think about hiring.

Earlier in my career, I truly believed that the most important thing was to work with people who were highly skilled and competitive. I intentionally looked for those environments because I wanted to learn faster and push myself harder. And to be fair, I did learn a lot from that phase.

But I’ve also experienced the other side.

I’ve worked in environments filled with very capable people who were difficult to collaborate with because of ego, poor communication, or lack of empathy. Technically strong, but emotionally exhausting. And over time, I realized how much energy that kind of environment takes away.

Now, after experiencing both ends of the spectrum, my perspective has shifted.

Today, I value teams that are easy to work with, supportive, and respectful. A place where people help each other grow, communicate openly, and move forward together. For me, that kind of environment is far more enjoyable than being surrounded by talent alone.

Soft skills matter more than ever. Especially in the era of AI, where tools can amplify technical ability, but attitude, initiative, collaboration, and behavior are what truly differentiate people.

This experience has also shaped my hiring behavior.

I now prioritize people I can work well with, those who show good character, take initiative, and bring positive energy to the team, over pure hard skills.

If you’ve felt the same shift in perspective, and you’re looking for a team that values collaboration and healthy ways of working, and by the way, I’m currently hiring, let’s work together and enjoy the journey.