Darius Gant

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August 21 2023

Latam Tech Hiring: Navigating Challenges and Seizing Opportunities for Startups

Darius Gant Video hiring, latam hiring, Latam tech

As the tech industry continues to grow in Latin America, startups are faced with unique challenges and opportunities when it comes to hiring top talent in the region. In this blog post, we’ll explore some challenges startups may encounter when hiring tech talent in Latin America and provide tips on how to navigate these challenges and seize opportunities to build a successful team.

Leveraging Local Insights: Key Factors for Successful IT Recruitment in Latin America

One of the biggest challenges startups face when hiring tech talent in Latin America is a shortage of experienced professionals. This can be especially true in smaller markets, where competition for top talent can be intense. To overcome this challenge, startups should focus on leveraging local insights to identify and attract the right candidates.

One key factor is to establish a strong local presence. This means building relationships with local universities and tech communities, attending local events, and engaging with local talent through social media and other channels. By establishing a presence in the local tech community, startups can build a pipeline of potential candidates and gain valuable insights into the local market.

Another important factor is to understand the local culture and hiring practices. In many Latin American countries, relationships and personal connections play a significant role in the hiring process. Startups should be prepared to engage with candidates on a personal level and build relationships with key stakeholders in the local tech community.

Developing a Competitive Compensation Package

Another challenge startups may encounter when hiring tech talent in Latin America is developing a competitive compensation package. In some countries, salaries for tech professionals may be lower than those in more established tech hubs like Silicon Valley.

To overcome this challenge, startups should focus on developing a compensation package that is competitive within the local market. This may include offering equity in the company, flexible work arrangements, and opportunities for professional development and growth.

Remote Work and Distributed Teams

Finally, startups may also consider building a distributed team with remote workers in different parts of Latin America. This can be a great way to tap into talent pools in different regions and overcome the challenges of recruiting in a single location.

To build a successful distributed team, startups should focus on building strong communication and collaboration processes. This may include using tools like Slack and Zoom to facilitate communication, establishing clear guidelines for remote work, and investing in team-building activities to foster a sense of community and collaboration.

Conclusion

Hiring top tech talent in Latin America can be challenging, but startups that focus on leveraging local insights, developing a competitive compensation package, and building distributed teams can overcome these challenges and seize opportunities to build a successful team. By establishing a strong local presence, developing a compensation package that is competitive within the local market, and building a distributed team with strong communication and collaboration processes, startups can build a world-class tech team in Latin America.

August 15 2023

Navigating the Latin American Tech Job Market: Tips for Successful Hiring

Darius Gant Blog Content

The Latin American tech job market has become a hotbed of innovation, talent, and opportunity in recent years. With leading technology companies setting up shop in countries like Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina, the region is brimming with possibilities. If you’re an employer looking to tap into this burgeoning talent pool, understanding the nuances of hiring in Latin America is paramount. In this article, we’ll provide actionable insights to help you navigate the Latin American tech job market and ensure successful hiring.

1. Understand the Cultural Nuances

Latin America is a diverse region with a rich tapestry of cultures. Recognize the differences between countries – what works in Argentina might not necessarily work in Chile.

Tip: Take time to learn about local customs, holidays, and values. This will not only help in smooth negotiations, but also in building lasting relationships with potential employees.

2. Tap into Local Networking Events and Tech Hubs

Cities like São Paulo, Mexico City, and Buenos Aires have burgeoning tech scenes with regular meetups, workshops, and seminars.

Tip: Engage with local tech communities by sponsoring or attending these events. This puts you in direct contact with potential hires and offers insights into the latest market trends.

3. Offer Competitive Salaries and Benefits

While the cost of living might be lower in some Latin American countries, tech professionals are aware of their worth and global standards.

Tip: Research local salary benchmarks, and offer competitive packages that include health benefits, flexible work schedules, and continuous learning opportunities.

4. Leverage Local Job Boards and Platforms

While global platforms like LinkedIn are popular, local job boards such as Computrabajo, Catho, or Bumeran can yield more targeted results.

Tip: Use a mix of global and local platforms to cast a wider net and reach a diverse talent pool.

5. Provide Opportunities for Growth

Talented tech professionals are not just looking for a job but a career. They value opportunities to develop their skills and climb the corporate ladder.

Tip: Ensure that your organization provides clear paths for growth, mentorship programs, and continuous learning opportunities.

6. Be Prepared for Remote and Hybrid Models

The tech industry in Latin America has quickly adapted to remote work, and many professionals now expect this flexibility.

Tip: Offering remote or hybrid work models can make your company more attractive to potential hires and also gives you access to a wider talent pool beyond specific cities or regions.

7. Streamline the Interview Process

The tech talent in Latin America is in high demand. A lengthy hiring process can mean losing out on top candidates.

Tip: Simplify your interview process, ensuring it’s efficient yet thorough. Using tools like video interviews can speed up the process without compromising on quality.

Conclusion

The Latin American tech job market is teeming with potential. By understanding the region’s intricacies and being proactive in your approach, you can secure top talent that can drive your organization forward. Remember, successful hiring is not just about filling a vacancy but building a relationship that fosters growth, innovation, and mutual respect.

July 26 2023

Why Startups Should be Hiring Tech Talent from Colombia

Darius Gant Blog Content IT recruitment, Silicon Valley, Startups

Why Startups Should be Hiring Tech Talent from Colombia

Colombia: Latin America’s Silicon Valley, a goldmine of skilled tech talent for growing businesses.

With its strategic location, highly skilled workforce, and competitive pricing, Colombia has become a hub for innovative tech startups. The country is a rising star in the world of technology, and more and more companies are looking to hire talented engineers from Colombia.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the reasons why startups should be considering tech talent from Colombia. We’ll take a look at the key benefits that Colombian engineers can bring to your business, and how they can help you stay competitive in a fast-paced technological landscape.

Colombian Engineers have a Strong Educational Background

Colombian universities are renowned for their engineering and computer science programs, and students receive a world-class education and training to prepare them for real-world challenges.

Colombian engineers are highly capable of designing and developing complex software systems, and they can apply a wide range of coding languages to deliver a seamless user experience.

In addition, many Colombian engineers speak fluent English, which makes communication easier and ensures that projects are delivered on time and to a high standard.

Colombian Engineers can Work Remotely or Relocate Easily

One of the biggest benefits of hiring tech talent from Colombia is that they can work remotely or relocate to your office with ease. This opens up a whole new world of possibilities for startups, who can tap into a pool of skilled and talented engineers without having to worry about location.

With modern communication tools like Slack, Zoom, and Skype, remote collaboration is easier than ever, and startups can build a global team of experts from anywhere in the world.

With the rise of remote working, coworking office spaces have increased by 240% in 2022. Company names, such as WeWork, have transformed Colombia’s tech hubs into cutting-edge offices that cater to the needs of the modern workforce.

Colombian Tech Talent is Cost-Effective

Compared to other regions, the cost of living in Colombia is relatively low, which makes Colombian engineers an attractive option for startups looking to manage their budgets more effectively.

The average salary of a Colombian engineer is much lower than in the US or Europe, which means that you can get high-quality work at a fraction of the cost. This can be a game-changer for cash-strapped startups looking to bootstrap their way to success.

Colombia’s Government is Fully Committed to Supporting the Tech Industry

In recent years, the Colombian government has introduced a range of initiatives designed to support and promote the tech industry.

From tax breaks and subsidies to programs that encourage innovation and entrepreneurship, the government is fully committed to making Colombia an attractive destination for tech startups.

In addition, Colombia has a favorable legal framework for startups, which makes it easier to set up and operate a business in the country.

Colombian Engineers Bring a Unique Perspective to Your Business

Last but not least, Colombian engineers are known for their creativity and ingenuity when it comes to solving problems. They bring a fresh perspective to your business, which can help you think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions to complex challenges.

Their expertise can help startups develop cutting-edge products and services, and position themselves as industry leaders in a highly competitive landscape.

Conclusion:

Hiring tech talent from Colombia is a smart move for startups looking to grow and succeed. With its highly skilled workforce, cost-effective pricing, and supportive government policies, Colombia is a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.

By tapping into the expertise of Colombian engineers, startups can accelerate their growth, expand their market reach, and take their business to the next level. So why not consider hiring a Colombian engineer for your next project?

You might be surprised at the results!

July 24 2023

Using AI for Insurance Claims and Underwriting

Darius Gant Podcast

Stan Smith is the Founder and CEO of Gradient AI. Stan founded Gradient AI, first as a unique practice within Milliman to focus on the risk management and insurance industry’s most challenging business problems. He acquired the business from Milliman in 2018, founding Gradient AI as a rapidly growing independent SaaS organization.

Without a doubt, Stan has nearly 30 years of experience growing AI and technology organizations. His leadership ensures that Gradient AI is applying the latest technologies to the insurance industry, resulting in proven financial performance for its stellar list of customers and better treatment and outcomes for individuals.

Stan has held founding or executive-level roles for multiple startup companies, including Vice President at MatrixOne, Executive Vice President and General Manager at Agile Software, and CEO and Founder at OpenRatings.

Stan also led the development of patented technologies including: technology that predicts bankruptcies for small, privately held suppliers; a global database to improve supplier performance for more than 80 million companies; and, technology that combines assessments with performance data to identify opportunities for reducing inefficiencies through lean initiatives.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized how businesses operate, and supply chain management and insurance are no exceptions. With the ability to analyze vast amounts of data and identify patterns, AI has the potential to transform supply chain operations and insurance claims management, making them more efficient, cost-effective, and responsive to customer demands. In this thought leadership article, we explore the power of AI in supply chain management and insurance.

If your company is looking to scale its AI initiatives, head over to Tesoro AI (www.tesoroai.com). We are experts in AI strategy, staff augmentation, and AI product development.

July 20 2023

Bridging the Gap Between Parents and Schools

Darius Gant Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Shani Dowell, the founder of Possip, a groundbreaking platform that bridges the gap between parents and schools to enhance student outcomes. Dowell takes us on her inspiring journey, from her background in consulting to her passion for education and the founding of Possip in 2016.

Join us as Dowell discusses the challenges faced in improving student outcomes and explores the vital role parents and teachers play in achieving this goal. We delve into the future of education and the profound impact technology has on the industry. Dowell also shares insights on fundraising and emphasizes the significance of finding the right investors for long-term success.

Discover how Possip empowers parents by providing a platform for valuable feedback to schools. With its inclusive approach, more than half of the feedback received is in languages other than English, ensuring accessibility for non-English speaking parents. Through open-ended sentiment questions, parents can express praise, seek answers to questions, or voice concerns. The technology organizes this qualitative data into subcategories, offering quantitative insights without sacrificing the richness of feedback. The collected data facilitates decision-making at the district level, and schools receive tailored recommendations based on the feedback.

If your company is looking to scale its AI initiatives, head over to Tesoro AI (www.tesoroai.com). We are experts in AI strategy, staff augmentation, and AI product development.

July 18 2023

The S.O.S. of Early Talent Recruiting: How to Stay Ahead of the Curve

Darius Gant Blog Content early talent, Talent acquisition

The S.O.S. of Early Talent Recruiting: How to Stay Ahead of the Curve

Early talent recruiting is becoming critical as competition becomes fiercer. In this blog post, we’ll explore how businesses can stay ahead of the curve by adapting to new trends and technologies. Is it time to embrace virtual hiring or offer a more flexible work schedule? We’ll uncover the answer in this intriguing post, shedding light on an S.O.S. topic that your organization can look up to.

The Early Talent Market is Hot

The early talent market is hotter than ever. With the rise of the gig economy and the decline of traditional corporate jobs, young professionals are more open to new opportunities than ever before. This means businesses that can attract and retain due to early talent recruiting strategies have a significant advantage over their competitors.

How to Stay Ahead of the Curve

So, how can businesses stay ahead of the curve in the early talent market? Here are a few tips:

Embrace new trends and technologies. Early talent is always looking for the latest and greatest. If your business is not using the latest trends and technologies, you’re going to have a hard time attracting their attention.

Offer a more flexible work schedule. Early talent is looking for more flexibility in their work lives. If you can offer a more flexible work schedule, you’ll be more attractive to potential employees.

In order to exceed your early talent recruiting efforts, you must create a strong company culture. Early talent is looking for a company that they can be passionate about. Creating a strong company culture will make you more likely to attract and retain early talent.

Build relationships with top universities. If you want to attract the best early talent, you need to build relationships with leading universities. Attend career fairs, connect with professors, and get involved in student organizations.

How to Attract and Retain the Best Talent

1. Build Your Employer Brand

Building a strong employer brand is one of the crucial steps to attract early talent. Your brand is what differentiates you from your competitors. It should clearly communicate your company culture, values, and mission. Early talent is looking for more than just a job. They want to be part of an organization that aligns with their values. Showcase what makes your company unique and how you contribute to the community. A strong employer brand not only attracts early talent but also reduces recruitment costs since candidates are more likely to apply for your position than a company without a great reputation.

2. Provide Growth Opportunities

Early talent is looking to grow and develop. Companies that offer a clear path to career advancement and invest in employee development opportunities are more likely to attract and retain top talent. Showcase the opportunities for growth within your organization, whether it’s through promotions, training, or leadership programs. When you invest in your early talent, not only do you attract future hires, but you also retain your current employees.

3. Have a Competitive Compensation Package

Salary plays an important role in attracting early talent. In Silicon Valley, competition for top talent is fierce. Offering a competitive salary and benefits package will make your company stand out. Conduct market research and understand what your competitors are offering. Ensure that your package is competitive with the market and ensures that early talent feels well compensated.

4. Leverage Technology

Technology is a powerful tool to streamline the recruiting process. From online application portals to automated feedback, the use of technology can help increase the efficiency of your recruiting process. Consider leveraging technology to attract early talent. Utilize online job boards, social media platforms, and talent management software to reach more candidates. Additionally, video interview software can help speed up the interview process and save time.

Conclusion:

Early talent recruiting is a process that involves identifying, attracting, and developing high-potential candidates. Done properly, this recruitment strategy can give companies a competitive edge in the war for talent.

To stay ahead of the game, it’s essential to develop creative ways of reaching out to young candidates, offering opportunities for skill development, being a compelling storyteller, and diversifying your recruitment pool.

By following these strategies, you can attract new talent and grow your business while you scale up your workforce. It’s a win-win situation!

Are you looking to hire top tech talent to add value to your team?

At Tesoro AI, we specialize in talent acquisition. Contact us now!

July 14 2023

The Promise of AI in Revolutionizing Medicine

Darius Gant Podcast

In this episode, we sit with Dr. Karim Galil, the founder, and CEO of Mendel.AI, an artificial intelligence-powered platform that extracts insights from medical records to improve patient outcomes. Dr. Galil shares his journey from practicing medicine to becoming a tech entrepreneur and AI’s role in making healthcare more data-driven. He discusses the challenges of subjective medical practices and the potential for AI to learn from every patient’s journey.

Dr. Galil explains that symbolic AI is more focused on teaching machines fundamentals of logic, rules, and concepts, while machine learning is more focused on learning from patterns. He gives an example of the opioid crisis, where a machine learning model would learn that opioids are great because humans are prescribing them, while a symbolic system would understand what opioids are and what the best options are. In the process of building AI in healthcare, Mendel.AI has used both symbolic AI and machine learning. Dr. Galil also discusses the challenges of talent acquisition in the AI industry and how the economy can impact AI talent availability. He emphasizes the importance of hiring talent with grit, curiosity, and coachability and the benefits of hiring mid-level to junior talent to assist the genius.

Mendel.AI is a healthcare platform that uses symbolic AI and machine learning to provide personalized treatment plans for patients. The platform reads every medical record and encounter between patients and healthcare systems to help physicians make more objective decisions. Mendel.AI works with big pharmaceuticals, payers, and data companies to help them read their data and glean insights to make better decisions. The platform can help pharmaceutical companies understand which patients respond better to what drug and in what occasions, and payers can decide whether to cover a certain medication or not. Mendel.AI uses domain experts to learn from, rather than just data, and can help pharmaceutical companies discontinue drugs that are not effective and optimize their drug offerings.

If your company is looking to scale its AI initiatives, head over to Tesoro AI (www.tesoroai.com). We are experts in AI strategy, staff augmentation, and AI product development.

July 13 2023

Why Early Talent Recruiting is More Important Than Ever Before

Darius Gant Blog Content early recruitment, early talent, young professionals

In today’s fast-paced and highly competitive job market, early talent recruiting has become more important than ever before. The world is changing at an unprecedented rate, and the job market is no exception. With new technologies emerging and industries evolving, companies need to be agile and adaptable to stay ahead of the curve. Early talent recruitment is a key strategy that companies can use to achieve this.

Early talent recruiting refers to the practice of hiring talented individuals who are still in the early stages of their careers, typically fresh out of school or university. These candidates often have a fresh perspective and a hunger to learn and grow, making them highly valuable assets to any organization.

By bringing in young and talented individuals, companies can create a dynamic and vibrant workplace that fosters creativity, collaboration, and innovation. This can lead to increased productivity, higher employee engagement, and a more positive work culture overall.

One of the main reasons why early talent recruiting is so important is that it allows companies to identify and attract some of the brightest and most promising candidates in the job market.

These candidates are typically highly motivated and eager to learn, which can lead to better job performance and higher employee retention rates.

In addition, early talent recruiting can help companies to build a strong and sustainable talent pipeline. By hiring early talent, companies can cultivate a pool of skilled and experienced employees who can be groomed for leadership positions in the future.

High Demand for Skilled Workers

In today’s knowledge-driven economy, there is a high demand for skilled workers who possess the knowledge and expertise needed to drive innovation and growth. Early talent recruitment allows companies to identify and attract the best and brightest students and graduates who can contribute to their organization’s success.

Cost Savings

Early talent recruiting can save companies a significant amount of money in hiring costs. By recruiting talent early, companies can avoid the high costs associated with traditional recruiting methods. Additionally, early talent recruits are often more willing to accept entry-level salaries, which can save companies money in the long run.

Succession Planning

Early talent recruiting can also help companies with succession planning. By building relationships with top talent early on, companies can identify future leaders and develop them through mentorship programs and on-the-job training. This can help ensure the long-term success of the organization.

Diversity and Inclusion

Early talent recruiting can help companies build a diverse and inclusive workforce. By targeting students from a variety of backgrounds, companies can create a more diverse pool of candidates, which can lead to greater innovation and creativity. Additionally, early talent recruiting can help companies establish relationships with schools and organizations that focus on underrepresented groups, which can help improve the overall diversity of the workforce

Early talent recruitment is crucial for companies striving to maintain a competitive edge and succeed in the fast-paced job market of today. By efficiently identifying and attracting top talent, establishing a robust talent pipeline, outperforming competitors, and promoting a vibrant workplace culture, companies can secure their long-term success and expansion. By adopting an effective approach to early talent recruitment, companies can assemble a team of talented and driven individuals who are well-equipped to tackle future challenges.

Are you in search of the finest talent for your team? At Tesoro AI, we specialize in identifying and recruiting exceptional tech professionals for your company.

Get in touch with us today!

July 11 2023

Empowering Women Through Technology

Darius Gant Podcast tech opportunities, women empowering, women in tech

In this episode, we delve into the inspiring journey of Mariana, a Peruvian entrepreneur, and her mission to promote diversity and create opportunities to empower women through technology.

Join us as we explore the origins of Laboratoria, a tech-based education and job placement company founded by Mariana and her partner. After returning to Peru to marry and start a business, Mariana’s passion for merging technology and social impact led to the birth of Laboratoria.

Discover how Laboratoria’s goal to provide tech education, job placement, and mentorship for underprivileged youth has transformed the lives of disadvantaged young people, fostering inclusion and diversity in the tech sector.

As Laboratoria’s web shop thrived, Mariana and her partner faced a significant challenge in building a diverse team of software developers. Recognizing the scarcity of such talent and the lack of diversity in the field, they seized the opportunity to empower women in tech. Hear Mariana’s firsthand experiences of attending male-dominated tech meetups and the inspiration behind creating Labia, a boot camp designed to equip women with the skills needed to embark on successful careers in software development.

Join us as Mariana reflects on the changing landscape of software engineering in Peru and the positive impact that Laboratoria and Labia have had in bridging the gender gap. Learn how they have shattered stereotypes and inspired thousands of women to pursue careers in tech, creating a more inclusive and vibrant future.

If your company is looking to scale its AI initiatives, head over to Tesoro AI (www.tesoroai.com). We are experts in AI strategy, staff augmentation, and AI product development.

July 7 2023

Maximizing Your Hiring Potential: A Look at the Latest Trends in Latin American IT Recruitment

Darius Gant Blog Content AI recruitment, Data science, IT recruitment, machine learning, recruitment trends

Maximizing Your Hiring Potential: A Look at the Latest Trends in Latin American IT Recruitment

Introduction

Latin America (LATAM) has emerged as a major player in the global IT industry, with a growing number of companies and startups establishing their presence in the region. As technology continues to advance, the demand for skilled IT professionals in LATAM is on the rise. In this blog post, we will delve into the latest recruitment trends in LATAM, shedding light on the evolving landscape and providing insights for both jobseekers and hiring managers.

Upsurge in Remote Work Opportunities

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the recruitment trends and has accelerated the adoption of remote work globally, and LATAM is no exception. Companies are increasingly embracing remote work arrangements, opening opportunities for IT professionals to work for organizations across borders. Remote work offers flexibility and access to a larger talent pool, allowing companies in LATAM to tap into a wider range of skills and expertise from around the world.

Focus on Cloud Computing and SaaS

Cloud computing and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions have gained immense popularity in recent years, driving the need for IT professionals with expertise in these areas. Companies in LATAM are embracing cloud-based technologies to enhance scalability, data security, and collaboration. Consequently, jobseekers with experience in cloud architecture, cloud migration, and SaaS application development have a distinct advantage in the recruitment process.

Embracing Data Science and Artificial Intelligence

Data-driven decision-making has become a critical factor in the success of businesses across industries. As a result, companies in LATAM are seeking IT professionals skilled in data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence (AI). Candidates proficient in data analysis, predictive modeling, and AI algorithm development are highly sought after to help companies gain insights from vast amounts of data and drive innovation.

Cybersecurity and Data Privacy:

With the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber threats, cybersecurity has become a top priority for businesses in LATAM. IT professionals with expertise in cybersecurity, including ethical hacking, threat detection, and incident response, are in high demand. Moreover, the implementation of data protection regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and local data privacy laws, has heightened the need for professionals with knowledge of data privacy compliance.

Soft Skills and Cross-functional Collaboration:

In addition to technical proficiency, employers in LATAM are placing greater emphasis on soft skills and cross-functional collaboration. IT professionals who can effectively communicate, work in teams, and adapt to changing environments are highly valued. The ability to collaborate with other departments, such as marketing, finance, and operations, is crucial as technology becomes deeply integrated into various aspects of business operations.

Conclusion

The IT industry in LATAM is experiencing rapid growth, presenting exciting opportunities for both job seekers and companies. The latest recruitment trends highlight the increased focus on remote work, cloud computing, data science, cybersecurity, and soft skills. Jobseekers should continuously develop their technical expertise, adapt to emerging technologies, and cultivate their soft skills to remain competitive in the job market. Meanwhile, hiring managers need to identify candidates who can not only meet technical requirements but also contribute to a collaborative and agile work environment. By staying abreast of the evolving trends, both jobseekers and hiring managers can thrive in the dynamic landscape of IT recruitment in LATAM.

Are you interested in hiring Latin American talent?