In the latest episode of Curve Ahead, I had the opportunity to speak with Zia Mohi, COO of CTI Staffing, about how AI and nearshoring are transforming the staffing industry. From AI-powered resume screening to cost-effective talent solutions, our conversation revealed key insights that businesses of all sizes should consider as they navigate hiring in 2025 and beyond.
From Bartender to Banking to Business Leadership
Zia’s career journey is a testament to resilience and adaptability. Graduating right before the 2008 recession, he started as a bartender despite having a 3.8 GPA because jobs were scarce. He eventually moved into banking, then sales at Xerox, before joining CTI Staffing where he’s helped transform the company’s operations and growth strategy.
This trajectory illustrates an important point for businesses and job seekers alike: career paths are rarely linear, and the ability to pivot and acquire new skills is crucial in today’s rapidly evolving job market.
AI: Adapt or Be Left Behind
Perhaps the most compelling takeaway from our conversation was Zia’s unequivocal stance on AI adoption: “You either get on board or sell your company now because you won’t be around much longer. AI will change everything.”
At CTI Staffing, AI has revolutionized their recruiting process, particularly for resume verification:
“If the job description says X, Y, and Z, instead of you going through and reading every single resume that you get for that position and make sure it has X, Y, and Z, AI will do that for you in two seconds.”
This efficiency boost allows recruiters to focus on higher-value activities rather than spending hours on initial screening. For podcast producers and content creators, this same principle applies – identifying which tasks can be automated allows you to focus your time and energy on the creative work that truly differentiates your brand.
The Job Seeker’s AI Advantage
For job seekers, Zia offered direct advice that might surprise some: use AI to optimize your resume for each position you apply for.
“If you’re using one standard resume, you’re never going to get a job. You can literally go to ChatGPT and say, ‘This is the job description. This is my resume. Please redo my resume so it meets the standards of this job description.'”
At CTI, they’ve embraced this reality so fully that they sometimes rewrite candidates’ resumes (with permission) to better match job descriptions. This practical approach recognizes that getting past initial AI screening is now an essential part of the job application process.
For podcast producers and content creators, there’s a parallel lesson here about optimizing content for discovery. Just as job seekers need to tailor resumes to specific openings, your podcast content needs to be optimized for the platforms and search algorithms where your audience discovers new shows.
The Nearshoring Revolution
Another significant trend Zia highlighted is the growing popularity of nearshoring – hiring talent in nearby countries with similar time zones and often similar cultures:
“There’s going to be a lot of companies that are never going to adapt AI… But at the same time, they also don’t want to pay $50,000 a year for customer service or accounts payable, accounts receivable.”
CTI is capitalizing on this trend by expanding operations in Colombia, providing clients with talent at approximately half the cost of US-based employees. They handle all the paperwork and logistics, allowing clients to receive a single monthly invoice rather than managing international payroll and compliance themselves.
This trend has implications for podcast production agencies as well. As production costs rise, finding cost-effective talent solutions while maintaining quality becomes increasingly important. The key is identifying which roles truly need to be in-house versus which can be effectively managed remotely.
The Leadership Vacuum
One of the most thought-provoking points Zia raised was about the leadership vacuum many companies are facing:
“For four years, people were at home. They didn’t have the direct contact with anybody in the company. They weren’t building relationships… There’s a trust that builds up over time that you can’t do [virtually].”
This leadership gap is becoming increasingly apparent as Boomer retirements accelerate. Companies are struggling with succession planning because the in-person mentorship that traditionally developed future leaders has been disrupted.
For content creators and podcast producers, this highlights the value of building genuine relationships with clients and creating opportunities for meaningful connection – whether virtual or in-person. The relationships you build today are the foundation of your business’s future growth.
Key Takeaways for Content Creators and Businesses
- Embrace AI as a productivity multiplier: Use AI tools to handle repetitive tasks, freeing you to focus on creative and strategic work.
- Optimize for discovery: Just as job seekers need tailored resumes, your content needs to be optimized for the platforms where your audience finds new content.
- Consider flexible talent solutions: Evaluate which roles truly need to be in-house versus which could benefit from remote or nearshore arrangements.
- Invest in relationship building: Despite technological advances, the human connections you build remain central to long-term business success.
- Stay adaptable: As Zia’s career journey demonstrates, the ability to pivot and acquire new skills is essential in today’s rapidly changing business landscape.
Conclusion: Preparing for the Future of Work
As AI continues to reshape how businesses operate and how people work, staying informed about emerging trends is crucial. Whether you’re hiring talent, seeking new opportunities, or creating content to reach your audience, understanding these shifts can help you make more strategic decisions.
The conversation with Zia Mohi underscores a fundamental truth: while technology is transforming how we work, the core principles of providing value, building relationships, and continually adapting remain as important as ever.
For podcast producers and content creators specifically, these insights highlight the need to balance technological adoption with human connection – leveraging AI tools to enhance productivity while focusing your unique human creativity and relationship-building skills on creating compelling content that resonates with audiences.
Looking to elevate your brand’s message through professional podcast production? Contact us to learn how we can help you create engaging audio content that connects with your target audience and drives business growth.
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