Talent Predictions for 2026: How to attract and hire the best talent in the year ahead with Amplified People Group’s Sophie Graci, Zach Rose, James Adams and Lisa Crane

What does the hiring landscape really look like for 2026, and how can founders attract and retain exceptional talent in a market that’s evolving faster than ever?

Continuing on from Wednesday’s episode on People Predictions for 2026, James Mitra is joined by more Amplified People Group team members, Sophie Graci and Zach Rose from JBM, James Adams and Lisa Crane from Foundation Partners, to unpack the biggest shifts shaping the talent market heading into 2026.

From the rise of player-coach leaders, to the renewed importance of human connection in an AI-enabled world, the team share their front-line insights on how founders can scale smarter, avoid costly hiring mistakes, and stand out to top candidates.

They also dive deep into the growing role of fractional talent, why alignment and clarity are still the most underrated parts of hiring, and how candidates can differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive market.

If you're hiring in 2026, or gearing up for your next role, this conversation is full of practical and actionable advice.

📚Episode Chapters:
➡️ The biggest shifts in hiring throughout 2025 [03:20]

➡️ The most common hiring mistakes [07:30]

➡️ Employer brand & attracting the best talent [12:30]

➡️ Fractional hiring - and when it doesn’t work [17:20]

➡️ Scaling in 2026: Advice for founders preparing to grow [34:00]

➡️ How candidates can stand out in a competitive market [37:00]

🔍 Find out more:

✨ Find out more about Foundation Partners

✨ Find out more about JBM

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🎧 You may also like:

People Predictions for 2026: The Future of Leadership and High-Performing Teams with Amplified Group’s Sophie Matthews, Nat Falconer, Mikael Nilsson and Logan Black

Alan Cairns on hiring in hyper-growth & a guide to culture and performance

Neda Sahebelm & Carla Hoppe: How to make fractional hiring & careers work

Enjoyed this episode?

Keep up to date with all our latest episodes by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review.