The AI Arms Race (That No One’s Winning): Matt Charney (Live @ Unleash 2026)

In this dynamic live episode of The POZCAST recorded at Unleash 2026, host Adam Posner sits down with Matt Charney, a veteran recruiter, writer, and HR tech provocateur known for his unfiltered takes on the talent acquisition landscape. Charney reflects on his journey from comedy writing at Disney to becoming a key figure in the HR tech space, emphasizing that recruiting remains fundamentally about human connection and social mobility—despite the noise around AI and automation. He challenges the industry’s obsession with AI as a trend rather than a transformation, arguing that most leaders are paralyzed by fear of being 'behind' when in reality, no one truly knows how to use AI effectively yet. Instead, he urges practitioners to focus on mastering their domain—career development—and become internal consultants rather than buzzword performers. Charney highlights real-world AI wins in high-volume recruiting and tools like PIN and Gamma, while critiquing LinkedIn’s stagnation and the hollow promise of 'video-based' job platforms. He predicts consolidation in the HR tech stack and warns against the 'gold rush' mentality fueled by VC and PE money. Ultimately, he calls for authenticity, curiosity, and practical experimentation over performative tech adoption.