What Ohio tech leaders look for when hiring (and it's not on your resume)
Ohio tech leaders are shifting hiring priorities toward traits AI can't replicate. Beyond technical skills, they value high agency, curiosity, and written communication. As AI commoditizes hard skills, the ability to translate complexity and take ownership has become irreplaceable.
Technical skills get you in the door. But when Ohio tech leaders talk about what actually makes someone valuable on their teams, the conversation shifts to traits that can't be taught in a bootcamp.
We asked leaders across the state to identify the #1 non-technical skill they're currently prioritizing when hiring new talent. Their answers reveal a workforce shift driven by AI's impact on what matters: communication that cuts through complexity, flexibility that embraces change, and the ability to organize work when everything is moving fast. Here's what they're looking for.
1. Written Communication as Insurance Against AI
"Written communication is a fundamental skill that impacts everything from client and customer service to AI prompting. And, it's great insurance against AI slop taking over your workplace." — Evan Marsh, Managing Partner, WynHouse
2. Flexibility and Ownership
"I'm looking for individuals with strong flexibility and ownership. The ability to manage work autonomously while still embracing others' viewpoints and technological knowledge is critical. They need to be flexible in their work environment both in terms of tools and people." — Anthony Joy, Chief Information Officer, Cleveland Metroparks
3. The Ability to Manage and Organize Work
"For us, the most important non-technical skill is the ability to manage/organize work to be highly productive, efficient and on-top of key priorities." — Nevin Bansal, CEO, Outreach Promos
4. Agency Over Intelligence
"The trend is now that agency matters more than intelligence. With AI lessening the importance of hard skills, people with high agency will make an outsized impact via their ability to utilize AI in the best way to get things done." — Dan Manges, CEO and Co-Founder, RWX
5. Translating Technical Complexity
"Strong communication skills are a top priority as we navigate an increasingly technical world. The ability to translate complex technical information into understandable terms for stakeholders and customers is essential for business growth." — Krista Bistline, State and Local Government Affairs, Verizon
6. Curiosity and a Desire to Learn
"Curiosity and a deep desire to learn. Technical skills and certifications can be achieved, but the mindset of personal and business growth is a must." — Lynn R. Child, President, CentraComm Cybersecurity
7. Accountability
"Accountability."— David Croft, Partner, Meyers Roman Friedberg and Lewis
For Croft, this single trait underpins every other skill — technical or otherwise.
These hiring priorities reveal a common thread: as AI handles more technical execution, the human value lies in traits that can't be automated. The ability to communicate clearly, whether translating complexity for stakeholders or crafting effective prompts. The flexibility to adapt when tools and workflows shift constantly. The organizational skills to stay productive when everything is moving fast. And the agency to take initiative and get things done rather than wait for direction. Ohio's tech leaders aren't just filling roles, they're building teams that can thrive in an environment where technical skills become commoditized and human judgment becomes irreplaceable.
This article is part of The Blueprint: Insights from Ohio Tech Leaders, an exclusive editorial series from OhioX and Ohio Tech News showcasing the people and ideas shaping our state's tech sector. This invitation-only platform features curated perspectives from the state’s most influential technology executives and innovators. To learn more about this series or to inquire about future partnership opportunities and inclusion, please submit your interest.
