Leaders,

Steve Smith, Managing Director of Growth at Rep Cap (former Partner at The Starr Conspiracy), joins Matthew Mottola to talk about the real state of AI, work, and leadership. Steve explains why the job board is dead, how the shift from venture-backed growth to private equity discipline is changing how workplace technology companies operate and hire, and why human connection still drives business in an AI-first world.

They discuss how leaders can balance automation with creativity, the rise of small and intimate events over large conferences, and how data, not AI alone, will define the next wave of workforce technology. Steve also shares his perspective on what makes great leaders today, those who can integrate technology and human insight without losing authenticity.