UNLEASH World 2025 recap
UNLEASH World 2025 went off with a bang. It highlighted the changing shape of work, with a strong focus on skills-based transformation, AI integration, and human-centric experiences. The event underscored how organizations must evolve to thrive in an era defined by rapid technological change.
We hear from Jonathan Mears, Global Head of Talent Acquisition at Emirates NBD, on his hot takes from this year’s event. Jonathan also spoke at the event about how he tackled volume hiring at his organisation, where some roles receive 10,000 applications. He shared how they implemented Hirevue’s AI-scored video assessments to transform productivity and validate the skills that drive job success. This allowed them to cut time to hire by 95%, save 8000 hours and $400k, and increase candidate NPS by over 100%.
The future of work: skills over roles
One of the dominant themes at UNLEASH World 2025 was the shift toward skills-based organizations. Rather than structuring work around rigid job titles, companies are now reimagining roles based on dynamic skill sets. This approach enables greater agility, better talent utilization, and more inclusive career development paths.
Key sessions explored:
- How to map and mobilize internal skills data
- Strategies for unlocking hidden talent pools
- The role of AI in identifying and developing future-ready capabilities
AI and agentic technologies in HR
Artificial intelligence took center stage, especially in discussions around agentic AI—tools that act autonomously to support decision-making and operations. Presenters emphasised the need for HR leaders to understand and ethically deploy these technologies to enhance productivity without compromising human experiences.
Organisations are now deploying tools like Hirevue’s Talent Engagement Agent to put candidates in control with science-powered AI that acts like a concierge and better predicts job success. This next generation of tools provides human-like conversations that reduce drops-offs and match more candidates to roles where they will stay longer and perform better. Highlights included:
- AI copilots for recruitment and onboarding
- Predictive analytics for workforce planning
- Ethical frameworks for AI governance
Human-centered experiences
Despite the tech-heavy agenda, UNLEASH 2025 reinforced the importance of human-centered experiences. Sessions emphasised personalisation at scale, ensuring every candidate receives valuable feedback, and how to build inclusive and diverse cultures to act as critical drivers of performance.
Human-centred experiences mean empathetic and clear experiences for candidates with full autonomy. It means ethical, transparent AI with explainable models and candidate consent, such as Hirevue’s AI Explainability Statement. By using automation to create efficiencies, it allows recruiters the space to focus on the human element of recruitment. Finally, fairness and inclusion are enhanced—delivering diversity and trust. Ultimately, it helps you hire quality talent at speed and scale without losing the all important human touch.
Notable presentations covered:
- Building candidate trust in AI-powered recruitment technologies
- How to assess for soft skills and technical skills
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion in AI-driven workplaces
From the tradeshow floor to the main stage keynotes, UNLEASH World 2025 was a vibrant mix of insight, energy, and connection. The event reaffirmed its reputation as Europe’s largest HR and technology gathering, where the future of work is not just discussed—it’s designed.
