Mahir Laul: Beyond Resumes + How AI Is Transforming Hiring with Velric’s CEO - 068

Adaeze Iloeje-Udeogalanya⁠ welcomes Mahir Laul, founder and CEO of Velric, to explore future-proof leadership, hiring transformation, and adaptability in the era of AI.Mahir shares how embracing flexibility, valuing people over place, and focusing on skills (not just credentials) empower both candidates and companies.The conversation reveals actionable hiring tips, the value of continuous upskilling, and how AI isn’t eliminating jobs but changing the rules for finding and keeping work. Listeners—especially women in STEM and career changers—will gain inspiration, practical job-seeking strategies, and the mindset needed for success in fast-evolving industries.This episode is designed for:Women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) seeking guidance on leadership, career advancement, and breaking barriers.Job seekers and professionals navigating modern hiring systems, especially those impacted by AI-driven changes.Recruiters and hiring managers wanting to improve hiring, retention, and diversity practices.Entrepreneurs, tech founders, and business leaders interested in sustainable business building and adapting to the rapid pace of innovation.Anyone interested in leadership, adaptability, and future-of-work conversations.Timestamps00:01:07: Adaeze introduces the mission: empowering women in STEM for leadership.00:05:01: Mahir on adaptability, global citizenship, and finding belonging beyond physical spaces.00:10:56: Mahir discusses misconceptions about startups and the hidden realities behind building a sustainable business.00:17:44: Mahir explains why flexibility and multiple revenue streams matter, especially with AI disruption.00:21:29: Adaeze and Mahir dissect what’s broken in traditional hiring and why Velric exists.00:29:35: Mahir clarifies that AI shifts jobs rather than eliminates them, urging listeners to focus on value creation.00:32:34: Debate on the relevance of degrees versus microcredentialing and adaptation in today’s job market.00:43:03: Tangible career advice: why authenticity and personal outreach matter in getting hired.00:47:06: Action step: Do proactive cold outreach and expect low response rates—but persevere!Q: Who is Mahir Laul?A: Mahir Laul is the founder and CEO of Velric, an AI-driven hiring intelligence platform.Q: What does Velric do?A: Velric helps organizations hire based on job-specific, merit-based assessments rather than resumes, focusing on proof of skills and critical thinking.Q: How is AI affecting the hiring process?A: AI is streamlining hiring but can introduce bias or overlook talent; Velric addresses these by ensuring decisions are based on proven ability, not background.Q: How can job seekers stand out today?A: By being authentic, avoiding mass AI applications, personally reaching out to recruiters, and following up with cold calls.Q: Is a degree still valuable?A: Mahir Laul argues that skills, adaptability, and micro-credentialing are increasingly more important than traditional degrees for most roles.For Adaeze:Share this episode and invite feedback from women in STEM communities.Highlight actionable tips in the AWI STEM newsletter (42:04).Use this conversation as a springboard for future topics like micro-credentialing or authentic career-building.For Mahir:Continue organizing networking and hiring events to foster connections (49:12).Encourage authentic outreach—respond to DMs from listeners and connect at events.Share more insights on adaptability and up-skilling on LinkedIn and at Velric events.For Listeners:Take a proactive approach to job applications: personalize outreach, be authentic, and don’t rely on AI mass applications (43:03).Commit to continuous learning: explore micro-credentialing, up-skilling, and adaptability strategies (32:34).Attend Velric’s events or similar networking opportunities for real-world connections (49:12).