Welcome to The Knack.

✏️ A letter from our CEO, Cassie Rosengren

In 2024, the tech sector weathered its share of complexities. Startups counted on us to solve critical people puzzles—with ingenuity and integrity, we solved many. 

Amidst market volatility, the possibilities (and challenges) of generative AI, and new workforce dynamics, we were all pushed to rethink how we lead, grow, and adapt. Many startup leaders recalibrated their hiring strategies this year. We worked hand with our clients to uncover workforce gaps and secure transformational talent, demonstrating the power of collaborative solutions.

Sweeping layoffs shook things up, leaving best-in-class executives and niche experts unemployed. Candidate burnout increased as economic uncertainty lengthened hiring timelines. In this period of reflection, people reevaluated their priorities and pursued new career paths that aligned with core values and passions.

As we reflect on lessons learned and advances made, it’s time to set our sights on the year ahead. As the future of work starts to take shape, 2025 will be a year where:

💡Fractional leaders surge in demand.
Deloitte predicts 35% of U.S. businesses will embrace fractional executives in 2025. Savvy startups seek flexible, high-impact talent, while entrepreneurial executives crave autonomy and impact. It's a win-win.

📊 Workforce analytics become essential.
Gartner predicts that by 2025, 50% of large organizations will have workforce analytics embedded. Those keen on getting ahead of attrition, skill gaps, compensation plans, and employee engagement will have more foresight. Paralysis analysis is a risk here - people may over-analyze human behavior and under-index on ways to be more ‘human’, but everything runs its course with time.

🤖 AI adoption is layered everywhere.
72% of US organizations adopted AI this year - the highest year ever for AI adoption (McKinsey). AI is a part of our day-to-day reality, and it will layer into everything. Companies that can automate the mundane, train their workforce to use AI as a tool, and retain relational value will thrive with AI.

As Jacob Kranz, CEO of Alliance, puts it: "Much like the internet bubble’s burst in 2001, the AI hype has faded for individuals this year, but businesses are only beginning to unlock its true potential. In 2025, companies will steadily adopt AI as a core tool for transforming operations, showing its long-term value is incredibly underappreciated."

🫶🏽 Meaningful work takes priority.
As people take inventory of their lives and lessons learned, purpose in the workplace matters deeply. Mentorship and connecting to the ‘why’ behind a company’s mission will be paramount for workforce motivation and productivity. 

The future of work is ours to shape. Let’s make it a good one.

Cassie Rosengren
[email protected] | 949.412.3881

✨ We’ve Got Mina!

Digital Knack empowers startup leaders with the guidance, talent, and tools they need to succeed. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce our new, valued partner, Mina Rozenshine, SHRM-CC, SPCC.

Mina has a proven track record of building high-performing teams for domestic and international tech companies. Before joining Digital Knack, she was the Chief People Officer for a VC-backed startup. Her entrepreneurial nature, fresh perspective, and expertise in Business Operations and HR have already elevated our recruiting capacities and customer value in new and exciting ways.

To celebrate her joining Digital Knack, Mina is offering two free 45-minute strategy sessions for startup leaders who want sound, competent advice on their most pressing people matters 🥳. Join us in welcoming Mina to Digital Knack, and book your session below!

👊🏼 Our Work & Impact in 2024.

🚀 Digital Knack Enters Aerospace & Defense. 

Digital Knack understands the constraints and capacities of emerging A&D companies, and we’re excited to bring high-impact talent to this new frontier.

A&D is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by emerging technologies and evolving regulations. However, securing the right talent is a formidable challenge for A&D companies, especially those on the cutting edge of innovation. A major retirement boom is underway in A&D, and competition for top talent is fierce in sectors like tech, green energy, and automotive.

By leveraging our cross-industry expertise, we’ve equipped A&D innovators like Space Vector Corporation and Improbable with mission-critical hires. From engineering to revenue-generating hires, our impact lanes run fast and wide here.

 ✍🏽 Recent Articles.

written by Digital Knack Partners

1. Mastering Dynamic Prioritization for Leadership Success

2. A Strategic Approach to Hiring Product Marketers

3. Hiring Sales Talent with Velocity

❓ Did You Know?

That’s a Wrap for The Knack!

Let’s collaborate in the new year. We’re so grateful you are ‘here.’

Our Best,
The DK Crew