In this episode of Talent Download, host Darren Lancaster sits down with Kema Davies, Manager and Recruitment at Hiscox, to explore why "potential is everywhere."

Kema provides an authentic and deep-dive look at the industry shift from performance-based hiring to potential-based hiring. The conversation dives deep into the role of AI in assessments, the challenges of scaling early careers across a global organization, and why recruitment in 2026 requires a "human wraparound" to ensure technology serves to enable, rather than just filter, diverse talent.

Episode Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Intro & Welcome: Darren introduces Kema Davies and her role at Microsoft.

[00:02:45] Scaling Global Talent: Insights into managing early career strategies across a massive global footprint.

[00:05:37] Potential vs. Performance: Why looking for what a candidate can do is more important than what they have already done.

[00:15:15] The "Human Wraparound": Balancing the efficiency of AI with the necessity of human empathy in the screening process.

[00:28:40] Leading for Diversity: How Microsoft builds inclusive pathways to find talent in every corner of the world.

[00:40:55] Quick Fire Section: Kema shares her personal career advice and answers rapid-fire questions on leadership and growth.