4 Shifts Redefining Talent Strategies in 2026
January 29, 2026
Season 2 of Talent Wars: A Podcast by DCI took us from Maine to Michigan, Baton Rouge to Kansas City and beyond to Canada and Europe, uncovering how communities are tackling today’s complex talent challenges.
In this bonus episode, host Patience Fairbrother steps back to highlight the biggest insights from the season and what they mean for talent strategies in 2026. From the rising importance of retention and inclusion to rethinking who qualifies as “talent,” these conversations reveal the fundamental shifts that will shape how communities attract, retain and grow their workforce in the year ahead.
Listen in to learn:
- How retention strategies are becoming as important as attraction efforts
- Why creating a sense of inclusion and belonging drives long-term community success
- How broadening the definition of talent, including skills-based hiring and veteran pipelines, can unlock hidden workforce potential
- Why authentic storytelling wins in the age of AI
- How consistent messaging can set communities apart and drive meaningful economic outcomes
- How cross-sector partnerships can amplify resources and create lasting talent ecosystems
Building a strong workforce isn’t just about numbers. It’s about creating communities where people feel they belong, can contribute and want to stay. This episode shows how thoughtful strategy, real stories and collaboration can help your community build the talent base that it needs to thrive.
Listen and subscribe to Talent Wars on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. To submit guest or episode topic ideas, email patience.fairbrother@aboutdci.com.
