Evolution of Skills Deficiency to Ability Discrepancy
John Akkara, the CEO of Smoothstack, is an entrepreneur with a unique vision. During his time as an IT consultant, he noticed a significant shortage of highly skilled engineers in specialized technologies. This observation led him to found Smoothstack, a company with a mission to revolutionize the way we find and train engineers for the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence (AI).
Before starting Smoothstack, John Akkara worked as a software engineer and technology consultant. His experience in the industry gave him a deep understanding of the importance of AI fluency in preparing high-potential talent for high-demand roles. He realised that hard work and a college degree were not enough to ensure success in the U.S., and that selective hiring of AI-fluent talent is more important than mass hiring for success.
Smoothstack's goal was to create a scalable way to find people with the right raw capabilities and give them project-based training. The company's initial focus was on supplying trained, ready-to-go talent to organizations struggling to hire fast enough. John Akkara founded Smoothstack with the intention of identifying high-aptitude, high-drive individuals and preparing them for real-world environments.
The demand for engineers stayed high, but hiring patterns shifted due to the impact of artificial intelligence. The challenge for technology leaders will be less about the number of engineers and more about their AI capability. AI-native engineers deliver exponential productivity gains compared to traditional roles, and they embed AI tools into every part of their workflow.
Continuous upskilling is necessary due to the rapid evolution of AI. Smoothstack's mission is to create access, build careers on capability instead of credentials, and help talent thrive in places they never thought possible. The company's approach emphasizes AI capability being embedded directly into training and development from day one.
Organizations that master this shift will shorten time-to-market, reduce costs, and accelerate innovation cycles. The demand for AI-native talent is expected to rise sharply over the next five years. John Akkara is a passionate advocate for creating opportunities and impact. He often recalls his college roommate, who, despite being capable, took a low-paying job due to lack of networks and access.
John Akkara's journey from IT consultant to CEO of Smoothstack is a testament to his vision and determination. His work is not just about filling a skills gap, but about creating a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive in the realm of AI.
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