In the fast-evolving realm of enterprise technology, where artificial intelligence is reshaping how companies operate, leaders like Felix Van de Maele, CEO of data governance firm Collibra, are setting new standards for talent acquisition. Van de Maele recently emphasized that job candidates who fail to demonstrate a proactive embrace of AI tools represent a significant warning sign during interviews. This perspective, shared in a Business Insider profile, underscores a broader shift toward what he calls “AI-first” employees—those who integrate generative AI into their daily workflows to enhance productivity and innovation.

Van de Maele’s views come at a time when enterprises are grappling with massive data volumes and the need for robust governance to fuel AI initiatives. As co-founder of Collibra, a company specializing in data intelligence platforms, he has witnessed firsthand how AI is transforming data management. He argues that prospective hires should not only be familiar with AI but actively using it to streamline tasks, from coding to content creation. “It’s a red flag if they’re not leaning into how they can use AI to make their job better,” Van de Maele told the publication, highlighting a hiring criterion that prioritizes practical AI application over mere theoretical knowledge.

This stance reflects a growing consensus among tech executives that AI literacy is no longer optional. In interviews, Van de Maele detailed how Collibra itself evaluates candidates by probing their experiences with tools like ChatGPT or GitHub Copilot. He seeks individuals who can articulate specific ways AI has amplified their efficiency, such as automating routine processes or generating insights from complex datasets. This approach is particularly relevant in data-heavy fields, where Collibra’s platform helps organizations catalog, secure, and govern information assets.

The Rise of AI-Driven Hiring Practices

Beyond individual interviews, Van de Maele’s philosophy points to a systemic change in enterprise recruitment. Collibra, founded in 2008 and now valued at over $5 billion, has positioned itself as a leader in data governance amid the AI boom. Recent acquisitions, such as the June 2025 purchase of data access startup Raito, as reported by TechCrunch, illustrate how the company is bolstering its offerings to manage AI-related risks like data privacy and access control. Van de Maele sees AI-first employees as essential for navigating these complexities, ensuring that teams can harness AI without compromising security.

Industry observers note that this trend extends far beyond Collibra. A survey highlighted in a CIO Dive article from October 2025 revealed that fewer than half of technology decision-makers have formalized AI governance policies, creating a vacuum that AI-savvy talent must fill. Van de Maele’s emphasis on employees who “lean into” AI aligns with predictions from venture capital firm Menlo Ventures, which in a report described AI adoption spreading across enterprises at an unprecedented pace, outstripping even the cloud computing revolution.

Moreover, posts on X (formerly Twitter) from data professionals echo this sentiment, with users like Aaron Levie of Box emphasizing the need for AI agents to incorporate enterprise-specific context for maximum effectiveness. Such discussions underscore a collective push toward building workforces that treat AI as a core competency, not a peripheral skill.

Enterprise Technology Trends Shaping 2025

Looking ahead to 2025, Van de Maele’s insights tie into broader patterns in enterprise tech, particularly the intersection of AI and data management. Collibra’s acquisition of Deasy Labs in July 2025, detailed in a Big Data Wire piece, targeted unstructured data—comprising over 90% of enterprise information—to make it AI-ready. Van de Maele has long advocated for cloud-era data governance, as he discussed in a 2020 TechTarget interview, but today’s AI demands have amplified this need.

Experts predict that by 2026, AI governance will become a cornerstone of enterprise strategy. A compilation of industry predictions from Solutions Review highlights trends like increased focus on ethical AI deployment and data traceability. Van de Maele aligns with this by stressing accountability in AI data usage, as he noted in a recent Collibra post on X, warning of an “accountability gap” that could stall progress without proper tracing.

In parallel, the data engineering field is evolving rapidly. X posts from users like DataVidhya outline 2025 roadmaps emphasizing skills in Python, SQL, and tools like Snowflake, which complement AI-first mindsets. Zach Wilson, another X contributor, envisions data engineers as “architects of decisions,” solving business questions through pipelines and master data management—roles that demand AI integration to thrive.

Challenges in Cultivating AI-First Talent

Despite the enthusiasm, building an AI-first workforce presents hurdles. Van de Maele acknowledges that not all candidates arrive equipped with these skills, often requiring companies to invest in upskilling. Collibra’s own hiring process, as described in the Business Insider article, involves assessing how applicants have used AI in past roles, but this can exclude those from less tech-forward backgrounds. Broader industry data from a DNYUZ reprint of the profile suggests that executives like Van de Maele prioritize hearing concrete examples, such as using AI for faster prototyping or error detection.

Critics argue this approach risks creating echo chambers, favoring those already immersed in AI ecosystems. Yet, Van de Maele counters that it’s about potential: employees who show curiosity and adaptability can quickly ramp up. This mirrors sentiments in a BizToc summary, where he stresses the importance of prospective hires articulating AI’s role in their future contributions.

Furthermore, enterprise trends indicate a surge in AI training programs. Posts on X from Rocky Bhatia discuss data platform architectures that integrate AI components, while Vijay S L highlights how AI decouples revenue growth from headcount, urging a redesign of operating models. These views reinforce Van de Maele’s call for talent that views AI as a multiplier for human ingenuity.

Data Governance as the AI Enabler

At the heart of Van de Maele’s vision is data governance’s pivotal role in the AI era. Collibra’s platform, profiled in a Bitcoin World article on the Raito acquisition, addresses the consolidation of enterprise data driven by AI demands. Van de Maele, whose Crunchbase profile (Crunchbase) traces his journey from idea to global growth, has steered the company toward solutions that ensure data security amid AI proliferation.

Recent X activity, including from BI-Platform, notes Collibra’s support for open semantic standards to standardize data definitions, enhancing AI interoperability. Michael Liebman on X shares insights on 2025 data trends, emphasizing enterprise data management’s evolution with AI. These elements paint a picture of a sector where governance tools like Collibra’s are indispensable for mitigating risks.

Van de Maele’s red-flag criterion extends to leadership hires, where he seeks executives who model AI usage. This holistic approach, as echoed in the TechTarget piece, positions data as a strategic asset, with AI-first employees driving its value extraction.

Fostering Innovation Through AI Integration

To truly embed AI-first principles, companies must cultivate environments that encourage experimentation. Van de Maele advocates for this in his interviews, suggesting that firms provide access to AI tools and foster a culture of continuous learning. Collibra’s recent moves, such as acquiring technologies to handle unstructured data, exemplify how AI integration accelerates innovation in governance.

Industry insiders on X, like ABC, discuss persistent shifts in data engineering, from foundational tools to scalable warehouses, all amplified by AI. Marc LaClear’s post highlights the competitive edge gained through AI fluency, aligning with Van de Maele’s hiring philosophy.

As enterprises navigate 2025, the emphasis on AI-first talent could redefine productivity metrics. Van de Maele’s insights suggest that success hinges on blending human expertise with AI capabilities, creating resilient organizations.

The Broader Implications for Enterprise Strategy

Extending beyond hiring, Van de Maele’s perspective influences overall business strategy. In the CIO Dive survey, the lag in AI governance policies underscores the urgency for AI-literate teams to bridge gaps. Collibra’s thought leadership, as in its X post on data accountability, calls for tracing AI data lineages to unlock value.

Predictions from Solutions Review for 2026 anticipate heightened AI ethics focus, where employees versed in governance play key roles. X discussions from Insider amplify Van de Maele’s profile, signaling widespread interest in AI-first criteria.

Ultimately, as AI permeates enterprise functions, leaders like Van de Maele are charting a path where talent acquisition becomes a strategic lever for technological advancement, ensuring companies not only adopt AI but thrive with it.