Two AI-Resilient Traits Canva’s Chief People Officer Prioritizes When Hiring
As artificial intelligence reshapes the workplace, Canva’s Chief People Officer, Jennie Rogerson, believes two qualities consistently distinguish strong job candidates: curiosity and initiative.
Speaking at Charter’s New Employer Brand Summit in New York City, Rogerson described curiosity as a fundamental requirement rather than a bonus. In a rapidly evolving environment, she argues that employees must be eager to learn—not only about emerging technologies like AI but also about the reasoning and history behind existing decisions. Understanding the past provides context that helps people make better choices for the future.
During interviews, Rogerson often explores this mindset by asking candidates to describe something they learned outside their primary area of expertise and how they applied that knowledge to create meaningful results. For instance, experimenting with new AI tools or coding techniques and then using those skills to improve a project demonstrates both learning and practical application.
Equally important is a willingness to contribute beyond formal job responsibilities. Rogerson values individuals who actively strengthen their teams and organizations by identifying problems, proposing improvements, or supporting initiatives outside their assigned roles. Whether that involves launching a new employee group, suggesting a product enhancement, or helping solve an organizational challenge, these actions reflect a culture of ownership and collaboration.
To assess this quality, she may ask candidates to explain how they have contributed outside their core responsibilities to improve products, support colleagues, or enhance workplace culture.
This perspective aligns with advice from many business leaders navigating the AI era. Executives across industries increasingly emphasize continuous learning, proactive skill development, and cross-functional collaboration as key differentiators. Pursuing certifications, exploring new disciplines, and building relationships across teams can help professionals remain competitive as technology evolves.
Ultimately, Rogerson’s message is that technical expertise alone is no longer enough. People who stay curious, embrace learning, and consistently take initiative are better positioned to adapt, create value, and succeed in an AI-driven workplace.