Full Breakdown
Canva Emphasizes Curiosity and Initiative as AI-Proof Hiring Traits
6/17/2026, 12:31:24 PM
Defining the AI-Era Candidate Profile
At Charter’s New Employer Brand Summit in New York City on June 9, Canva’s chief people officer Jennie Rogerson identified two fundamental attributes she seeks in every job candidate: curiosity and the willingness to take initiative beyond one’s core responsibilities. She argued that these traits are essential for employees to thrive as artificial-intelligence tools reshape work processes.
Background & Context
In the age of AI, executives emphasize uniquely human capabilities—particularly curiosity—to remain relevant as technology reshapes work. Rogerson’s remarks reflect a broader industry focus on traits that machines cannot replicate.
Key Figures: Jennie Rogerson and Supporting Voices
Rogerson, who leads Canva’s people strategy, articulated the hiring focus. Former LinkedIn CEO Ryan Roslansky described curiosity as one of five irreplaceable human skills in the AI age. Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi emphasized openness to new ideas and people as a career catalyst. Greg Hart urged employees to pursue certifications and micro-credentials.
Timeline of Key Remarks
- June 9 2026 – Rogerson speaks at Charter’s New Employer Brand Summit in New York City.
- 2025 – Greg Hart (Coursera) advises employees to earn certifications and micro-credentials.
- April 2025 – Dara Khosrowshahi (Uber) delivers a fireside chat at Brown University on openness and curiosity.
- 2025 – Phoebe Gavin (career coach) highlights relationship-building as a proactive career strategy.
Hiring Practices: How Curiosity and Initiative Are Assessed
During interviews, Rogerson may ask candidates what they have learned outside their core discipline and how they applied it, or what they did beyond their remit to add to product development or culture. Candidates who launch internal clubs, propose new ideas, or fix broken processes are seen as embodying initiative.
Impact: Building a Culture of Givers
Rogerson’s approach aims to cultivate a “culture of givers,” where employees feel ownership and contribute beyond immediate tasks. Rogerson emphasizes that curiosity and proactive contribution help employees adapt to rapid AI-driven changes.
Official Statements & Responses
Rogerson summarized her hiring philosophy as a baseline expectation of curiosity and a responsibility to honor past decisions while building stronger solutions. Greg Hart reinforced the need for continuous skill development, while Roslansky and Khosrowshahi echoed curiosity’s centrality for career advancement.
Criticism & Opposition
The provided sources do not present dissenting viewpoints or criticism of Canva’s hiring criteria.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Curiosity is a baseline,” — Jennie Rogerson, Chief People Officer, Canva
- “We want to build a culture of givers,” — Jennie Rogerson, Chief People Officer, Canva
- “As for curiosity, it's one of five irreplaceable human skills in the age of AI, if you ask former LinkedIn CEO Ryan Roslansky.” — Ryan Roslansky, former CEO, LinkedIn
- “Be curious about meeting new people, be curious about interests that are outside of your immediate field of education,” — Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO, Uber
