Technology
Shopify COO says AI era favors versatile 'X-shaped' workers
COO Jess Hertz stated that the company seeks employees with multiple areas of expertise rather than single-domain specialists.
The short version
- Shopify Chief Operating Officer Jess Hertz stated that the company is shifting hiring preferences toward 'X-shaped' workers with multiple areas of expertise.
- The change marks a move away from the traditional 'T-shaped' model of deep specialization in a single field alongside broad general skills.
- The remarks follow existing Shopify policies that mandate artificial intelligence adoption across internal workflows and performance evaluations.
Key facts
- Shopify COO Jess Hertz said on the 'Rapid Response' podcast that the rise of AI makes 'X-shaped' employees with multiple spikes of expertise ideal candidates.[Business Insider]
- Hertz defined 'X-shaped' personnel as those who can rapidly absorb complex information and build competence across various skill sets.[Business Insider]
- Shopify CEO Tobi Lütke previously mandated AI usage within the company, tying tool adoption to performance reviews and headcount approval.[Business Insider]
- Hertz joined Shopify as general counsel in 2021 before becoming chief operating officer in 2025.[Business Insider]
What remains uncertain
- It remains unclear how Shopify's preference for multi-skilled profiles will formally alter specific hiring criteria, job descriptions, or evaluation metrics.[Business Insider]
Sources
- Shopify's COO says her ideal employee is an 'X-shaped' personBusiness Insider metered