…and why resistance is the first step toward growth.

Author : Nick Hague

Change Isn’t the Problem — It’s How We Experience It

There’s a well-known saying in business: “People don’t resist change. They resist being changed.”

It’s a sentiment that rings especially true in 2025 as we continue talking about the role of AI in the workplace—and in particular, how it’s changing the way we hire.

At Techolony, we work closely with businesses that are navigating this shift. Some embrace it quickly. Others are more cautious. Both responses are completely valid.

Because the truth is: resistance is human and all projects face resistance to change.

Why We Naturally Resist Change

Change can feel disruptive. Even when we know a new solution might help, our instinct is to protect what already works.

For teams who have built strong internal processes—especially in hiring, finance, or HR—resistance is rarely about fear. It’s often about control. It’s about preserving efficiency, safeguarding quality, and ensuring stability.

In this light, resistance isn’t a problem. It’s a sign that we care about doing things right.

What Resistance to AI in Hiring Looks Like

When we speak to internal recruitment teams, CFOs, and operations leaders, we often hear thoughtful concerns like:

• “How do we know this AI can assess candidates as well as we can?”
• “Will this add more complexity to our hiring stack?”
• “What if it changes the dynamic of how we engage with candidates?”

These are smart questions—and we welcome them. Resistance, in this context, is a useful filter. It helps decision-makers scrutinise whether a new tool will genuinely improve their processes or just add noise.

We’ve Been Here Before — Many Times

Technology has always met resistance. History is full of examples.

• The telephone was once dismissed as an impractical toy.
• The internet was seen as a short-lived trend.
• Even email, now a business staple, was once considered inefficient and informal.

Today, none of us would operate without these tools.

The initial resistance didn’t stop progress—it shaped it. It asked hard questions, forced refinements, and ultimately created better, more trusted solutions.

Growth Begins with Recognising Resistance

As a founder, I’ve come to see resistance not as a barrier, but as an invitation.

It tells us: “This is different. Pay attention.” … and when we pay attention, we get to make intentional, informed choices—rather than reactive ones.

Companies that thrive through change are often the ones that pause, reflect, and then move forward with purpose.

AI Isn’t About Replacing People. It’s About Supporting Them.

At Techolony, our goal has never been to deliver projects that automate humans out of the hiring process. Our SmartHire services are the perfect example.

Instead, we have partnered with a likeminded company in Canada to use AI to support the people doing the hiring—to remove unnecessary admin, eliminate bias, and bring qualified candidates to the table faster.

Our service handles the heavy lifting—AI-led video interviews and skills assessments—so your team can focus on the part that matters: choosing the right person.

On average, our clients reduce their cost per hire by between 50 – 80%, and time to shortlist by a similar amount. That’s an incredible efficiency from combining technology and professional services.

But more importantly, Talent teams retain control, Hiring managers save time and Finance Directors see a positive change to their accounts.

Time to be strategic. To engage deeper. To hire better.

A Thought to Leave You With

If you’re hesitating to adopt AI tools, you’re not alone.

But don’t dismiss that hesitation—listen to it.
It may be the first sign that you’re standing at the edge of something worth exploring.

SmartHire isn’t about revolution. It’s about evolution.
It’s about helping companies hire smarter—with structure, confidence, and clarity.

👉 If you’re curious, take a look here: https://smarthire.techolony.co.uk

And if you’re still resistant? That’s okay.

You’re exactly where growth begins.

Nick Hague is the CEO and Founder of Techolony, an established UK based professional services organisation that specialises in the delivery of international Projects and People.