Latest news with #Torc
Forbes
02-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Letting Go: Transformational Leadership In The Age Of AI
In the age of AI, real leadership means letting go of control to unlock collaboration, curiosity, ... More and human-AI co-creation. In a world defined by complexity, velocity, and AI-driven change, the most significant transformational leadership act isn't holding on. It's letting go. For decades, leadership meant control of teams, budgets, decisions, and narratives. But in today's fluid, networked, and talent-distributed world, that grip has become a liability. The leaders thriving now are the ones who have learned to loosen their grip, to empower, co-create, and operate with humility. Letting go is no longer a weakness; it's a strength. It's a strategic necessity. The rise of the open talent economy demonstrates this shift in real-time. Platforms like Torc, Andela, and Upwork are reshaping labor from a fixed cost to a fluid capability. The question is no longer 'Who do we employ?' but 'Who can we access?' Forward-thinking companies are embracing dynamic talent ecosystems. They're dissolving the boundaries between internal and external contributors, assembling purpose-driven teams from a global pool of expertise. They're not just filling roles. They're orchestrating skills. And that orchestration only works when leaders let go of perfection, embrace iteration, and build environments where trust and autonomy can flourish. Leadership today isn't about having the plan. The pace of change is too fast, and the problems are too complex. What matters now is curiosity. The most effective leaders aren't heroes; they're curators. Like great editors or museum directors, their job is to discover, elevate, and connect. It's about shaping the conditions for others to do their best work. This approach demands humility. It means listening more, interrupting less, and creating systems where freelancers, full-timers, and AI agents alike can contribute meaningfully. It's not about owning every answer. It's about asking better questions. One of the biggest hurdles to this mindset shift is fear, especially fear of AI. Leaders often ask, 'Will it replace me?' Replace my team? The better question is: what can it amplify? When we stop seeing AI as a threat, we begin to see it as a teammate. It can process data, simulate outcomes, and streamline workflows. But it can't connect unseen dots. It can't empathize, imagine, or lead. At Harvard Business School, our research on cybernetic teammates reveals that hybrid teams, comprising AI paired with human talent, consistently outperform either AI or human talent alone. However, to harness that potential, leaders must relinquish traditional workflows and learn to lead at the intersection of intelligence and intuition. Letting go isn't surrender. It's space-making for people, for ideas, for possibility. It's about shifting from command to co-creation, from headcount to capability, from ownership to access. The future belongs to companies that treat talent as a network, not a department, that invest in open platforms as core infrastructure, not side experiments, and that see flexibility not as a perk, but as a principle. So here's the challenge. Let go of one decision a day. Invite outside talent into one project, and pilot one AI-human collaboration. Redesign one role around outcomes, not ownership. In this era of work, access often beats ownership. Curation beats control. And letting go isn't the end of leadership. It's where real transformational leadership begins.
Business Wire
24-06-2025
- Automotive
- Business Wire
Torc Announces New Engineering Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Further Fuel Autonomous Vehicle Innovation
BUSINESS WIRE)--Torc, a pioneer in commercializing self-driving class 8 trucks, today announced the establishment of a new engineering center in Ann Arbor, Michigan. As Torc continues its path toward commercialization in 2027, this strategic expansion will further accelerate the company's productization efforts and tap into the region's rich automotive and technology talent pool. As part of its effort to open the Ann Arbor location, Torc worked closely with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to secure incentives to support the expansion into Michigan, as Torc plans significant hiring in this region to grow its team and technical talent capabilities. Torc's Ann Arbor site will help drive critical product milestones. A diverse range of engineering roles will be based in the office, including expertise in machine learning, software, hardware, and systems engineering, alongside positions in product engineering, safety, and other key functions. "This strategic location is a natural fit for Torc as we continue to advance our autonomous technology,' said Jamie Swaim, Chief People Officer at Torc. 'Ann Arbor's proximity to the Detroit automotive industry and a wealth of high-tech talent, combined with the exceptional concentration of high-caliber universities and colleges, makes it an ideal environment for our growth and productization strategy. This new center will complement the strong engineering talent we already have across the nation." The new office, located in northeast Ann Arbor, will encompass approximately 32,000 square feet and will feature multiple collaboration spaces and hardware in the loop labs. 'We are pleased to support the continued growth and expansion of Torc, whose project is a testament to the strength of our state's mobility industry and Michiganders' superior skills,' said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and chair of the Michigan Strategic Fund. 'My congratulations and gratitude to Torc; we are honored to earn this investment. We look forward to celebrating your future success and that of the People, Places, and Projects who will benefit from your presence in the great state of Michigan.' Torc's decision to establish a presence in Ann Arbor underscores its commitment to fostering innovation and teamwork through strategic talent acquisition and collaboration within key technology and automotive ecosystems. For more information on Torc, please visit About Torc Torc, headquartered in Blacksburg, Virginia, is a global leader and pioneer in trucking. Founded in 2005 at the birth of the self-driving vehicle revolution, Torc has over 20 years of experience in pioneering safety-critical, self-driving applications. Torc offers a complete self-driving vehicle software and integration solution and is currently focusing on commercializing autonomous trucks for long-haul applications in the U.S. In addition to its Blacksburg headquarters and engineering offices in Austin, Texas, and Montreal, Canada, Torc has a fleet operations facility in the Dallas-Fort Worth area in Texas, to support the company's productization and commercialization efforts, as well as a presence in Ann Arbor, MI, to take advantage of the autonomous and automotive talent base in that region. Torc's purpose is driving the future of freight with autonomous technology. As the world's leading autonomous trucking solution, we empower exceptional employees, deliver a focused, hub-to-hub autonomous truck product, and provide our customers with the safest, most reliable, and cost-efficient solution to the market.
Business Wire
17-06-2025
- Automotive
- Business Wire
Torc Joins the Stanford Center for AI Safety to Conduct Joint Research on AI Safety for Level 4 Autonomous Trucking
BLACKSBURG, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Torc, a pioneer in commercializing self-driving class 8 trucks, today announced its membership with the Stanford Center for AI Safety, which conducts state-of-the-art research to help ensure the safety of AI, specifically machine learning, for use in autonomous trucking applications. This membership marks a significant milestone in Torc's ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety and reliability of its autonomous trucking solutions as the company prepares for market entry in 2027. The membership enables Torc to sponsor, collaborate in, and coauthor research with the Stanford Center for AI Safety, enabling direct access to those research findings as they happen. Access to the center's research symposiums, seminars, and other member benefits also help Torc apply Stanford's extensive AI Safety research in the company's efforts to significantly enhance the safety protocols of machine learning models within its autonomous driving systems. "Torc is proud to join the Stanford Center for AI Safety, reinforcing our mission to deliver safe, scalable, and trustworthy autonomous solutions,' said Steve Kenner, Chief Safety Officer at Torc. "This membership aligns with our commitment to advancing rigorous safety practices in AI development and supports our goal of providing highly reliable technology to our customers." The Stanford Center for AI Safety's research focuses on developing robust safety protocols and advanced machine learning techniques to mitigate risks in autonomous systems. As a member of the center, Torc can leverage published research to continue to address critical safety challenges in autonomous driving applications. Ultimately, Torc will work to continue to enhance the reliability and safety of its machine learning models toward the company's goal of fully commercializing autonomous trucks for long-haul applications in the U.S. in 2027. "Collaborating with members in our affiliates program allows us to apply our research in AI safety to real-world challenges,' commented Duncan Eddy, Director of the Stanford Center for AI Safety. 'Our work with Torc will include efforts to enhance the safety and reliability of autonomous driving systems, ultimately contributing to the advancement of this transformative technology." For more information on Torc, please visit About Torc Torc, headquartered in Blacksburg, Virginia, is an independent subsidiary of Daimler Truck AG, a global leader and pioneer in trucking. Founded in 2005 at the birth of the self-driving vehicle revolution, Torc has over 20 years of experience in pioneering safety-critical, self-driving applications. Torc offers a complete self-driving vehicle software and integration solution and is currently focusing on commercializing autonomous trucks for long-haul applications in the U.S. In addition to its Blacksburg headquarters and engineering offices in Austin, Texas, and Montreal, Canada, Torc has a fleet operations facility in the Dallas-Fort Worth area in Texas, to support the company's productization and commercialization efforts, as well as a presence in Ann Arbor, MI, to take advantage of the autonomous and automotive talent base in that region. Torc's purpose is driving the future of freight with autonomous technology. As the world's leading autonomous trucking solution, we empower exceptional employees, deliver a focused, hub-to-hub autonomous truck product, and provide our customers with the safest, most reliable, and cost-efficient solution to the market.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
62% of enterprises are turning to talent platforms: new report highlights how open talent is reshaping workforce strategy
ATLANTA, June 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A new joint report by Randstad Digital, Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA), and Open Assembly reveals how forward-looking companies are responding to economic uncertainty, geopolitical shifts, skill gaps, and the accelerating pace of digital transformation by reshaping how they approach their workforce strategy. Titled Reinventing Talent Acquisition: How Open Talent Is Transforming the Workforce, the report explores how platforms like Randstad Digital's Torc are transforming hiring through a blend of AI-driven matching and human-led engagement. The report offers timely insights into the future of talent acquisition, spotlighting the convergence of traditional staffing models with next-gen digital platforms. Notably, 62% of enterprises are already using or planning to adopt talent platforms within the next two years. The result is curated talent pools based on customer demand by skill, domain, experience level, industry experience, and talent demographics. Key findings from the report include: Shifting role of recruiters: Human recruiters are moving beyond transactional tasks to become strategic talent advisors, focused on coaching, career development, and long-term engagement. Convergence of models: Traditional staffing firms and digital platforms are coming together to form a new class of hybrid organizations—talent companies—that blend platform efficiency with personal connection. Unbundling of work: As companies look for agility, the report anticipates a shift away from rigid job descriptions toward task-based hiring and streamlined, skills-first evaluations. "The convergence of AI-enabled talent platform efficiency and human ingenuity unlocks candidate and job matching potential that we're just beginning to realize," said Michael Morris, CEO and Co-Founder of Torc and Head of Randstad Digital US Recruiting. "As a Partner for Talent, Randstad Digital, powered by the Torc Platform and Community, isn't just deploying new technology. We're ensuring that every recruiter and organization worldwide can digitize and transform obsolete hiring and engagement methods to attract skilled talent from every corner of the planet." "This research confirms that open talent models, powered by digital platforms like Randstad Digital, are not just a trend—they're a logical evolution to enterprise workforce strategy," said Ursula Williams, President of Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA). "As organizations face mounting pressure to move faster and work smarter, the convergence of platform technology and human insight is enabling scalable, high-impact talent solutions built for the future." "Organizations no longer need to choose between speed and strategy," adds John Winsor, Executive Fellow at the Harvard Business School and CEO at Open Assembly. "This report confirms that open talent ecosystems—when built on trust, access, and growth—can deliver instant skill matching while fostering long-term workforce engagement and strategic value." Reinventing Talent Acquisition: How Open Talent Is Transforming the Workforce serves as a crucial guide for organizations navigating the complexities of modern workforce management, offering actionable insights for building more adaptive, resilient, and future-ready talent strategies. Access the full report: About Randstad Digital & Torc:Randstad Digital is a global partner for talent and technology solutions, helping organizations accelerate transformation through specialized talent, scalable capacity, and domain-led expertise. A part of Randstad—the world's largest talent company—Randstad Digital is powered by Torc, an AI-driven talent platform and global technology community. Designed to meet the demands of today's digital enterprises, Randstad Digital delivers flexible, high-impact solutions that enable agility, address critical tech skill needs, and drive sustained transformation. or About SIA:Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA) is the global research and advisory firm focused on staffing and workforce solutions. Our proprietary research covers all categories of employed and non-employed work including temporary staffing, independent contracting and other types of contingent labor. About Open Assembly:Open Assembly provides strategic guidance to organizations adopting open talent models. Originating from Harvard's Laboratory for Innovation Science, it equips enterprises to scale flexible, resilient workforce strategies. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Randstad Digital Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Torc Robotics opens first autonomous hub in Texas
This story was originally published on Trucking Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Trucking Dive newsletter. Torc Robotics is preparing its self-driving trucks to haul commercial freight along Interstate 35 with the opening of its first autonomous trucking hub in Fort Worth, Texas, according to a May 15 press release. The hub will serve as an operational base for the company's autonomous efforts, and includes a customer experience center, offices and control centers for fleet management and operations. 'This hub represents more than just logistics,' said Torc CCO Andrew Culhane. 'It represents years of relentless planning and prioritization, input from industry experts, and the dedication and tireless effort of Torc's teams.' Ahead of its expected 2027 U.S. market launch, Torc plans to test autonomous trucks on a new lane on Interstate 35, a major freight route between Laredo, Texas, and Dallas-Fort Worth. In a previous statement, Torc CEO Peter Vaughan Schmidt said establishing a presence in the Dallas-Fort Worth area was a critical milestone for the independent Daimler Truck subsidiary. 'As we work toward commercialization, the new hub will give us access to talent, resources and routes that we didn't previously have, and we're excited about the growth opportunities ahead,' Schmidt said. The hub features 22,000 square feet of office space on an 18-acre site within AllianceTexas, a 27,000-acre development in North Texas. At the heart of the hub is Torc's 'Mission Management' room, which tracks the lifecycle of each autonomous journey — from pre-trip checklist to arrival transmissions — on a theater-sized screen. The release did not include specifics about how many employees will be working at the new facility, but Torc disclosed in November that it planned to shift many of its resources from Albuquerque, which was an original testing location, to Dallas to support its future commercialization efforts. The company also expected to hire more than 100 people in Dallas in 2025. Torc anticipates that the move to the new hub will create a 'more bustling, even more energetic' commercialization space that will eventually transition to a 24-hour facility, according to the release. Torc isn't the only AV company making inroads in the Lone Star State. In May, competitor Aurora launched a regular, heavy-duty driverless trucking service between Houston and Dallas. Meanwhile, Daimler Truck North America recently delivered the autonomous-ready version of its fifth-generation Freightliner Cascadia to Torc. Citing over 1,500 engineering requirements, Daimler says the latest generation sets an industry standard for autonomous system integration. 'Fully integrating Torc's autonomous driver with Daimler Truck's Freightliner Cascadia platform creates an industry-first, scalable, physical-AI autonomous trucking solution,' Schmidt said in an April statement Recommended Reading Torc Robotics expects to remove truck drivers on public roads by 2027 Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
