Global Skills Podcast

Vanessa Wainwright

Hosted by Vanessa Wainwright — global skills strategist and industry leader with over 22 years of experience. The Global Skills Podcast explores one of the most urgent challenges of our time: closing the global skills gap and future-proofing talent in an age of rapid change. Each episode, Vanessa speaks with brilliant leaders from business, education, and government, that are shaping the future of work, reimagining learning, and transforming how talent is discovered and developed. Together, they uncover the real challenges organizations face, the strategies that are working, and what the future holds for skills, AI, and human potential. From CEOs and policymakers to entrepreneurs, educators, and mid-career professionals, this is the space where ideas meet action, helping leaders and learners alike navigate the new world of work. Proudly sponsored by Abodoo, whose mission is to ensure that everyone, everywhere, has access to learning, work, and opportunity by empowering organizations and educators with world-class skills technology to close the gap and future-proof their talent.

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#10003
Today · 37 min
Chief Human Officer: Leadership, Skills and Human Skills in the Age of AI with Celine Floyd
A few years ago I predicted that a Chief Skills Officer would appear in the C-suite. In this episode I’m joined by someone who became one and has taken it further: Celine Floyd, chartered occupational psychologist and Chief Leadership and Skills Officer at Cappfinity. After 20 years studying what makes people thrive at work, Celine has just launched Cappfinity’s Leadership Contribution Platform, built on one bold idea: leadership is defined by contribution, not hierarchy. We cover why a solid skills architecture matters before you invest in any platform, and why that framework should never be set in stone. We get into #talentmobility and the real reasons managers hold on to their best people, the research showing we are poor judges of our own skills, and how personality and strengths tools give people the language to represent themselves. We also look at what is keeping leaders up at night, and why Celine believes this is a hard but potentially brilliant time to lead.. If you’re a leader, a talent or learning professional, or someone figuring out your next move, this one is for you. #humanskills #futureofwork Links Celine Floyd at Cappfinity: https://www.learnevents.com/celine-floyd-stephanie-hopper/ (speaker bio; she is presenting at World of Learning, October 2026) Cappfinity: https://www.cappfinity.com Cappfinity Leadership Contribution Platform launch announcement: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cappfinity-announces-launch-of-new-leadership-contribution-platform-302824204.html Global Skills Podcast: https://globalskillspodcast.podbean.com/ Key Timestamps 02:17 Is the Chief Skills Officer role becoming mainstream? 04:51 Connecting learning and development to business performance 07:59 Why people only identify about 30% of their own skills 10:51 Why skills architecture and skills frameworks must come before the technology 13:57 Reskill, redeploy or redundancy: the talent mobility decision 17:40 Why internal mobility stalls and the enterprise talent mindset 18:38 The law graduate story: losing hidden skills inside your organisation 19:58 Is the real role the Chief Human Officer?
#10002
October 5 · 33 min
Sales Enablement in the Age of AI: Closing the Execution Gap with Matt Webb
Why do capable people still fall back on old habits when it matters most? That question is what drew me to Matt Webb, and in this episode we dig into his answer. Matt has spent three decades in sales, from twelve years leading teams at Vodafone to nearly twenty at Mentor Group, where he's now CEO. He calls the problem the execution gap, and his XQ concept reframes capability as the ability to act when it counts, even as AI changes what selling looks like. We cover a lot of ground: whether AI avatars threaten the human salesperson, why senior leaders often get the least coaching on their own impact, and Matt's sports analogy about how little time salespeople spend training compared to athletes. We also talk about role-playing tough conversations with AI before you have them with a real customer, and how to support early-career hires who don't yet have the experience to judge AI output critically. #salesenablement #executiongap #XQ #AIinsales #salestraining #emotionalintelligence #salesleadership #humanskills Connect with Matt Webb LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/matt-webb-3b34ab9 Mentor Group: mentorgroup.com Connect with Vanessa Wainwright and the Global Skills Podcast Vanessa on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/vwainwright Global Skills Podcast: globalskillspodcast.com Abodoo: abodoo.com
#10001
September 7 · 36 min
AI and Skills-Based Hiring: Rethinking Recruitment with Dionne Atwill
What does great recruitment look like when AI can write a convincing CV, but employers still need to understand what someone can actually do? In this episode of the Global Skills Podcast, I’m joined by Dionne Atwill, CEO and co-founder of Exec TA Social, to explore how AI and skills-based hiring are changing talent acquisition. From her beginnings in theatre to leading a global community of talent executives, Dionne shares why transferable skills, empathy and curiosity matter. We discuss alternatives to traditional CVs, task-based assessments, and how connecting recruitment with employee development can help organisations recognise talent already within their teams. Proudly sponsored by Abodoo, helping organisations and educators close the skills gap through skills technology. Connect and explore Dionne Atwill on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/dionneatwill Exec TA Social: https://www.execta.social/community Vanessa Wainwright on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vwainwright/ Global Skills Podcast website and community: https://globalskillspodcast.com/ Global Skills Podcast on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-skills-podcast Abodoo: https://www.abodoo.com/ Resources mentioned urfuture: https://www.urfuture.io/blog/the-journey-of-urfuture Simon Squibb: https://www.simonsquibb.com/ Watch and listen YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GlobalSkillsPodcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5T0HisMfolG2JbrQIKqNuV Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/global-skills-podcast/id1846851119 Podbean: https://globalskillspodcast.podbean.com/
#52
August 24 · 25 min
The Future Of Talent: AI, Skills & Leadership with Tom Verboven
In this episode of the Global Skills Podcast, I’m joined by Tom Verboven, Senior Director at Mercer Talent Enterprise based in Dubai, to explore the future of talent and the changing world of work. Tom shares his international experience across Belgium, the UAE, Lebanon, the UK, and the US, and explains why making the right talent decisions can have a major impact on organizational success. We explore skills-based organizations, internal talent mobility, reskilling, and upskilling, and why companies need to understand both the skills they have today and the capabilities they will need tomorrow. Tom also explains why talent teams need to collaborate more closely and why having a clear strategy, culture, and focus on key skills can help organizations build stronger talent ecosystems. We also dive into AI, human skills, assessment, and the future of leadership. Tom shares why organizations may need to assess more for wisdom, judgment, creativity, and experience as AI takes on more knowledge-based tasks. We discuss bias, “noise” in assessment, and how AI could potentially make some aspects of talent evaluation more consistent Connect With Tom Verboven https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-verboven-b85a691 Connect with the Global Skills Podcast Connect with the Host Vanessa Wainwright LinkedIn Visit Our Website https://www.globalskillspodcast.com Send us an email at editor@globalskillspodcast.com #GlobalSkillsPodcast #TomVerboven #FutureOfWork #TalentStrategy #SkillsBasedOrganization #FutureSkills #TalentManagement #TalentAssessment #AIandHR
#51
August 17 · 42 min
The Power of Sales Skills: Career Growth, Confidence & Success with Dr. Deepak Bhootra
In this episode of the Global Skills Podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Deepak Bhootra, a seasoned sales leader, executive coach, and entrepreneur, to explore the skills that can shape our careers and professional success. Deepak shares his journey from growing up in North India and learning the fundamentals of selling from his grandfather to building a global corporate career and eventually moving into entrepreneurship, coaching, and professional development. We explore why sales is more than simply selling a product or service and why it can be one of the most valuable skills for career growth. Dr. Deepak Bhootra explains how learning to communicate your value, sell yourself, understand people, navigate cognitive biases, and handle rejection can transform the way you approach your career. We also discuss career transitions, redundancy, resilience, and why continuous learning is essential in an evolving world of work. One of my biggest takeaways from this conversation is that sales is ultimately about understanding people and creating value. Whether you're building a business, looking for your next opportunity, leading a team, or changing careers, the ability to communicate, adapt, recover from setbacks, and understand different perspectives can make a significant difference. Dr. Deepak Bhootra offers practical insights into sales, leadership, career development, and the importance of continually investing in yourself. Connect With Dr. Deepak Bhootra https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepakbhootra/ Connect with the Global Skills Podcast Connect with the Host Vanessa Wainwright LinkedIn Visit Our Website https://www.globalskillspodcast.com Send us an email at editor@globalskillspodcast.com #GlobalSkillsPodcast #DeepakButra #SalesSkills #SalesLeadership #CareerGrowth #CareerDevelopment #ExecutiveCoaching #B2BSales #Leadership #CommunicationSkills
#50
July 27 · 33 min
Future-Proofing Talent in the Age of AI with Deepak Parija
The future of work is already here, and in this episode, I'm joined by Deepak Parija, Chief Talent Officer at Wipro, where he leads talent, leadership, learning, and workforce transformation for more than 230,000 employees across 60 countries. Deepak shares how organizations can embrace AI while keeping people at the centre of every transformation, and why continuous learning has become essential for both individuals and businesses. Together, we explore how the role of talent leaders is evolving beyond traditional HR to focus on building future-ready workforces. Deepak explains why digital literacy, human skills, and lifelong learning are no longer optional, and how organizations can use AI responsibly to unlock growth, develop talent, and prepare employees for the jobs of tomorrow. One of my biggest takeaways is that technology alone won't shape the future of work—people will. Deepak reminds us that while AI can enhance productivity, human qualities like empathy, curiosity, adaptability, and leadership will remain the skills that truly set individuals and organizations apart. Whether you're a leader, HR professional, educator, or simply looking to future-proof your career, this conversation offers practical insights into building a workforce that's ready for what's next. Connect With Deepak Parija https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepak-parija-b83a863/ Connect with the Global Skills Podcast Connect with the Host Vanessa Wainwright LinkedIn Visit Our Website https://www.globalskillspodcast.com Send us an email at editor@globalskillspodcast.com
#49
July 15 · 26 min
The Future of Education, AI & Lifelong Learning with Stefania Giannini
In this episode of the Global Skills Podcast, I sit down with Stefania Giannini, former Assistant Director-General for Education at UNESCO and former Minister of Education, Universities and Research in Italy, to explore how education must evolve to prepare learners for an AI-powered future. Together, we discuss why the challenge isn't simply a skills shortage, but a skills waste problem, where talent exists but isn't being fully developed or utilized. We explore the growing importance of lifelong learning, personalized education, multilingualism, and the role AI can play in helping learners unlock their full potential. Stefania also shares why schools and universities must move beyond standardized learning models and focus on developing curiosity, adaptability, and the ability to ask better questions in a rapidly changing world. Whether you're an educator, policymaker, business leader, parent, or lifelong learner, this conversation offers valuable insights into building education systems that are more inclusive, human-centered, and future-ready. As we celebrate World Youth Skills Day, this episode is a powerful reminder that preparing people for the future of work starts with transforming how we learn today. Connect With Stefania Giannini https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefania-giannini-2bb1ab16a/ Connect with the Global Skills Podcast Connect with the Host Vanessa Wainwright LinkedIn Visit Our Website https://www.globalskillspodcast.com Send us an email at editor@globalskillspodcast.com
#49
July 6 · 32 min
Creativity, Career Pathways And The Future Of Skills With DR Dave Hockham
In this episode of the Global Skills Podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Dave Hockham, Associate Head of School at the University of Greenwich, National Teaching Fellow, researcher, and education leader, to explore why creativity and human-centered skills are becoming more valuable than ever in the age of AI. Dave shares his remarkable journey from studying theatre and clowning to leading transformational change in higher education, revealing how curiosity, adaptability, and saying "yes" to new opportunities shaped his career and approach to learning. Together, we discuss the growing disconnect between education and industry, why organizations need to rethink learning and development, and how employers can better support people through mentoring, onboarding, continuous professional development, and lifelong learning. Dave explains why transferable skills, creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking are essential for building a future-ready workforce, while highlighting the importance of creating stronger partnerships between education providers and employers. Whether you're a business leader, HR professional, educator, learning and development specialist, or someone planning your next career move, this episode is packed with practical insights for navigating the future of work. We explore workforce development, employability, leadership, skills mapping, innovation, and the human capabilities that AI cannot replace—offering valuable takeaways for anyone passionate about building a more adaptable, inclusive, and resilient workforce. Connect With Dr. Dave Hockham https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-david-hockham-sfhea-ntf-757a0853 Connect with the Global Skills Podcast Connect with the Host Vanessa Wainwright LinkedIn Visit Our Website https://www.globalskillspodcast.com Send us an email at editor@globalskillspodcast.com #GlobalSkillsPodcast #FutureOfWork #FutureSkills #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #HigherEducation #SkillsGap #Upskilling #CareerDevelopment #SkillsBasedHiring #SkillsMapping#FutureWorkforce
#48
June 29 · 33 min
Rethinking Learning & Development in the Age of AI with Marc Ramos
I'm joined today by Mark Ramos, a global learning and AI transformation leader who has held senior roles at Google, Novartis, and Cornerstone, and is a Fellow at Harvard's Graduate School of Education Learning Innovation Laboratory. We talk about why human agency might be the resource under the most threat in the workplace right now, and what happens to skills, careers, and middle management as AI takes over more of our daily tasks. Mark shares a great real-world example of transferable skills in action, the thinking behind Google's internal "Googler to Googler" teaching culture, and his honest take on cognitive offloading, cognitive atrophy, and what he calls learning slop. He makes the case that healthy skepticism, not blind trust, is the real skill of the AI era. This conversation goes deeper into human potential than I expected, and I think anyone thinking about their own learning path will find something here worth taking away. Connect With Marc Ramos Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcsramos/ Connect with the Global Skills Podcast Connect with the Host Vanessa Wainwright LinkedIn Visit Our Website https://www.globalskillspodcast.com Send us an email at editor@globalskillspodcast.com
#47
June 22 · 19 min
Skills Aren't Missing - They're Invinsible
In this special solo episode of the Global Skills Podcast, I wanted to step away from my usual guest interviews and explore a question that has been sitting with me for years: if employers say they can’t find skilled people, and job seekers say they can’t find opportunities, what’s really going wrong? Drawing on my experience in recruitment, workforce transformation, and skills intelligence, I share the story of a candidate who faced more than 1,000 job rejections before securing a role with a leading technology company and rapidly progressing in their career. That experience shaped my belief that talent is far more abundant than we think. The real challenge is that our systems often struggle to identify, understand, and connect people’s skills to opportunity. As AI continues to reshape work, I believe we need to rethink how we define, measure, and recognise capability. Throughout this episode, I explore why traditional hiring practices are failing both employers and job seekers, how transferable skills are becoming increasingly valuable, and why a shared skills language could transform the future of work. I also discuss the growing importance of skills-first hiring, lifelong learning, and workforce intelligence, and why making skills visible may be one of the most important challenges facing education, employers, and policymakers today. Connect with the Global Skills Podcast Connect with the Host Vanessa Wainwright LinkedIn Visit Our Website https://www.globalskillspodcast.com Send us an email at editor@globalskillspodcast.com #GlobalSkillsPodcast #SkillsGap #SkillsFirstHiring #TalentManagement #AIandWork #TransferableSkills #FutureSkills
#46
June 8 · 40 min
Why Learning Agility Is the Most Important Career Skill in the AI Era – with Thom Staight
In this episode, I sit down with Thom Staight, General Manager of Global Talent Acquisition for EMEA and Asia at Microsoft, to explore how AI is reshaping hiring, careers, and the future of work. Thom shares his journey from studying history and philosophy, into recruitment, and eventually leading talent strategy inside one of the world’s biggest tech companies. We talk about the shift from traditional recruitment to skills-first hiring, why learning agility matters more than ever, and how organizations can unlock hidden potential by focusing less on job titles and more on transferable skills. We also dive into how AI is changing early-career opportunities, internal mobility, and workforce planning. Thom shares practical examples of how Microsoft is using AI tools to help entry-level talent solve more complex problems earlier in their careers, while also freeing experienced employees to focus on higher-value work. Throughout the conversation, we discuss growth mindset, the importance of staying curious with new technology, and why the future of talent will depend on organizations connecting skills, learning, and career development more effectively than ever before. Connect With Thom Staight https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomstaight/ Connect with the Global Skills Podcast Connect with the Host Vanessa Wainwright LinkedIn Visit Our Website https://www.globalskillspodcast.com Send us an email at editor@globalskillspodcast.com
#45
June 1 · 28 min
How AI Is Transforming Learning and Skills Development with Clare Dygert
In this episode, I’m joined by Clare Dygert, a learning systems architect and chief learning strategist at SweetRush, now part of the NIIT group. We explore how AI is transforming learning, why personalized and adaptive learning is becoming essential, and what organizations need to do to truly close the skills gap. Clare shares her incredible career journey from wanting to become a school teacher to designing learning strategies for some of the world’s most complex organizations. We also discuss why employees must take ownership of their own growth, how micro-credentialing could reshape education, and why staying curious is one of the most important career skills anyone can develop. We also dive into the future of work, transferable skills, and why learning design needs to focus on people first. Clare shares practical advice for professionals wanting to future-proof their careers, including her personal strategy of reviewing job descriptions each year to identify new skills to learn. From designing sitcom-style training for learners with cognitive disabilities to using AI as a creative thinking partner, this conversation is packed with fresh ideas on learning, leadership, creativity, and adaptability. Clare also opens up about her passion for art, team cognition, and building learning cultures where people don’t just use AI — they grow with it. Connect With Clare Dygert https://www.linkedin.com/in/claredygert/ Connect with the Global Skills Podcast Connect with the Host Vanessa Wainwright LinkedIn Visit Our Website https://www.globalskillspodcast.com Send us an email at editor@globalskillspodcast.com
#44
May 25 · 31 min
Josh Chernikoff on Scaling EdTech: How to Turn Education Ideas into Real Impact
In this episode, I’m joined by Josh Chernikoff, who has spent more than two decades (20+ years) working alongside education founders, edtech innovators, and learning leaders. Together, we explore what it really takes to turn great ideas into real impact—getting solutions not just built, but into the hands of the learners who need them most. Josh shares his unconventional journey—from struggling in school and becoming a tutor, to building and scaling multiple businesses in the education space. What stood out to me is his deep belief that success isn’t just about having a great product, but about truly understanding your audience, building credibility, and consistently showing up as yourself. We also unpack the evolving role of AI in education, why human connection still matters more than ever, and how smaller, mission-driven companies can compete in a crowded market. We also dive into practical insights for educators, founders, and leaders navigating change. Josh talks about the importance of niching down, the power of personal branding, and why “people buy from people.” One of my favourite takeaways is his mindset around progress—focusing on going “1–0 each day” and remembering that “fear is a liar.” This episode is a powerful reminder that impact comes from consistency, authenticity, and a willingness to learn through doing. Connect With Josh Chernikoff https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuachernikoff/ Connect with the Global Skills Podcast Connect with the Host Vanessa Wainwright LinkedIn Visit Our Website https://www.globalskillspodcast.com Send us an email at editor@globalskillspodcast.com
#43
May 18 · 24 min
Humanoids, AI Agents & the Future Workforce: Rebuilding Work from the Ground Up with Franz Gilbert
In this episode, I sit down with Franz Gilbert, who operates at the intersection of talent, technology, and transformation. Franz shares his unconventional career journey into HR and how it shaped his perspective on building human-centered business models. We explore how learning and development is evolving beyond silos and becoming embedded directly into the flow of work, powered by AI and real-time data. Franz also breaks down the complex world of skills taxonomies, explaining why ownership of skills strategy is no longer confined to one function but is becoming a shared, system-wide capability. We also zoom out to a global view of the workforce, discussing skills gaps, the rise of skills wallets, and the critical role governments will play in enabling workforce mobility and upskilling at scale. Franz offers practical insights for SMB leaders navigating AI disruption, highlighting how smaller businesses can actually move faster and gain a competitive edge. From agentic AI to humanoid robotics, we explore what the future workplace could look like—and why human skills like critical thinking and creativity will matter more than ever. Franz closes with powerful advice for mid-career professionals: find the work that energizes you, because passion is the key to thriving in a rapidly changing world. Connect With Franz Gilbert https://www.linkedin.com/in/franzgilbert/ Connect with the Global Skills Podcast Connect with the Host Vanessa Wainwright LinkedIn Visit Our Website https://www.globalskillspodcast.com Send us an email at editor@globalskillspodcast.com
#42
May 11 · 28 min
Reinventing Your Career: Transferable Skills, Redundancy & Finding Opportunity with Jon Allan
In this episode of the Global Skills Podcast, I sit down with Jon Allen, Head of Learning, Innovation and Research at the British Parking Association. We explore Jon’s unconventional career journey — from aspiring actor and English teacher in Brazil to recruitment, learning innovation, and shaping professional pathways in a highly complex sector. Our conversation dives into the power of transferable skills, reinvention after redundancy, and why investing in yourself often matters more than following a linear career path. Jon also shares valuable insights on skills frameworks, leadership, EV infrastructure, and why people skills, relationship management, and adaptability are becoming non-negotiables in today’s evolving workforce. Connect With Jon Allan https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanallan1profile Connect with the Global Skills Podcast Connect with the Host Vanessa Wainwright LinkedIn Visit Our Website https://www.globalskillspodcast.com Send us an email at editor@globalskillspodcast.com
#41
May 4 · 32 min
How Learning Agility Shapes the Future of Work with Oonagh Kelly
In this episode, I sit down with Oonagh Kelly, Chief People Officer at the National Treasury Management Agency, to explore what it really takes to build a future-ready career and organization. From her early career choices rooted in passion and curiosity to leading large-scale transformation in complex environments, Oonagh shares how combining what you love with what you're good at can shape a meaningful and adaptable career path. We dive deep into the importance of learning agility and mental agility, two skills Oonagh believes are critical in today’s rapidly changing world of work. She breaks down why traditional career paths are no longer linear, how organizations should rethink talent development, and why understanding your core skills matters more than any job title. We also explore how AI is being implemented in practical, human-centered ways, how companies can better support people leaders, and why the future belongs to those who can pivot, learn, and evolve continuously. Whether you're starting out, navigating change, or leading a team, this conversation offers powerful insights to help you stay ahead. Connect With Oonagh Kelly https://www.linkedin.com/in/oonaghkelly/ Connect with the Global Skills Podcast Connect with the Host Vanessa Wainwright LinkedIn Visit Our Website https://www.globalskillspodcast.com Send us an email at editor@globalskillspodcast.com
#40
April 20 · 31 min
Rethinking Education with John O’Halloran: Skills, Purpose & the Future of Work
In this episode of the Global Skills Podcast, I’m joined by John O'Halloran, President of University College Cork, for a powerful conversation on the future of education, leadership, and skills. John shares his journey from being a first-generation student with a passion for zoology to leading one of Ireland’s most forward-thinking universities. What stood out for me was his deep belief that education is not just about knowledge, but about shaping people who can contribute meaningfully to society, the planet, and the future of work. We explore how universities must evolve in a rapidly changing world shaped by AI, sustainability, and shifting workforce demands. John highlights the importance of what he calls “life-wide skills” — the human capabilities like communication, adaptability, and purpose — alongside technical expertise. I particularly loved his perspective on lifelong learning and how education shouldn’t stop at graduation, but instead continue throughout our careers as we reskill and adapt. This conversation also challenged me to think differently about success and career paths. John reminds us that passion, resilience, and openness to opportunity matter more than having everything figured out early on. Whether you're starting out, navigating change, or leading others, this episode is a powerful reminder that learning is a continuous journey — and one that belongs to all of us. Connect With John O'Halloran https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-o-halloran-787b2045 Connect with the Global Skills Podcast Connect with the Host Vanessa Wainwright LinkedIn Visit Our Website https://www.globalskillspodcast.com Send us an email at editor@globalskillspodcast.com
#39
April 13 · 27 min
How Valentina Olivieri is Transforming Education with AI and Learning Technology
On the Global Skills Podcast, I’m joined by Valentina Olivieri, Head of Learning Technology at Shooter’s Hill Sixth Form College, where she leads digital innovation across AI, immersive tech, and inclusive design. With a background in edtech leadership, product development, and strategic innovation—alongside an MSc in Psychology and Learning Disability—Valentina is on a mission to create future-ready learning environments that empower every student to thrive. Her work sits at the intersection of AI, neurodiversity, and human-centered design, championing accessibility as a core pillar in modern education. In this episode, I explore Valentina’s non-linear journey into edtech, her passion for personalized learning, and the growing digital skills gap facing today’s students. We dive into why traditional education models are being challenged, the importance of apprenticeships and real-world skills, and how technology can be used to enhance—not replace—human potential. This conversation is a powerful look at the future of education, skills development, and how we can better prepare the next generation for an evolving workplace. Connect With Valentina Olivier https://www.linkedin.com/in/valentina-olivieri-58150699/?locale=en_US Connect with the Global Skills Podcast Connect with the Host Vanessa Wainwright LinkedIn Visit Our Website https://www.globalskillspodcast.com Send us an email at editor@globalskillspodcast.com
#38
April 6 · 29 min
Why 90% of Employees Are Disengaged | Joe Morrison on Fixing Workplace Culture
In this episode of the Global Skills Podcast, I sit down with Joe Morrison, employee engagement expert and Founder of Cheer At Work, to explore why 90% of employees are disengaged and what leaders can realistically do about it. Joe shares powerful insights from both talent acquisition and internal culture strategy, explaining why communication, leadership skills, and clarity of purpose matter more than perks alone. We unpack the concept of “happiness spikes” at work, why learning completion rates are so low, and how fear, poor communication, and lack of leadership development are impacting engagement. Joe also shares practical advice for leaders navigating redundancy, low morale, and AI-driven change, plus why presentation skills are becoming one of the most critical employability skills in today’s competitive market. This conversation is a reminder that engagement is not a fluffy nice-to-have — it is directly linked to performance, retention, and long-term business sustainability. Connect With Joe Morrison https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemorrisonofficial Connect with the Global Skills Podcast Connect with the Host Vanessa Wainwright LinkedIn Visit Our Website https://www.globalskillspodcast.com Send us an email at editor@globalskillspodcast.com
#37
March 30 · 32 min
People First, Skills Second: Rethinking Construction with Paul Bird
In this episode of the Global Skills Podcast, I sit down with Paul Bird, Head of Learning at the Lighthouse Charity, to explore what it really means to put people first in one of the UK’s most vital industries — construction. Paul shares his powerful journey from teaching English and media to leading learning and wellbeing initiatives across construction, driven by a deep personal connection to the industry through his father. We unpack how learning, retention and meaningful work shape not just careers, but lives. We also have an honest conversation about emotional wellbeing, suicide prevention and the systemic challenges facing the construction sector, including fragmentation, financial pressure and cultural barriers around men speaking up. Paul outlines the innovative programmes being developed at the Lighthouse Charity — from micro-learning and middle-leader training to neurodiversity inclusion and long-term career support. This is a conversation about dignity in work, reverse mentoring, volunteering as a pathway forward, and how we build an industry — and future workforce — where people feel valued, supported and proud of what they create. Connect With Paul Bird https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-bird-7343b791 Connect with the Global Skills Podcast Connect with the Host Vanessa Wainwright LinkedIn Visit Our Website https://www.globalskillspodcast.com Send us an email at editor@globalskillspodcast.com

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