In this episode of The Shift Code Podcast, host Pierre Le Manh is joined by Pearson’s CEO, Omar Abbosh, to explore what happens when AI changes how people learn, work, and lead faster than institutions can adapt. Omar explains why traditional education must evolve toward lifelong learning, why assessment becomes more important when answers are instantly available, and how Pearson is building its strategy around assessment, next-generation education powered by AI, early careers, and enterprise skilling. He also shares why companies need to rethink skills as roles change and what leaders must get right when driving transformation. At the center of it all is a distinctly human challenge: AI can improve analysis, productivity, and decision support, but motivating people, exercising judgment, and building trust remain critical leadership responsibilities. What You’ll Learn: Why traditional education must evolve toward lifelong learning and alternative skills pathwaysHow AI can support teachers and learners without removing the effort required for real learningWhy assessment becomes even more important when learners can access AI-generated answers instantlyHow Pearson’s “one plus three” strategy builds growth around existing competitive strengthsWhy CEOs should use AI as a thought partner while keeping people-related decisions firmly humanHow enterprises can manage AI costs through multiple providers and fit-for-purpose modelsOmar Abbosh is the Chief Executive Officer of Pearson, the global lifelong learning company, where he leads the organization’s strategy around assessment, next-generation education powered by AI, early careers, and enterprise skilling. Before joining Pearson in January 2024, Omar served as President of Industry Solutions at Microsoft, helping customers create value through digital transformation. Prior to Microsoft, he spent more than three decades at Accenture, holding senior leadership roles including Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Executive of the company’s Communications, Media & Technology business, where he led a team of 100,000 people and a $9 billion business unit. Episode Resources:Omar Abbosh on LinkedInPearson WebsitePierre Le Manh on LinkedInProject Management Institute WebsiteProject Management Institute LinkedIn