Global Skills Podcast

Vanessa Wainwright
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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.

  1. Why Learning Agility Is the Most Important Career Skill in the AI Era – with Thom Staight

    20h ago

    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

    40 min
  2. How AI Is Transforming Learning and Skills Development with Clare Dygert

    Jun 1

    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

    29 min
  3. Josh Chernikoff on Scaling EdTech: How to Turn Education Ideas into Real Impact

    May 25

    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

    32 min
  4. Humanoids, AI Agents & the Future Workforce: Rebuilding Work from the Ground Up with Franz Gilbert

    May 18

    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

    24 min
  5. Reinventing Your Career: Transferable Skills, Redundancy & Finding Opportunity with Jon Allan

    May 11

    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

    28 min
  6. How Learning Agility Shapes the Future of Work with Oonagh Kelly

    May 4

    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

    33 min
  7. Rethinking Education with John O’Halloran: Skills, Purpose & the Future of Work

    Apr 20

    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

    31 min
  8. How Valentina Olivieri is Transforming Education with AI and Learning Technology

    Apr 13

    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

    27 min
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Vanessa Wainwright
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    46
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Global Skills Podcast