Skill Economy

George Pygall

Skill Economy is the podcast bridging the gap between education and the real world of work. We sit down with hiring managers, founders, CEOs, and early-careers leaders to break down the skills that actually matter - from resilience and communication to problem-solving, commercial awareness, and navigating pressure. Too many companies wait until someone’s hired to start “upskilling.” We’re here to start earlier, helping students and young people build future-proof skills before day one, and helping employers connect with the next generation of talent.

  1. CEO & Leadership Coach (20+ Years): Why “Soft Skills” Actually Drive Success

    Apr 8

    CEO & Leadership Coach (20+ Years): Why “Soft Skills” Actually Drive Success

    Meet Luke Todd, CEO of MadeYou and a leadership development coach who has spent decades helping organisations across Europe build high-performing teams through what he calls “core skills.” In this episode, we break down why so-called soft skills are actually the hardest skills to master, how communication and feedback drive real performance, and what separates those who progress from those who plateau in their careers. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Luke Todd 0:08 Luke’s Role and Passion for Developing People 1:21 The One Skill That Shaped His Career 3:02 Adapting Your Leadership Style to Individuals 5:01 Why “Soft Skills” Are Actually Core Skills 6:15 Communication & Feedback as Career Foundations 8:36 Why You Shouldn’t Try to Be Like Other Leaders 11:04 How to Give Better Feedback (Future-Focused) 13:52 The Biggest Communication Mistake People Make 24:10 Why Careers Plateau (And How to Break Through)

    39 min
  2. Life & Career Design Expert: The Skill You’re Never Taught in Lecture Halls

    Apr 3

    Life & Career Design Expert: The Skill You’re Never Taught in Lecture Halls

    Sean Schofield is the Assistant Vice President of Life and Career Design at Wheaton College, where he helps students become career-ready from day one. In this episode, he breaks down the real skills that drive hiring, growth, and long-term success.0:00 – Intro1:40 – The Most Important Skill: Storytelling5:20 – How to Actually Build That Skill9:10 – Why Career Support Starts Too Late11:40 – Where Young People Should Start17:30 – Why Networking Changes Everything24:10 – The Gap Between Education & Employers28:10 – Why Degrees Aren’t Enough30:45 – How to Grow Fast in Your Career33:50 – Final Advice for Young People

    37 min
  3. CEO & Co-Founder at Vizzy: How to Stand Out When Everyone Uses AI

    Mar 19

    CEO & Co-Founder at Vizzy: How to Stand Out When Everyone Uses AI

    Episode Guest:Meet Chris, CEO & Co-Founder of Vizzy, a platform used by companies like Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co, Virgin and Burberry to rethink hiring, as he shares why CVs are breaking down, how AI is changing the job market, and what actually helps candidates stand out today, here on the Skill Economy Podcast.

    35 min
  4. Co-Founder at CareerGuard: The Skill That Changed My Career (Most Young People Ignore It)

    Mar 12

    Co-Founder at CareerGuard: The Skill That Changed My Career (Most Young People Ignore It)

    Dominic shares how skills like sales, persuasion, and effective communication can dramatically impact career success. He discusses practical ways to develop these skills, the importance of face-to-face networking, and how AI is transforming recruitment. Learn how to stand out in a competitive job market and future-proof your career by mastering learning agility and self-promotion.Interested in learning more about Skill Group? We help companies see who's motivated, capable and great to work with - before interviews begin.Our first mission: https://skill-ministry.com/The CareerGuard: https://thecareerguard.com/Dominics LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominic-noel-hay-2766b4102/

    35 min
  5. Founder & CEO at Earniversity: What Young People Need to Learn About Making Money

    Mar 6

    Founder & CEO at Earniversity: What Young People Need to Learn About Making Money

    In this conversation, Dean Botha shares his journey from dropping out of school at 15 to becoming a university lecturer and founder of Earniversity. He discusses the role of pain as a motivator, the challenges faced by today's youth, and the importance of authenticity and ambition in achieving success. Dean emphasizes the need for modern education that equips young people with financial skills and confidence to navigate a rapidly changing world.Interested in learning more about Skill Group? We help companies see who's motivated, capable and great to work with - before interviews begin.Our first mission: https://skill-ministry.com/Where to find Dene: https://www.earniversity.io/ Chapters00:00 The Power of Pain and Motivation03:01 Navigating Youth Challenges in a Chaotic World06:09 The Journey from School Dropout to Educator08:56 Finding Purpose in a Changing Landscape12:00 The Role of Earniversity in Modern Education15:01 Building Financial Confidence in Youth18:10 The Importance of Authenticity and Ambition21:08 Skills for the Future: Confidence and Adaptability

    33 min
  6. Author of Careers by the People: Why So Many Careers End in Misery

    Feb 27

    Author of Careers by the People: Why So Many Careers End in Misery

    Mike Wysocki discusses the disconnect between education and the workforce, emphasizing the importance of soft skills, networking, and personal accountability in career readiness. He shares insights from his experiences in various industries, highlighting the need for students to take initiative in their career paths and to seek out real-world experiences. The discussion also covers the pros and cons of working in big versus small companies, the significance of resilience, and the value of building connections in the job market.Interested in learning more about RecruitGrads? We help companies see who's motivated, capable and great to work with - before interviews begin.https://recruitgrads.ai/Where to find MikeMike's Website: https://careersbythepeople.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@careersbythepeople/

    1 hr
  7. Graduate Success Manager at University of East London: The Skill Graduates Are Missing

    Feb 24

    Graduate Success Manager at University of East London: The Skill Graduates Are Missing

    In this episode, George and James Platt discuss the challenges graduates face in transitioning from university to the workforce. They explore themes of disengagement, resilience, the skills gap, and the importance of networking. James emphasises the need for universities to adapt their teaching to include soft skills and for students to take initiative in their career development. The conversation also touches on the role of AI in job applications and the significance of confidence in achieving career success. Interested in learning more about RecruitGrads? We help companies see who's motivated, capable and great to work with - before interviews begin. https://recruitgrads.ai/ Where to find James LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-platt-careers/

    48 min
  8. Founder at InternOutreach: How Luke landed 10+ Internship Offers at 18

    Feb 20

    Founder at InternOutreach: How Luke landed 10+ Internship Offers at 18

    In this episode of the Skill Economy podcast, host George speaks with Luke Stone, a student who has successfully navigated the internship landscape by leveraging social media, particularly LinkedIn. Luke shares his journey of overcoming fears associated with posting online, the importance of cold outreach, and how he secured multiple internships through proactive strategies. The conversation emphasizes the significance of building confidence, gaining real-world experience, and the value of agency in pursuing career goals. Luke also provides practical advice for students on how to approach internships and networking effectively.Interested in learning more about RecruitGrads? We help companies see who's motivated, capable and great to work with - before interviews begin.https://recruitgrads.ai/Where to find LukeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lukestxne/Website: https://quiz.internoutreach.io/

    41 min
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About

Skill Economy is the podcast bridging the gap between education and the real world of work. We sit down with hiring managers, founders, CEOs, and early-careers leaders to break down the skills that actually matter - from resilience and communication to problem-solving, commercial awareness, and navigating pressure. Too many companies wait until someone’s hired to start “upskilling.” We’re here to start earlier, helping students and young people build future-proof skills before day one, and helping employers connect with the next generation of talent.

Information

  • Creator
    George Pygall
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © George Pygall
  • Show Website
    Skill Economy