Work Intelligence Lab

ManpowerGroup

Where data starts the conversation and real-world insight takes it further. The Work Intelligence Lab Podcast brings you sharp, unscripted conversations about the trends shaping the future of work. Each 15-to-20-minute episode begins with a data point, drawn from a combination of ManpowerGroup insights and trusted external research. From there, leading voices across industries share how that insight is playing out in their world, whether they see it confirmed, challenged, or evolving in new ways. We do not chase headlines. We use data to ground the conversation, spark debate, and explore the real-time tension between insight and action. Expect fresh perspectives, practical thinking, and just enough disagreement to keep things interesting. One data point. Influential voices. Real insight into how work is changing. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ManpowerGroupGlobal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/manpowergroup/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ManpowerGroup X: https://x.com/ManpowerGroup Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/manpowergroup.com

Episodes

  1. FEB 10

    Why You Can’t Hire Your Way Out of a Skills Crisis

    With up to $330 million annual losses at stake due to talent shortages, the aerospace and defense sector is at a breaking point. In this episode, Karla Fletcher sits down with Leanne Cann, People Services Director at Babcock International, to discuss why traditional hiring models are no longer fit for purpose and what needs to change.  They discuss the company's innovative approaches to addressing the talent shortage in the aerospace and defense industry. From international recruitment drives to implementing emerging talent programs and strategic partnerships with local universities and communities, Babcock is redefining traditional hiring practices. Leanne also delves into the role of AI in streamlining the hiring process and emphasizes the importance of human interaction in talent acquisition.     Highlights:  The "Perfect Storm": Why traditional "experienced hire" recruitment is no longer enough to solve the skills gap. Emerging Talent & Rebranding: How Babcock scaled from 350 to 850 graduates and apprentices by redefining "Early Careers". Transferable Skills: The "Train to Fit" program with a 93% conversion rate, focusing on potential over pre-existing technical skills. The Role of AI: Where Babcock uses technology for speed and where human judgment remains non-negotiable. Community Investment: Building pipelines through 7,000 hours of annual STEM activities and local university partnerships.  Tune in to learn how Babcock is building a resilient pipeline of skilled workers and contributing to local community growth.

    36 min
  2. JAN 14

    You Can’t Plan What You Can’t See

    From Talent Pools to Talent Meshes in the Future of Healthcare Workforce Planning In this episode of the Work Intelligence Lab podcast, our host Karla Fletcher sits down with Jonathan Shilton from Sanofi to explore the complexities and future of workforce planning in the biopharma sector.   With a sobering forecast of a potential 10 million health worker shortfall by 2030, the discussion covers how Sanofi is leveraging data, AI, and innovative workforce strategies to prepare for this challenge. Jonathan shares insights on connecting the dots between internal and external workforces, the role of artificial intelligence and data hygiene, and the ethical considerations in deploying AI in healthcare.   This in-depth conversation sheds light on the critical need for foundational work in workforce management to ensure future success and better patient care. Chapters: 01:52 Introducing Jonathan Shilton and His Role at Sanofi  04:18 The Importance of Visibility and Skills in Workforce Management  06:36 AI and Data Hygiene in Healthcare  09:07 Global Workforce Standardization and AI Implementation  18:02 Future of Healthcare and Workforce Transformation  24:57 Voices in Technology: Builders, Sellers, and Clients  29:21 Future Workforce Trends and Career Planning  31:06 The Role of Generalists and Specialists in the Modern Workforce  35:00 Global Demographic Challenges and Workforce Planning  37:39 The Power of Data in Workforce Strategy  42:18 Exciting Innovations and Future Collaborations

    46 min
  3. 11/08/2025

    Beyond Output: Rethinking Productivity and Purpose

    In this enlightening episode of Work Intelligence Lab by ManpowerGroup, hosts Karla Fletcher and John Juliz who dive deep into what productivity truly means in today's rapidly evolving work environment. Joined by Dean Carter, a renowned leader in innovative employee experience, the conversation explores the intersection of purpose, culture, and productivity. Dean shares invaluable insights from his transformative work at Patagonia, emphasizing the importance of leaving every interaction better and his journey to writing 'Employee Experience Design.' The discussion also touches on the critical role of AI, the importance of fostering a culture of trust, and the transformative power of risk-taking with purpose. Tune in to learn how to reimagine productivity, leverage data for people-centric strategies, and create a thriving workplace.      Chapters  00:00 Introduction  02:52 Employee Experience Design  04:59 Patagonia's Purpose Evolution  06:09 Regenerative Agriculture and Culture  13:33 AI and Workforce Dynamics  18:51 Human-Centric Work Culture  26:13 Knowledge Sharing and Workforce Dynamics  27:13 The Role of AI in Creativity and Curiosity  29:26 Human Elements in Productivity  31:54 Innovative Approaches to Employee Engagement  35:19 Measuring Energy Levels and Productivity  38:14 Rethinking Compensation and Risk-Taking  44:49 Purpose-Driven Leadership and Risk-Taking  52:42 Conclusion and Upcoming Book

    55 min
  4. 09/15/2025

    What Got Us Here Won’t Get Us There: The Future of Work

    In the inaugural episode of the Work Intelligence Lab podcast, host Karla welcomes Becky, the newly appointed President and Chief Strategy Officer, and William, an editor, analyst, advisor, host, artist, and top 25 HR Tech influencer, to discuss the future of work. The conversation delves into topics such as the misconception of a 'destination' in the future of work, the role of AI in accelerating change, and the importance of skills development and adaptability. Becky and William share insights on how soft skills and constant learning are critical in a rapidly evolving job market, and they emphasize the need to shift from traditional educational paths to more practical skill-building routes. The episode concludes with a discussion on the importance of curiosity and humility in leadership, and a look forward to the exciting possibilities that lie ahead as technology continues to integrate into our daily lives.  Chapters:  00:00 Intro  01:44 Misconceptions About the Future of Work  02:37 The Evolution of Work and Technology  04:39 Humanity and the Future of Work  06:34 Adoption of AI and Technology  07:09 The Role of Data in Decision Making  08:06 Incentivizing Adoption and Embracing Failure  16:12 Skills Development and Future-Proofing Jobs  18:07 The Changing Role of Leadership  19:42 Male Ego and Leadership Myths  20:13 The Importance of Curiosity in Leadership  20:34 Questions for Business and Professional Growth  21:00 Learning from Everyone and Staying Humble  22:31 The Shift from Know-It-All to Learn-It-All  25:29 Preparing for the Future of Work  25:56 Challenges in Higher Education and Apprenticeships  28:01 The Role of Universities and Trades in the Future  35:46 Global Perspectives on Upskilling and Reskilling  36:30 Excitement for the Future and AI's Role  39:57 Conclusion and Future Discussions  #Future of Work #Evolution of Work #ManpowerGroup #Work Intelligence Lab Podcast

    41 min

About

Where data starts the conversation and real-world insight takes it further. The Work Intelligence Lab Podcast brings you sharp, unscripted conversations about the trends shaping the future of work. Each 15-to-20-minute episode begins with a data point, drawn from a combination of ManpowerGroup insights and trusted external research. From there, leading voices across industries share how that insight is playing out in their world, whether they see it confirmed, challenged, or evolving in new ways. We do not chase headlines. We use data to ground the conversation, spark debate, and explore the real-time tension between insight and action. Expect fresh perspectives, practical thinking, and just enough disagreement to keep things interesting. One data point. Influential voices. Real insight into how work is changing. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ManpowerGroupGlobal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/manpowergroup/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ManpowerGroup X: https://x.com/ManpowerGroup Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/manpowergroup.com