When Skills Matter

Welcome to this episode of When Skills Matter. In this conversation, we’re joined by  Dr Tom Chatfield , a British author, tech philosopher, and educator. His books exploring contemporary culture - most recently Wise Animals (Picador), an exploration of the co-evolution of humanity and technology, and the best-selling textbook Critical Thinking (SAGE Publishing), researched as a Visiting Associate...

Welcome to this episode of When Skills Matter. In this conversation, we discuss what HR leaders need to consider before proposing new AI initiatives. Our guest line-up includes Nebel Crowhurst, a senior HR executive with hands-on experience guiding organisations through digital transformation; Carolyn Shepherd, founder and lead consultant at Emmeline AI, known for her focus on future skills; and P...

Welcome to this episode of When Skills Matter. In this conversation, we’re joined by Valerie Merrill , founder of Merrill Consultants International and host of the Secrets of Learning and Development podcast. With decades of experience helping organizations navigate leadership development, management capability, and practical training, Valerie Merrill brings valuable perspective on what it takes t...

Welcome to this episode of When Skills Matter. In this conversation, we welcome Jonty Rooke , a strategic leader with deep experience building cross-sector partnerships and designing data-informed employment and skills programmes. Jonty’s perspective matters because he actively connects government, employers, and communities to deliver inclusive workforce outcomes and champions practical solutions...

Welcome to this episode of When Skills Matter.elcome to this episode of When Skills Matter. In this conversation, we delve into the rapidly evolving world of AI and its impact on upskilling, credibility, and workforce development. Our guest line-up includes Nebel Crowhurst, a senior HR executive with hands-on experience guiding organisations through digital transformation; Carolyn Shepherd, founde...

Welcome to this episode of When Skills Matter. In this conversation, we flip things around as Robins joins Neil C. Hughes , on his podcast, Tech Talks Daily, for a practical and timely discussion on how AI can transform job opportunities and workforce development. Together, Robin and Neil explore the real challenges and opportunities facing leaders as technology rapidly reshapes the working world....

Welcome to this episode of When Skills Matter. In this conversation, we delve into the rapidly evolving world of AI and its impact on upskilling, credibility, and workforce development. Our guest line-up includes Nebel Crowhurst, a senior HR executive with hands-on experience guiding organisations through digital transformation; Carolyn Shepherd, founder and lead consultant at Emmeline AI, known f...

Welcome to this episode of When Skills Matter. In this conversation, we share a special interview between our own Robin Adda , founder and CEO of SkillsAssess , and Ben Geoghegan , host of A Better HR Business podcast. Robin Adda brings decades of entrepreneurial experience in learning, workforce development, and EdTech. His perspective is shaped by building and scaling multiple businesses, with a...

In today's conversation, we sit down with Devyani Vaishampayan , a respected boardroom leader, former FTSE 100 HR Director, and AI entrepreneur who has shaped the global HR landscape for over three decades. With her unique experience spanning senior corporate leadership, innovative AI investment, and non-executive directorships, Devyani Vaishampayan offers grounded perspectives on what it takes fo...

In this conversation, we focus on a pressing question for HR, L&D, and business leaders: why are current skills strategies falling behind, and what does this mean for business performance? Our guests are Perry Timms, a leading voice on progressive HR and organisational transformation, and Nebel Crowhurst, a senior people executive with firsthand insight into how workforce expectations and skil...

Welcome to this episode of When Skills Matter. In this conversation, we sit down with Nebel Crowhurst , a fractional Chief People Officer, board advisor, investor, and international speaker who brings decades of experience helping businesses align people strategy with overall organisational goals. Nebel’s practical approach and deep HR perspective make her insights particularly valuable for anyone...

Welcome to this episode of When Skills Matter. In today’s conversation, we’re joined by Natal Dank , Executive Director and Principal Consultant at PXO Culture, and a recognized leader in the global Agile HR movement. Natal’s work focuses on helping organizations build adaptability, develop future-ready skills, and use evidence-based approaches to drive real outcomes in HR, learning, and people st...

In this episode of When Skills Matter, Robin speaks with Carolyn Shepherd , Founder of Emmeline. AI and the AI Learning Lobby, about the human skills that matter most as AI reshapes the workplace. Carolyn shares her “river” metaphor for navigating change, why adaptability and critical thinking are more valuable than ever, and how HR and L&D leaders can support their people through AI transform...

In this episode of When Skills Matter, Robin is joined by Paul Morgan, a seasoned L&D leader with three decades of experience at Microsoft, Diageo, O2, and more. Paul shares candid insights on how HR and learning leaders can close skills gaps without overwhelming employees, why productivity and focus are at the heart of capability building, and how AI should be seen as an enabler rather than a...

Welcome to the When Skills Matter Podcast! In this opening episode, Robin introduces the show, shares what listeners can expect in upcoming episodes, and explains why now is the time to rethink how we approach skills, learning, and workforce development. You’ll hear about the kinds of guests and topics that will feature on the show, from AI in L&D to closing skills gaps, aligning people strate...