Global Skills Podcast

Leadership, Humanity & AI: What Modern Leaders Can Learn from Daniella Freeman

In this episode, I’m joined by Daniella Freeman, who works in leadership development at Google and is also an accomplished executive coach supporting senior leaders through complexity, transformation, and rapid change. Daniella sits at the intersection of leadership, humanity, and high performance, and brings a deeply human lens to how leaders grow, adapt, and make decisions—especially in the age of AI.
We explore why self-awareness is one of the most critical leadership skills today, how leaders can intentionally reskill and redesign work rather than react from fear, and why learning only sticks when it’s reinforced across the whole system. Daniella shares practical insights on transferable skills, the power of small experiments in career transitions, and why investing time in reflection and coaching isn’t a “nice to have” but a strategic advantage. If you’re a leader navigating uncertainty, redefining roles, or questioning what the future of work really demands, this conversation offers clarity, reassurance, and grounded direction.
Connect With Daniella Freeman
https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellafreeman
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

Federico Menna on Europe’s Digital Skills Gap and the Power of Ecosystems

In this episode, I’m joined by Federico Menna, CEO of 28 Digital, for a wide-ranging conversation on Europe’s digital future, skills transformation, and the power of ecosystems. Federico shares his journey from telecommunications engineering at Vodafone to leading one of Europe’s most influential digital innovation networks, explaining why bridging education, research, and industry is critical to closing the digital skills gap.
We explore how Europe can future-proof talent through lifelong learning, micro-credentials, and strong public-private collaboration, as well as why a shared global language for skills is becoming essential. Federico also reflects on leadership, AI regulation, and why continuous investment in education is not a cost but a long-term competitive advantage. This episode is a must-listen for policymakers, business leaders, educators, and anyone passionate about building resilient, future-ready workforces across Europe and beyond.
Connect With Federico Menna
https://www.linkedin.com/in/federicomenna
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
 

Skills, Leadership & the Human Advantage in an AI World with Phil Smith

In this episode, I’m joined by Phil Smith, Chair of Skills England, for a wide-ranging and deeply human conversation about skills, leadership, and the future of work. Phil shares his unexpected journey from studying microbiology to leading global technology organisations, representing Team GB as a triathlete, and now helping shape the UK’s national skills agenda. His story is a powerful reminder that careers aren’t always linear — and that curiosity, resilience, and adaptability matter just as much as qualifications.
We explore the growing mismatch between education and employment, the real challenges businesses face when it comes to hiring and reskilling, and why simplifying access to skills funding is critical — especially for SMEs. Phil also reflects on the rise of AI, the importance of human skills like communication and confidence, and what leaders can do right now to invest in people rather than fear change. This conversation is full of insight for business leaders, policymakers, and anyone navigating career transitions in an increasingly uncertain world.
Connect With Phil Smith
https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-smith-cbe-a2332220
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
 

Leading Through Change: Sonal Bhardwaj on Talent, Growth and the Future of Work

In this episode of The Global Skills Podcast, I sit down with Sonal, a senior talent acquisition leader whose career spans India and the UK across major tech and consulting companies. We explore her journey from India to the UK, how recruitment differs across both regions, and why scale, mobility, and high-volume tech talent define the Indian hiring landscape.
Sonal shares why UK talent still faces STEM shortages, how higher education has improved, and why educators need to integrate AI skills earlier to meet industry demand—especially for young women considering STEM careers.
We dig into the rapid rise of AI, the confusion it has created in job descriptions and CVs, and the growing need for educators to validate real AI skills. Sonal also explains why TA teams must evolve beyond transactional recruiting and start operating closer to the business and talent management.
This episode is packed with practical insight for recruiters, educators, and anyone navigating the future of work.
 
Connect With Sonal Bhadwaj
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonalbhardwaj/
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
 

Building Skills-First Enterprises : A Conversation with NIIT’s Mike Byrne & Dylan Stoke

In this episode of the Global Skills Podcast, I sit down with Mike Byrne, NIIT’s VP of Sales for EMEA and a seasoned EdTech leader, together with Dylan Stokes, NIIT’s Global Head of HCM Technology Practice. We explore what’s really happening inside enterprise L&D right now—from the rise of GenAI-enabled learning to the shift away from one-size-fits-all content toward deeply personalized, skills-first workforce development. Mike and Dylan share powerful insights from decades in learning, talent technologies, and large-scale transformation, including why companies can no longer afford to wait when it comes to understanding and predicting skills gaps.
We also highlight NIIT’s exciting collaboration with Abodoo, a partnership built on shared values around skills, access, employability, and enabling people to thrive through intelligent learning. Together, we discuss how organizations are using skills analytics, talent mobility, and rapid AI-driven implementations to future-proof their workforce. Whether you’re leading L&D, navigating transformation, or planning your 2025 skills strategy, this episode offers clear, practical direction—and a glimpse into what the next three years of learning innovation will look like.

Deepti Palluri on Redefining Skills and Learning in the Age of AI

In this episode of the Global Skills Podcast, I’m joined by Deepti Palluri, Head of Learning and Organisational Development at Commonwealth Secretariat, for a deeply insightful conversation on skills, learning, and leadership in an age of constant disruption. We explore how professionals—especially those in L&D—can help individuals navigate the noise around AI by separating personal upskilling goals from organisational needs, and by asking better, more strategic questions about capability, impact, and relevance.
Deepti shares her “crooked career” journey into L&D, why learning now has a permanent seat at the leadership table, and how evidence-based approaches are reshaping how organisations measure value beyond completion rates. We also unpack the importance of a shared skills language across talent acquisition, learning, and leadership, the risks of poorly calibrated AI-driven hiring systems, and why collaboration between industry and universities is critical to future-proofing talent. This episode is a must-listen for L&D leaders, HR professionals, and anyone thinking seriously about skills, resilience, and human capability in a rapidly changing world.
Connect With  Deepti Palluri
https://www.linkedin.com/in/deeptipelluri
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
 

Cheney Hamilton: Why AI Adoption Without Design Is Putting the Workforce at Risk

In this episode, I sit down with Cheney Hamilton, award-winning workforce strategist and Lead Analyst for Fusion Work at Bloor Research, to explore what happens when AI is adopted without design, governance, or regard for people. Cheney shares her personal journey into flexible working advocacy and explains how outdated, time-based job models are putting organisations, economies, and workers at serious risk as AI accelerates at machine speed.
We unpack why AI is not “just a tool,” but a systemic force that magnifies existing bias, broken job design, and poor workforce planning. Cheney introduces the concept of outcome-based work and makes a compelling case for workforce sustainability as the missing fourth pillar of ESG. From AI governance and ethical hiring to reskilling, L&D’s evolving role, and the urgent need for leaders to redesign work before 2030, this conversation is a wake-up call—and a roadmap—for organisations that want to adopt AI
Connect With Cheney Hamilton
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheneyhamilton
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
 

Human Skills in an AI World: Sales, Confidence, and Communication with Joe Dalton

In this episode, I’m joined by Joe Dalton, a seasoned sales leader and skills strategist who has spent over three decades redefining what high-performance sales really looks like. We explore why, in an AI-driven world, human skills like communication, confidence, emotional intelligence, and structured thinking are becoming more valuable—not less. Joe shares how selling has always been about human connection, long before technology entered the picture, and why skills such as listening, asking the right questions, and understanding motivation are now critical for professionals at every career stage.
We also unpack Joe’s sales framework, the role of trust in complex decision-making, and why over-automation can damage both businesses and society if it replaces human judgment entirely. From navigating ghosting and interviews to influencing leadership and C-suite conversations, this episode goes beyond sales—it’s a masterclass in communication for leaders, early talent, and anyone looking to stand out in a rapidly changing workplace. Joe’s insights remind us that when we invest in skills, we invest in long-term relevance.
Connect With  Joe Dalton
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mr-joe-dalton
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
 

Anne Hubbard on Human Skills, Neurodiversity, and the Future of Education

In this episode of the Global Skills Podcast, I sit down with Anne Hubbard to explore what education, skills, and employability really look like in a world shaped by AI, neurodiversity, and rapidly changing career pathways. Anne shares her unconventional journey from investment banking and trading into education, highlighting how transferable human skills like communication, adaptability, and emotional intelligence have shaped every stage of her career.
Together, we unpack the growing disconnect between traditional education systems and industry needs, the rising importance of human-centric skills, and why young people—and adults at every stage—should see themselves as evolving “brands.” Anne offers grounded insights on supporting neurodiverse learners, rethinking assessment, embracing AI as a tool rather than a threat, and encouraging lifelong learning, resilience, and instinct-led decision making in uncertain times.
Connect With Anne Hubbard 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-hubbard-40724a160
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
 

The Human Advantage: Why Skills, Care, and Adaptability Matter More Than Ever with Dannny McCoy

In this episode of the Global Skills Podcast, I sit down with Dannny McCoy, CEO of Ibec, to explore how skills, education, and adaptability are shaping Ireland’s economic future in a time of rapid technological and geopolitical change. Drawing on decades of experience at the intersection of business, policy, and talent, Dannny shares a powerful perspective on why human capital is now the defining competitive advantage for countries and companies alike.
We dive into the real impact of AI on jobs, why fear often accompanies moments of technological tipping points, and how societies can respond without leaving people behind. From lifelong learning gaps and transferable skills to the growing importance of care, empathy, and wisdom in the workforce, this conversation challenges narrow definitions of productivity and success. Danny also reflects on what Ireland has done right, where it must do better, and why future-proofing talent requires both head and heart.
Connect With Danny McCoy https://ie.linkedin.com/in/danny-mccoy
Visit Our Website https://www.globalskillspodcast.comSend us an email at editor@globalskillspodcast.com