Global Skills Podcast

From SEO to Skills Strategy: Lessons from Duane Baumgartner

In this episode of the Global Skills Podcast, I’m joined by Duane Baumgartner, Founder and CEO of City Ranked Media. Duane shares his journey from early sales roles to building a data-driven digital growth agency, and how that experience shaped his belief that strong human connection, measurable outcomes, and clear expectations are at the heart of sustainable business growth.
We explore how AI, automation, and real-time data are changing not just marketing, but the skills leaders need to future-proof their teams. Duane unpacks why human skills like communication, trust, and decision-making matter more than ever, how agile team structures unlock innovation, and what graduates and emerging professionals must understand about linking their skills directly to business value.
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 https://www.linkedin.com/in/duanebaumgartner
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The Future of Online High School and Skills-First Learning in Latin America with Alvaro Gonzalez

In this episode of the Global Skills Podcast, I’m joined by Alvaro Gonzalez, founder and CEO of Dawere, Latin America’s first accredited online high school. Alvaro shares how his journey from telecommunications engineer to edtech founder led him to build a radically inclusive education model designed for underserved and low-income communities. What began as a bold experiment in Venezuela has now grown into a global platform supporting students across dozens of countries.
We explore how AI-powered learning, virtual classrooms, and continuous assessment are transforming what high school education can look like. Alvaro explains why personalized learning at scale is finally possible, how AI tutors free teachers to focus on human and soft skills, and why students can now complete national curricula in just one to two hours a day—creating space to pursue passions, entrepreneurship, sports, or creative work.
Our conversation also dives into the future of skills, apprenticeships, and lifelong learning. We discuss why traditional education systems are struggling to keep pace with a rapidly changing workforce, how online education can unlock opportunity regardless of geography, and what governments must do to create legal frameworks that support innovation. Alvaro shares powerful insights on learner mindset, skills confidence, and why the ability to keep learning may be the most important future skill of all.
Connect With Alvaro Gonzalez
https://ve.linkedin.com/in/alvaro-gonzalez
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Laura Liguori on Future-Ready Schools, AI Literacy, and the Skills Students Need Now

In this episode of the Global Skills Podcast, I’m joined by Laura Liguori, Head of Curriculum at Britannica Education and a globally recognised leader in curriculum innovation, AI integration, and future-ready learning. With more than 20 years of experience spanning Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, Laura brings a rare global lens to how education systems must evolve to meet the realities of rapid technological change. We explore how traditional, textbook-driven models are giving way to inquiry-based, skills-focused learning — and why this shift is no longer optional.
Laura shares what she’s seeing firsthand across international schools and governments, from AI-driven national curricula in the Middle East to emerging “future schools” using robotics, adaptive learning platforms, and immersive technologies. We unpack why critical thinking, reasoning, digital literacy, and ethical AI use are becoming foundational skills, and why memorisation alone is no longer fit for purpose in a world where information is instantly accessible.
We also dive into one of the biggest challenges facing education today: the disconnect between schools, higher education, and industry. As jobs evolve faster than curricula, Laura explains why collaboration across sectors is essential — and why educators must be supported with time, vision, and strategy to implement meaningful change. Throughout the conversation, she reinforces a powerful message: technology should enhance learning, not replace humanity. The future of education depends on balancing artificial intelligence with natural intelligence — and acting now.
Connect With Laura Liguori
https://uk.linkedin.com/in/laura-liguori-9b2929b5
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Closing the Skills Gap Through Radical Humanity with Tash Wilcocks

In this episode of the Global Skills Podcast, I’m joined by Tash Wilcocks, a learning designer and systems thinker working across public service, digital transformation, and education. Together, we explore what it really means to close the skills gap at a time when AI is rapidly reshaping work, learning, and opportunity. Tash shares honest, grounded reflections on learning design, the limits of traditional education models, and why fear—especially among early and mid-career talent—is becoming one of the biggest barriers to future readiness.
We also unpack the idea of being “radically human” in how we design learning, build organisations, and support people through change. From mentoring and confidence-building to rethinking how skills, curiosity, and lived experience show up in the workplace, this conversation challenges leaders, educators, and employers to pause, listen, and design learning that truly serves people—not just productivity. If you’re navigating AI, workforce transformation, or the future of education, this episode invites you to think differently about what skills really matter next.
Connect with Tash Wilcoks
https://uk.linkedin.com/in/tashwillcocks
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Lifelong Learning & Reinvention: A Conversation with Helen Burns

In this episode I sit down with Helen Burns — Global Talent Director at Owkin — to trace her truly non-linear journey: from freelance consulting and contract roles to leading talent acquisition at a cutting-edge AI/biotech firm. Helen shares how her background working across different sectors and countries taught her to value adaptability, curiosity and human connection above all, and how those qualities help her build resilient, human-centred talent strategies in a fast-changing industry.
We dive into themes of lifelong learning, embracing uncertainty, and the role of transferable skills in redefining career paths. Helen also opens up about navigating imposter syndrome, the importance of employer value propositions, and why building company culture now matters more than ever. Her story is a reminder that careers don’t need to follow a straight line — and that sometimes curiosity and courage can lead you exactly where you belong.
 
Connect With Helen Burns
https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenburns/
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Shaping Inclusive Talent Strategies with Kobi Ampoma

In this episode of the Global Skills Podcast, we have an enlightening conversation with Kobi Ampoma, a veteran in talent acquisition with over twenty years of experience. Currently leading recruitment for Heineken in the Netherlands, Kobi is renowned for his dedication to inclusive hiring and his ability to shape diverse, high-performing teams. Throughout the episode, Kobi shares his deep insights into the evolving world of recruitment, highlighting the importance of bridging skill gaps, fostering diversity, and adapting to new challenges in the talent landscape.
Kobi's passion for empowering emerging talent and his commitment to inclusive hiring practices offer valuable lessons for organizations looking to build a more inclusive and dynamic workforce. Tune in to discover how forward-thinking talent acquisition can shape the future of work.
Connect With Kobi Ampoma
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kobiampoma/
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Driving Professional Development and Organisational Impact with Dr. Maria Nadeem

In this episode of the Global Skills Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Maria Nadeem, Director of Learning and Development at the London Institute of Skills Development and board member of The Royal Club UK. Dr. Nadeem brings extensive experience in professional education, organisational development, and global skills transformation, offering clear insight into the rising importance of lifelong learning and CPD.
We also explore her work in shaping international networks, strengthening leadership capability, and driving alignment between academia and industry. Her global perspective and commitment to ESG principles highlight the future direction of workforce development and strategic skills readiness.
Connect with Dr Maria Nadeem
Connect with Dr Maria Nadeem https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-mariya-h-nad-2285aa113/
 
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Human Skills in an AI World: My Conversation with Jake Kimber

In this episode, I sit down with Jake Kimber, an international TA leader whose career journey from selling concrete to leading global talent teams ,perfectly captures how unpredictably we often discover our true path. Jake opens up about falling into recruitment, shifting from agency to in-house, and why empathy, creativity, and real human connection still matter more than ever in today’s AI-driven hiring landscape.
We explore how AI is reshaping the recruiter’s day, the rising importance of soft skills, and the overdue marriage between talent acquisition and talent management. Jake shares candid insights on internal mobility, skills development, and the responsibility organizations and universities share in preparing people for the future of work. His honesty, optimism, and data-backed perspective make this a conversation that will stay with you long after you listen.
 
Connect With Jake Kimber
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobkimber/
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Bridging Academia and Industry: Usama Arif on Closing the Skills Gap

If you’re a student or recent grad trying to build a career in a world moving at lightning speed — this episode of the Global Skills Podcast is absolutely for you.
I sit down with rising tech leader Usama Arif, who landed his first role before graduating by doing what every super-graduate needs today:
Building strong soft skills
Leading communities and taking initiative
Staying curious across AI, tech & communication
 
We dive into the reality so many graduates feel right now — unprepared, lacking confidence, unsure where to start — and how Usama’s project AIBridge is helping close the gap between what students learn and what employers actually need.
 
In this episode, Usama breaks down:
The must-have skills for graduates entering the 2025 job market
 How to rebuild confidence if you missed key developmental years during the pandemic
Practical ways to boost communication, leadership & career readiness even without experience
Why AI literacy will be essential across every profession by 2030 (yes, every!)
 
This conversation is full of hope, clarity and real-world advice designed to help you step into the market not just as a graduate — but as a super-graduate.
 
Connect with Usama Arif
http://linkedin.com/in/usamaarifali
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Rewriting Your Identity in the Age of AI & Curiosity as a Career Strategy with Joe Gagnon

In this episode I sit down with Joe Gagnon to explore what it really means to build a meaningful career in a world that’s changing faster than ever. From leaving a high-paying corporate role to taking a 90% pay cut so he could breathe again, Joe shares how he rebuilt his life, his identity, and his purpose from the ground up. His story reminds me why conversations like this matter—because so many people today feel stuck, disconnected from their work, and unsure of what comes next.
Joe talks openly about the soullessness that can exist inside large organisations, and why so many of us end up following systems instead of our own purpose. One of the most powerful threads throughout this conversation is Joe’s belief that thriving requires disruption. From running six marathons on six continents in six days to writing every day for over 4,700 days, he shows what becomes possible when we choose growth over survival. He also reminds us that the real risk is staying where we are, not moving forward.
Joe shares how he’s building his current company from hiring curious thinkers to creating an environment rooted in respect, nurturing, boldness, positivity and teamwork. We also talk about the realities of scaling, how AI is transforming small-business sales, and why the best candidates aren’t always the most technical, they're often the ones who show genuine curiosity and bring unexpected insight.
Connect With Joe Gagnon
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joegagnon/
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Visit Our Website https://www.globalskillspodcast.com
Send us an email at editor@globalskillspodcast.com