The SkillsWave Podcast

Rearchitecting Talent: Cisco’s Shift to Skills-First Enablement in the Age of AI | Marci Paino

In this episode of the SkillsWave Podcast, we sit down with Marci Paino, Chief Learning Officer at Cisco. A leading voice in workforce transformation and skills-first strategy, Marci shares a front-line perspective on how organizations—and their people—can thrive in a world defined by rapid change. Drawing from her work driving forward skills-first enablement in a large, global enterprise, Marci explores the shift from role-based models to dynamic, AI-powered skills development. She offers a candid, practical look at how businesses can build a more agile workforce, empower employees with meaningful learning opportunities, and foster a culture where adaptability becomes a core capability.  Whether you're rethinking your approach to L&D, grappling with emerging skills needs, or just trying to keep pace with the future of work, this conversation offers insight, inspiration, and a clear call to action for forward-looking leaders.

Curiosity, Empathy and Joy at Work | Michael Horn

In this episode, author and education expert Michael Horn shares practical advice on how individuals can stay ahead in a world where skills are constantly evolving. Drawing from his work on innovation and career development, Michael explains why upskilling is no longer a one-time activity but a continuous process tied closely to personal growth, energy, and purpose. He introduces the concept of a “skills balance sheet” to help people make more strategic decisions about what to invest in next. The conversation explores the importance of curiosity, the challenges of self-assessment, and how to frame learning as a source of joy—not pressure. Michael also weighs in on the role AI will play in shaping the future of work, and why those who learn to work with it, rather than fear it, will be best positioned to thrive. It’s a motivating look at how to stay adaptable and energized in an ever-changing world of work.

Unlocking Hidden Talent—The Power of Skills-Based Hiring | Denise Leaser

In this episode, we sit down with Denise Leaser, President of MyInnerGenius®, to explore how organizations can unlock hidden potential in job candidates, employees, and students. Together, we unpack what it takes to improve workforce readiness, drive internal mobility, and build more engaged, agile teams. Our conversation focuses on the power of aligning individual strengths, interests, and aptitudes with meaningful career opportunities to enhance retention and job fit. We also examine how data-driven tools can surface untapped talent—especially among those who may not follow traditional career paths but have the potential to excel. If you're looking to upskill your workforce and tap into overlooked capabilities within your organization, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

From Training to Transformation: Building a Data-Literate Culture | Delia van Heerden

In this episode, we sit down with Delia van Heerden, a thought leader whose journey spans continents and industries - from founding a corporate training company in South Africa to shaping data-driven cultures in Canada. As VP of People Operations at Fast-Loop, a data consulting firm, Delia brings a unique perspective on integrating data literacy into the fabric of an organization. We’ll explore how companies can foster a data-driven mindset, the intersection of training and transformation, and why data literacy isn’t just for analysts—it’s for everyone. With real-world insights from building internal and external training programs, this conversation will challenge how leaders think about upskilling in today’s digital-first world. Tune in to learn how to break down silos, empower teams with data, and create a culture where informed decision-making becomes second nature.

Rethinking Work & Learning: How Disruptive Innovation is Changing Everything | Scott Anthony

In this episode of The SkillsWave Podcast, Kathleen Carr sits down with renowned strategy professor and author Scott Anthony to explore the seismic shifts reshaping education and the workforce. They dive into the parallels between disruption in media and learning, discuss the rise of AI-driven content creation, and question the traditional degree model in a world demanding continuous upskilling. Scott shares insights on how curiosity, adaptability, and lifelong learning can future-proof careers. Tune in to uncover what’s next in the evolving landscape of work and education!