Podcast

With great power comes great responsibility. In this groundbreaking era of technology, we find ourselves at a pivotal juncture. The advancements in artificial intelligence, particularly gen AI, have propelled us forward, giving us capabilities that can feel straight out of a sci-fi novel. But rather than fearing AI and all of its capabilities, we need to understand it. On this episode of The Edge, our host Michelle Boockoff-Bajdek is joined by artificial intelligence ethicist and edtech entrepreneur, Ben Roome. Together they discuss the importance of fairness, accountability, and transparency when working with AI and how companies can ensure that they are using these new technologies responsibly.

When you hear the words “big capitalism,” what usually comes to mind? Often, big capitalism doesn’t evoke particularly positive feelings. But what if that could change? What if big capitalism could be used for good? On this episode of The Edge, our host Michelle Boockoff-Bajdek is joined by social and tech entrepreneur, Josh Knauer. Together they discuss how to harness the power in existing systems and work to address climate and systemic poverty, resulting in a positive impact on local communities.

As technology evolves, and Generative AI takes center stage, there’s something else emerging too: the potential for great harm to your organization, your employees, and the people you serve. On this episode of The Edge, our host Michelle Bookoff-Bajdek is joined by Skillsoft’s Chief Information Security Officer, Okey Obudulu. Together, they discuss what it means to build a strong cybersecurity culture, and what employees should look out for on a day-to-day and to protect their organization from potentially damaging security breaches.

In a world filled with uncertainty, where vulnerability reigns supreme, the transformative power of learning extends beyond individual growth, playing a pivotal role in supporting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) within organizations. On this episode of The Edge, our host Michelle Boockoff-Bajdek is joined by Danna Tongate, the Head of Demand Generation at Televerde. Danna shares her remarkable journey as a previously incarcerated woman venturing into a new job—a whole new chapter in life, through learning and development opportunities.

Without team alignment, a brand promise is ineffective. And who brings an organization’s brand to life? It’s their people. As businesses learn to deal with the socially isolated aftermath of the pandemic, building a strong team culture is more important than ever for employee and customer well-being, as well as to the overall success of an organization.

Learn how your company can successfully align your people with your purpose by inspiring trust, leadership, and a commitment to building high performing organizations.

Most organizations want to do “the right thing,” but they struggle with how to define and operationalize this effort – especially as profitability remains imperative. So as environmental, social, and corporate responsibility (ESG) programs become a larger priority globally, it becomes more important than ever that ESG efforts not only reflect an organization’s values, but contribute to the company’s success.

Where to begin? Learn how your organization can effectively build an ESG program from the ground up, without sacrificing its bottom line.

Today’s organizations are under intense pressure to uphold the new “social compact” between employers and employees built on mutual growth. But how can businesses retain top talent to create sustainable workforces? On this episode of The Edge, our host Michelle Boockoff-Bajdek is joined by Adrian Koehler, a leadership engagement expert and founding senior partner at the executive coaching firm, Take New Ground. Adrian shares his expert opinion on the passion and opportunity of becoming a great leader through transformative learning experiences.

Leaders are required to make intentional decisions about what’s right and what’s wrong for their businesses. How can organizations ensure that their employees are set up for success in making ethical choices, but also empower them to speak up when things go awry? On this episode The Edge, our host Michelle Boockoff-Bajdek is joined by Asha Palmer, Senior Vice President of Compliance Solutions at Skillsoft. Asha shares her expert opinion on how organizations can empower their employees to become ethical leaders by leading with emotional intelligence, actively listening and accepting personal accountability.

Recently, the talent shortage has sparked many conversations around the challenges of talent retention in the workplace, particularly among technical teams. As today’s top tech skills continue to evolve, how can leaders and organizations best equip their employees to succeed? On this episode of The Edge, our host Michelle Boockoff-Bajdek is joined by Zach Sims, the co-founder and CEO of Codecademy and General Manager of the Tech & Dev portfolio at Skillsoft. Zach shares his expert opinion on how organizations can tackle the talent shortage, upskill their workforces on the most in-demand and critical technical and leadership skills, and develop work environments that support professional development and learning.

Although we are not yet in a recession, layoffs and hiring freezes have insighted some fear that we may be headed that way. As these changes in the economy impact the workforce, how can employees and employers prepare? On this episode of The Edge, our host Michelle Boockoff-Bajdek is joined by Diana Ransom, an executive editor at Inc. who specializes in covering small businesses, entrepreneurship, and the economy. Diana shares her expert opinion on the changing state of the economy, its effect on the job market, and what we can all do now to weather what’s ahead.

Learning provides employees with the power to completely reinvent themselves. But how can we inspire the people around us to take the first steps towards making such a drastic life change? And how can we get started acquiring the new skills we need to be successful? On this episode of The Edge, our host Michelle Boockoff-Bajdek is joined by Nesha Pai, an award-winning author, a popular speaker, a determined mentor, and a passionate advocate for small businesses and stay-at-home moms. Nesha draws on her own experience and journey as a stay-at-home mom who reentered Corporate America. She was able to completely change her career trajectory with the founding of her own CPA firm hiring stay-at-home moms. Nesha inspires others to step into their power, regain trust in the process, and live the life of their dreams.

Two years after Black Lives Matter and a wave of corporate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs, what progress have we made? And what must we focus on to continue the journey? On this episode of The Edge, our host Michelle Boockoff-Bajdek is joined by Simone Sloan, the founder of Your Choice Coach, a DEI consulting and executive coaching firm. Simone sheds some light on the current state of DEI initiatives and why it’s so important to cultivate emotional intelligence as we continue to “show up,” “do the work,” and transform in meaningful ways.

We have all been persuaded by someone or something at some point in our lives. And the ability to persuade is one of the most important power skills you can develop. But what makes persuasion work? The art of storytelling and innovative thinking promotes powerful persuasion, professionally or personally. On this episode of The Edge, our host Michelle Boockoff-Bajdek is joined by Neal Foard, President of the Passion Logic Project, and master storyteller. Neal shares his expert opinion on storytelling and the power of persuasion, highlighting his career in advertising and his fame as a TikTok influencer.

We all know that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is an important focus for many organizations right now, but inclusion for those who classify themselves as “introverts," isn’t always the most obvious subcategory within DEI. On this episode of The Edge, our host Michelle Boockoff-Bajdek is joined by Jennifer Kahnweiler, bestselling author and one of the top global leadership speakers on introversion in the workplace. Jennifer shares her expert opinion on the top leadership skills needed for introverts, and how organizations can create an introvert-friendly culture.

Most learning journeys follow a learner from awareness, to competency, to proficiency, and finally mastery. But, skills attainment can be taken to an entirely new level when driven by purpose and passion. On this episode of The Edge, our host Michelle Boockoff-Bajdek welcomes Antonia Forster, a Senior XR Technical Specialist at Unity. Antonia’s learning journey not only changed her life, but has enabled her to use technology in creative and impactful ways to support her advocacy work for women in tech and the LGBTQ+ community.

Skillsoft’s The Edge is back for Season 3, and we’re kicking things off with a conversation around the social compact emerging between employer and employee in the modern workplace. Challenged by skills gaps, a war for talent, and the “great resignation,” employers are redefining their obligations to employees. Host Michelle Boockoff-Bajdek talks with Black Knight’s Rich Baker, Enterprise LMS Administrator, and Matthew Noto, Manager for Cybersecurity and White Hat, to uncover the secret to creating a robust learning program that serves both the organization's interests and the learning needs of employees.

In honor of Women’s History Month, host Michelle Boockoff-Bajdek sits down with Kristy Wallace, the CEO of Ellevate Network, a global community of women+ committed to fostering and promoting gender equality in the workplace. Together, Michelle and Kristy discuss how organizations can strive to support women+ in their careers, and how Skillsoft and Ellevate Network are working together to advance women+ in the workplace through our newly announced partnership.

On this special season finale of The Edge, we invite two insightful leaders to discuss Skillsoft’s 2nd Annual Lean into Learning Report – uncovering learning trends and lessons from 2021, and what else is to come in 2022. Through two dynamic and impactful conversations, Skillsoft’s Chief People Officer Kristi Hummel, and Cherie Hicks, a Diversity and Inclusion Learning Leader at Trane Technologies, unlock key findings and impactful lessons of the past year, illustrating how organizations can better prepare for the future of work.

Today, every company is a technology company – and so, an organization’s success depends on its ability to invest in technology-driven offerings, operations, and its people. On this episode we put a strong emphasis on the last component: people. As the rate and pace of change, particularly in technology fields, fails to abate, organizations that wish to thrive will need to focus on providing employees with critical training for in-demand skills. Jane Pitt, a Training Program Manager at Microsoft, joins The Edge to discuss why in the modern workforce, competency is the new currency.

On this episode we get vulnerable. We get real. We ask the question, who really are you? Known as the “British Oprah,” Jaz Ampaw-Farr, an International TEDx Speaker, Thought Leader, and Resilience Ninja, joins The Edge to share why we are in need of a “Human Revolution” – the next irritative of societal transformation where we must reframe our thinking to be human-first in order to showcase our true, authentic selves. The enduring message: you are good enough.

Pit crew coaches and co-founders of DECK Leadership, Mike Metcalf and Shaun Peet, know what it takes to create high-achieving teams on and off the racetrack. Drawing on their 10 years of NASCAR experience, Mike and Shaun highlight the unexpected parallels between effective teams in the pit crew department and within business. And while speed is the currency of business today, as Mike and Shaun demonstrate, allowing ourselves the time and space to think is key to winning in a performance-driven profession.

Technology is modernizing and evolving faster than we have ever seen before. As a result, IT professionals and companies are scrambling to play catch up in an industry that’s growing and changing every single day. Host Michelle Boockoff-Bajdek sits down with Michael Yoo, Customer Market Leader for Skillsoft’s Technology and Developer Portfolio, and Angie Okamoto, Vice President of Product for Global Knowledge to discuss key findings from Skillsoft’s Global Knowledge 2021 IT Skills and Salary Report, uncovering what organizations can do to overcome IT skills gaps. The short answer? Companies must invest in the growth and development of their IT talent in order to keep up.

October 27th marks National Mentoring Day: a day to celebrate coaches, mentors, and those who help us achieve professional and personal growth. Here at Skillsoft, we believe in the transformative power of mentorship and coaching and recognize the role these will play in the future of leadership development for those at all levels. To highlight this, host Michelle Boockoff-Bajdek, is joined by two professionals in the mentoring and coaching space – Caroline Taylor, former CMO for IBM’s Global Markets, and Beth Egan, an Executive Coach and Masterclass Speaker.

Did you attend Skillsoft’s Perspectives Unleashed? If not, we’re here to catch you up on what you missed! Host Michelle Boockoff-Bajdek is joined by colleague and Skillsoft’s CRO, Eric Stine, to recap Perspectives 2021, Skillsoft’s annual learning event. Drawing thousands of attendees from around the globe and tackling key topics like the future of work and skills transformation, Michelle and Eric share all you need to know about this year’s Perspectives event.

On this two-part episode, we discuss a movement that’s been at the forefront over the past year: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). While 2020 brought an influx of knowledge and awareness to DEI, this is only the first step. So where do we go from here? To help answer this question, we invite two individuals who recently shared their stories to make Skillsoft’s new DEI courses so personal and powerful.

Over the past year and a half organizations who transitioned to a remote work model amid the pandemic have grappled with how to successfully prepare their employees for a return to physical workspaces when the time is right – but it’s not as simple as just unlocking the doors. Martin Falkenberg, CHRO of SUEZ North America, shares how their organization, a business that was deemed an essential service, implemented a return-to-work plan that ensured the health and safety of their employees throughout the pandemic. We also invite a special guest to provide their expertise on the topic.

Join us for part two of The Edge’s second season kick-off with our guest Ben Sieke, Director of Talent Development and Learning for Delta Dental of California and affiliates. Ben provides insight into the complexities involved in building a culture of learning within an organization, reflecting on the importance of infrastructure, mindsets, and relationships. In a spirited conversation with The Edge host, Michelle Boockoff-Bajdek, Ben also shares how fellow leaders can look to encourage this culture among their workforces.

The Edge is back and bolder than ever with our first guest of Season 2, Ben Sieke, Director of Talent Development and Learning for Delta Dental of California and affiliates. In this first episode, Ben shares how the organization developed a customized learning program for its customer service representatives. The goal? Deliver innovation to the human side of the customer experience, by building reps’ skills in areas such as problem-solving. The outcome? Reinvigorate the contact center to not only meet, but go above and beyond customers’ expectations—leading to increased customer satisfaction and net promoter ratings.

We’ve returned to finish the conversation we started in our special miniseries of The Edge, “Women in Exodus: Reversing the Pandemic’s Unjust Effects.” In our final episode, we talk all about solutions. Join us, as Dr. Tan Morales, Global Vice President of Talent Transformation for Equifax, and Dr. Merary Simeon, Vice President of Diversity & Engagement at PepsiCo, share their expertise on empowering women to advocate for themselves and forge new career pathways.

Millions of women have exited the global workforce since the pandemic began. It’s time to do something about it. In honor of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, we return with a special miniseries of The Edge podcast, “Women in Exodus: Reversing the Pandemic’s Unjust Effects.” Five of Skillsoft’s female leaders will discuss the pandemic’s long-term global effects on gender equality, the workforce, and women’s advancement. In part one, our leaders set the stage by exploring the roots of the pandemic’s disproportionate effects on women. In part two, our leaders recommend solutions they believe will be essential to bring women back into the workforce and restoring the gains they’ve lost. Then our leaders close out their discussion by sharing personal stories of the challenges, bias, and inequality they have faced in their own careers.

This week we share with you the last episode of Season One of The Edge. Alison Cowan, of Brunswick Corporation, shares insight on how the organization navigated a safe return-to-work plan amid COVID-19, while continuing to nurture the development of team members remotely.

What happens when perfect alignment occurs between the values of a mission-driven organization and the values of a mission-driven leader? Skillsoft’s new Customer Market Leader, Leadership and Business Solutions, Rashim Mogha, touches on her personal journey of being a female leader, creating empowerment through innovation, and the power of positive leadership.

Compliance training isn’t just important, it’s mission-critical. Skillsoft VP of Compliance Products, Norm Ford, shares his insights on the risks and threats organizations will have to safeguard against in the years to come and how companies can become better prepared to react during times of volatility.

“Trust cautiously, sanitize frequently, share carefully, and cover exposures.” What does this have to do with our work lives, and how does it relate to developing digital dexterity? Skillsoft VP of Technology and Developer Products, Mike Hendrickson, rejoins host Michelle Boockoff-Bajdek to explain, and provides insight into Skillsoft’s annual Signals report, Lean Into Tech: 2020 Tech Skills Trends & 2021 Predictions.

In this special five-part series of The Edge, we bring together five of our Skillsoft leaders to share their predictions for 2021 – touching on key trends, challenges, and opportunities for the year to come and the role they will play in shaping the workforce as we know it.

What stops us from saying how we really feel and being who we really are? Jez Rose, renowned behavior expert, broadcaster, and award-winning writer, speaker, and host (and may we also mention, master bee-keeper) shares his insight on accepting authenticity and vulnerability and embracing what it means to be ‘human.’

What happens when you’re entering the workforce in the middle of a global pandemic? Resiliency comes into the picture. Our very own Skillsoft interns join to discuss the power of resiliency in navigating these unprecedented times.

Su Joun, a diversity and inclusion scholar and practitioner, professor, and principal at Diversity@Workplace Consulting Group, joins us on this week’s episode of The Edge to discuss how we can create a sense of belonging for all in the workplace.

When you hear the name 'Canon' your mind probably jumps to the digital imaging company, but the term "Kyosei" might not ring the same bell. Gerard Pieterse, Director People Development at Canon EMEA shares what Kyosei means to Canon's company culture through the incredible story of their Bike for Congo initiative.

During these times of rapid change, comes the transition to a new reality, Michael Rochelle, Chief Strategy Officer and Principal HCM Analyst at Brandon Hall Group, shares insights on transformation in the learning and development field.

Charged with helping learners, employees and organizations reach their potential; the role of the Chief Learning officer is invaluable. In today’s episode of The Edge, host Michelle Boockoff-Bajdek welcomes Elisa Vincent, Vice President of Global Talent Enablement at Skillsoft as co-host. They are joined by Dr. Karen Wolf, Chief Learning Officer of ManTech International and Emma Engel, Chief Learning and Inclusion Officer of Unisys to discuss the continuously evolving role of the CLO during transformative times.

Challenging the traditional model of working in silos, many companies are taking more collaborative approaches to product development. In this episode, host Michelle Boockoff-Bajdek introduces two guests Denise Accuradi, Global Manager of Virtual Learning at Manpower Group, and Potoula Chresomales, Senior Vice President of Product Management at Skillsoft, to discuss Skillsoft's design partner program that allows customers to contribute to the product roadmap.

Joel Sklar, Senior Learning Designer at FM Global, shares how the global insurance company took its training program for Risk Consultant Engineers, which included training at a lab that replicates warehouse-sized fires, online.

In this episode of The Edge, David Meerman Scott, author of Fanocracy, joins host Michelle Boockoff-Bajdek to discuss how brands and people are addressing the challenge of maintaining authentic, creative connections virtually during a time of uncertainty.