Imagine if learning wasn't just about courses, but about unlocking real career opportunities through the right skills.

In our previous conversation, we explored the overwhelming number of systems that impact employees' ability to learn and grow. In this episode, I’m diving deeper with Matthew J. Daniel, Senior Principal, Talent Strategy & Mobility at Guild Education, on a crucial topic: how we can link learning to real career opportunities.

We talk about how a skills-based organisation thrives when it prioritises practical, business-driven outcomes and the importance of linking skills to opportunity, ensuring that learning initiatives directly translate into career mobility and pay.

Our chat also examines how AI and automation are shaping the future of skills development, highlighting the need for companies to rethink how they approach talent and reskilling. Matthew ends with a challenge: think beyond compliance-driven learning and focus on programs that truly equip people for the future.

Some curious takeaways:

• Focus on creating pathways that link learning to tangible career opportunities
• Align talent development with the business’ most pressing needs to drive real impact
• The difference between durable (e.g., critical thinking) and perishable (e.g., software) skills and how to prioritise for long-term value

Episode highlights:

(00:00) Welcome to Harald’s Curious Corner

(04:10) The cost of learning and growth

(08:11) Why training isn't enough for career growth

(11:09) The difference between durable vs. perishable skills

(19:01) Guiding leaders on effective learning and development

(22:43) The problem with due dates in learning

(26:16) How to make learning investments count

(28:05) Why skills aren’t enough without career mobility

(36:07) The importance of mobility and opportunity through learning

(41:21) When to build talent internally vs. buy talent externally

(44:37) Curious Corner Takeaways

Connect with the guest:

Matthew J. Daniel  on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewjdaniel/ 

Explore Guild Education: https://guild.com/ 

Resources:

Building a Skills-Based Organization, for Real (Guild): https://guild.com/compass/building-a-skills-based-organization-for-real
It’s Time to Discuss the Problem with Owning Your Own Development (CLO): https://www.chieflearningofficer.com/2023/02/28/its-time-to-discuss-the-problem-with-owning-your-own-development/

Durable vs Perishable Skills (Talent Management): https://www.talentmgt.com/article_author/matthew-j-daniel/
FLN Podcast – Equity in Talent Development (https://fln.bepodcast.network)

Change State Podcast – Rethinking Upskilling in the AI Era (https://www.changestate.io)

Follow me on the following sites:

Harald Overaa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haraldovera/ 

Subscribe to Harald’s Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6901795950403186688/