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.

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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:

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:

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.

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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.

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In this episode, I sit down with Edmund Monk to explore what leadership really looks like in a world shaped by rapid technological change. This was one of those conversations that stays with you long after it ends. We dig into humility, learning, and the power of pairing human intelligence with artificial intelligence.

I share my own observations on leadership across generations, and Ed breaks down why curiosity, continuous learning, and self-awareness matter now more than ever. This episode is all about becoming the kind of leader who can navigate complexity without losing the human element.

Whether you are navigating leadership, team dynamics, generational shifts, or the impact of AI on the workplace, this episode will speak directly to you.

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/edmonk/

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In this episode, I sit down with Revda Sari, Talent Manager at Compilio Health and Associate Member of the CIPD, to explore the urgent skills challenges in the healthcare industry. Revda shares her inspiring journey from marketing into recruitment and how her passion for connecting people led her to build a decade-long career in healthcare.

We talk about the realities behind the talent shortage in the NHS and private sector, the importance of learning and development, and why healthcare needs more investment in people, digital tools, and education partnerships to close the growing skills gap. Revda also shares her vision for the future — one where AI supports healthcare professionals, younger generations are encouraged into the field, and companies focus on purpose as much as performance.

This is a powerful conversation about the people behind the system, the purpose that drives them, and what it will take to build a sustainable future for global healthcare.

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In this episode, I sit down with  Skai O’Sullivan , Talent Director at Connexus, where she leads the Financial, Professional Services, and Technology divisions across Ireland, Europe, and the US. With over a decade of experience across agency and in-house recruitment, Skai  brings an insightful, human-centered perspective on how the world of work is changing.

We explore the evolution of recruitment in an AI-driven age, the growing demand for commercial awareness across all roles, and why human connection remains at the heart of great hiring. Skai also shares how companies can build skills-first hiring strategies, the power of apprenticeships beyond traditional trades, and how fractional work is redefining career paths for experienced professionals.

Together, we dive into what it means to be a recruiter today  balancing technology and empathy, rethinking talent pipelines, and shaping workplaces that value both people and progress.

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Skai O' Sullivan LinkedIn

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In this episode, I sit down with Jayke  to dive into the often-overlooked art of job advertising. We explore how powerful writing can completely transform recruitment results, why niche expertise matters, and how staying human and connected is key to success in the talent space. Jayke shares his passion for face-to-face training in a digital world and how his hands-on approach helps recruiters elevate their craft.

We also talk about future-proofing your career — how to stay relevant, keep learning, and build genuine networks that open doors. Jayke’s down-to-earth perspective on recruitment, creativity, and growth makes this such a refreshing and inspiring listen for anyone in talent acquisition or career development.

Make sure to connect, share your thoughts, and tag us if this conversation resonated with you.

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In this episode, I sit down with Patrick to explore how talent acquisition is evolving from an administrative function into a true business partner. Patrick shares his 25-year journey from headhunting in London’s dot-com boom to leading a data-driven TA team in Sweden.

We talk about what it means to create value in TA, why data matters more than ever, and how AI will reshape hiring. Patrick also opens up about the importance of inclusion, breaking down the “us vs. them” dynamic with hiring managers, and how future TA leaders can stay ahead by becoming proactive, AI-literate, and impact-driven.

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In this episode, I sit down with Ken, the founder and CEO of Talent Partners, to explore the future of skills, talent, and AI in the workplace. We dive into how organizations can adapt to transformation as usual, why AI is reshaping both talent acquisition and management, and the importance of continuous upskilling. Ken shares how his own team is using AI to streamline workflows, his insights on the evolving skills gap, and why trust and relationships will always remain at the heart of business success. This is an honest and forward-thinking conversation about the realities of technology, talent, and leadership in today’s changing world.

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In this episode of The Global Skills Podcast, I sit down with Nathan, Head of People and Recruitment at Raffles London, to talk about how one of the world’s most iconic hotels is transforming the way it hires, develops, and retains talent.

Nathan shares his journey from chef to people leader, what it takes to build a culture of growth, and how Raffles has achieved one of the lowest attrition rates in the industry. We explore why linking recruitment with learning and development is key, how the hospitality world is evolving post-COVID, and the growing influence of AI in hiring.

This conversation is full of inspiration and practical wisdom for anyone passionate about people, leadership, and the future of work.

The Global Skills Podcast is brought to you by Abodoo http://www.abodoo.com/ , a platform championing inclusive, skills-based hiring and the future of remote work.

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