In this episode of Employee Activation, we sit down with Katharine Wooller, a strategic voice in the UK’s financial services sector, to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the skills landscape.

As the Chief Strategist for Financial Services at Softcat, Katharine brings a sharp, pragmatic perspective on what the sector needs next—from digital capability to critical thinking—and the risks of leaving legacy mindsets unchallenged.

We unpack current insights on the widening skills gap and examine the practical implications for talent development, organisational resilience and future readiness in one of the most regulated and fast-evolving industries in the world.

While the conversation centres on financial services, the lessons are widely applicable, because when it comes to digital evolution, this sector is often the canary in the coal mine, offering early insights every leader can learn from.

Whether you’re in HR, transformation, or workforce planning, this episode offers valuable insight into how financial institutions can activate their people, not just their technology.