When Skills Matter

Traditional workplace training often brings together people with very different levels of experience, skills and professional backgrounds, yet expects them to learn from the same materials and examples. Can artificial intelligence make learning more relevant to individual needs, and help organisations address skills gaps more effectively?

In this episode of When Skills Matter, Robin Adda, CEO and Founder of SkillsAssess, speaks with Mike Lyons and Greg Pfister, co-founders of KaiRise, a US-based company developing AI-powered personalised learning experiences. Mike brings extensive experience in agile coaching and professional training, while Greg has a background in technology leadership and software engineering.

Together, they explore how AI can help move workplace learning beyond generic courses and standardised feedback. Mike and Greg explain how KaiRise is using an AI-powered digital instructor, Ask Mike, to draw on course materials, respond to learners' questions and provide feedback relevant to their experience and working environment.

The discussion also considers the importance of identifying individual skills gaps, the role of human instructors and the changing demands on organisations responsible for workforce development.

In this episode, Robin, Mike and Greg discuss:

Why traditional one-size-fits-all training can struggle to engage people with different backgrounds and experience levels

How AI-powered digital instructors can provide personalised guidance using existing learning materials

How learner profiles can help make course activities and feedback more relevant to individual workplaces

Mike's experience using an AI instructor to challenge master's-level engineering students and encourage deeper reflection

Why producing more learning content may be less important than helping people retain and apply what they've learnt

How organisations can begin exploring AI in learning and development while keeping human expertise central

The potential impact of AI on entry-level employment, particularly in software development, and the opportunities emerging alongside those changes

Mike shares an example from his teaching at Washington University, where students use an AI instructor to reflect on psychological safety in their workplaces. They receive individual feedback, reconsider their responses and can submit improved answers. He explains why the approach has produced encouraging results in his classes.

The conversation also explores a possible shift towards shorter, more targeted learning experiences, supported by a clearer understanding of what each individual needs to develop.

If you're responsible for learning and development, workforce capability, skills assessment or talent strategy, this episode offers a practical discussion of where AI-supported learning is heading, what is already possible and the questions organisations still need to address.

By providing comprehensive data analytics, SkillsAssess shows where skills gaps are within organisations by department, job role and individual, providing recommendations for learners to upskill only where needed.

Powered by AI, our tool is designed to help organisations in any sector pinpoint skill gaps and increase productivity in a fast and scalable way.

Our intuitive dashboard was designed for HR and L&D managers and administrators, bringing all the data and analytics together to make staff upskilling faster, simpler, and more focused.

Learn more at www.SkillsAssess.ai.

We’re excited to bring you these conversations. Welcome to When Skills Matter.

Welcome to this episode of When Skills Matter. In this conversation, we’re joined by Dr Tom Chatfield, a British author, tech philosopher, and educator. His books exploring contemporary culture - most recently Wise Animals (Picador), an exploration of the co-evolution of humanity and technology, and the best-selling textbook Critical Thinking (SAGE Publishing), researched as a Visiting Associate at the Oxford Internet Institute - are published in over thirty languages. 

Tom is interested in improving our understanding of digital technology, and its uses in policy, education and engagement. He’s particularly interested in AI ethics, critical thinking and future skills, and works with business schools, universities and companies around their development, as well as creating award-winning online courses for both academic institutions and businesses.

His past collaborators include Google, the BBC, the UN, Channel 4 Education, Pearson, Mind Candy, Shift, Flamingo London, Six to Start, Preloaded, Firefish, Future Lab, Sense Worldwide, SAGE Publications, Sugru and Allianz. Tom took his doctorate and taught at St John’s College, Oxford, and continues to guest lecture at universities across the world.

As a speaker and broadcaster, Tom’s appearances include TED Global and the Cannes Lions Festival; authors@Google; the World Congress on Information Technology; Science Foo Camp; Intelligence Squared; the Houses of Parliament; Aspen Seminars for Leaders; the RSA, Royal Society and Royal Institution; and venues ranging from the Sydney Opera House to the Googleplex.

A launch columnist for the BBC’s worldwide technology site, BBC Future, Tom writes and commentate widely in the international media, as well as guest lecturing at universities in the UK and Europe. He is a regular on BBC radio and television, and broadcasts around the world.

We’re glad to have you with us on When Skills Matter.

The When Skills Matter podcast is where forward-thinking HR, L&D, and business leaders come together to share practical ideas and fresh perspectives on workforce development, learning, and performance.

Hosted by Robin Adda, founder and CEO of SkillsAssess, the show dives into real-world strategies for closing skills gaps, developing leaders, aligning HR and L&D with business priorities, and making smarter people decisions that drive measurable impact.

You’ll hear from experienced practitioners and innovators as they explore what’s working, what’s not, and how to navigate the challenges of change, digital disruption, and the evolving world of work.

Whether you’re focused on skills mapping, learning strategy, or talent development, this podcast will give you valuable insights you can use right away.

By providing comprehensive data analytics, SkillsAssess shows where skills gaps are within organisations by department, job role and individual, providing recommendations for learners to upskill only where needed.

Powered by AI, our tool is designed to help organisations in any sector pinpoint skill gaps and increase productivity in a fast and scalable way.

Our intuitive dashboard was designed for HR and L&D managers and administrators, bringing all the data and analytics together to make staff upskilling faster, simpler, and more focused.

Learn more at www.SkillsAssess.ai.

We’re excited to bring you these conversations. Welcome to When Skills Matter.

Welcome to this episode of When Skills Matter. In this conversation, we discuss what HR leaders need to consider before proposing new AI initiatives.

Our guest line-up includes Nebel Crowhurst, a senior HR executive with hands-on experience guiding organisations through digital transformation; Carolyn Shepherd, founder and lead consultant at Emmeline AI, known for her focus on future skills; and Perry Timms, founder and chief energy officer at Perry Timms HR, who champions progressive approaches to talent.

Together with our host, Robin Adda, we explore real-world applications and pressing challenges facing HR, L&D, and business leaders today.

This is a grounded discussion for anyone involved in skills mapping, learning strategy, or workforce development. If you’re aiming to prove the ROI of talent initiatives and want to build a more skills-focused workplace, you’ll find plenty of relevant, real-world takeaways here.

Whether you’re an HR, L&D, Talent, or business leader, our goal is to equip you with practical insights and new perspectives to help your organisation thrive.

We’re glad to have you with us on When Skills Matter.

The When Skills Matter podcast is where forward-thinking HR, L&D, and business leaders come together to share practical ideas and fresh perspectives on workforce development, learning, and performance.

Hosted by Robin Adda, founder and CEO of SkillsAssess, the show dives into real-world strategies for closing skills gaps, developing leaders, aligning HR and L&D with business priorities, and making smarter people decisions that drive measurable impact.

You’ll hear from experienced practitioners and innovators as they explore what’s working, what’s not, and how to navigate the challenges of change, digital disruption, and the evolving world of work.

Whether you’re focused on skills mapping, learning strategy, or talent development, this podcast will give you valuable insights you can use right away.

By providing comprehensive data analytics, SkillsAssess shows where skills gaps are within organisations by department, job role and individual, providing recommendations for learners to upskill only where needed.

Powered by AI, our tool is designed to help organisations in any sector pinpoint skill gaps and increase productivity in a fast and scalable way.

Our intuitive dashboard was designed for HR and L&D managers and administrators, bringing all the data and analytics together to make staff upskilling faster, simpler, and more focused.

Learn more at www.SkillsAssess.ai.

We’re excited to bring you these conversations. Welcome to When Skills Matter.

Welcome to this episode of When Skills Matter.

In this conversation, we’re joined by Valerie Merrill, founder of Merrill Consultants International and host of the Secrets of Learning and Development podcast. With decades of experience helping organizations navigate leadership development, management capability, and practical training, Valerie Merrill brings valuable perspective on what it takes to build a skilled, resilient workforce in a fast-changing world.

Together, we examine how organizations can adapt their learning strategies to meet evolving business needs and workforce expectations. We discuss the practical reality of addressing skills gaps, why learning approaches must keep pace with technological change, and what leaders and L&D professionals can do to support meaningful skill development for their teams.

We discuss:

This episode is relevant for anyone involved in skills mapping, learning strategy, training effectiveness, or preparing for the future of work. Our conversation offers actionable insights into building capability and leading teams through complexity.

We’re glad to have you with us on When Skills Matter.

The When Skills Matter podcast is where forward-thinking HR, L&D, and business leaders come together to share practical ideas and fresh perspectives on workforce development, learning, and performance.

Hosted by Robin Adda, founder and CEO of SkillsAssess, the show dives into real-world strategies for closing skills gaps, developing leaders, aligning HR and L&D with business priorities, and making smarter people decisions that drive measurable impact.

You’ll hear from experienced practitioners and innovators as they explore what’s working, what’s not, and how to navigate the challenges of change, digital disruption, and the evolving world of work.

Whether you’re focused on skills mapping, learning strategy, or talent development, this podcast will give you valuable insights you can use right away.

By providing comprehensive data analytics, SkillsAssess shows where skills gaps are within organisations by department, job role and individual, providing recommendations for learners to upskill only where needed.

Powered by AI, our tool is designed to help organisations in any sector pinpoint skill gaps and increase productivity in a fast and scalable way.

Our intuitive dashboard was designed for HR and L&D managers and administrators, bringing all the data and analytics together to make staff upskilling faster, simpler, and more focused.

Learn more at www.SkillsAssess.ai.

We’re excited to bring you these conversations. Welcome to When Skills Matter.

Welcome to this episode of When Skills Matter.

In this conversation, we welcome Jonty Rooke, a strategic leader with deep experience building cross-sector partnerships and designing data-informed employment and skills programmes. Jonty’s perspective matters because he actively connects government, employers, and communities to deliver inclusive workforce outcomes and champions practical solutions for skills gaps and social mobility.

We discuss the realities of youth employment in the UK, the evolving barriers facing jobseekers, and the importance of purposeful work and collaboration. Throughout the episode, Jonty shares practical insights from leading large-scale employment programmes, including the Connect to Work initiative, and offers clear advice for HR and L&D leaders aiming to make tangible improvements.

We cover:

Our goal with this podcast is to share real stories and actionable insights from people shaping workforce development. If you’re focused on skills mapping, learning effectiveness, or the future of talent, you’ll find useful perspectives and next steps you can apply right away.

We’re glad to have you with us on When Skills Matter.

The When Skills Matter podcast is where forward-thinking HR, L&D, and business leaders come together to share practical ideas and fresh perspectives on workforce development, learning, and performance.

Hosted by Robin Adda, founder and CEO of SkillsAssess, the show dives into real-world strategies for closing skills gaps, developing leaders, aligning HR and L&D with business priorities, and making smarter people decisions that drive measurable impact.

You’ll hear from experienced practitioners and innovators as they explore what’s working, what’s not, and how to navigate the challenges of change, digital disruption, and the evolving world of work.

Whether you’re focused on skills mapping, learning strategy, or talent development, this podcast will give you valuable insights you can use right away.

By providing comprehensive data analytics, SkillsAssess shows where skills gaps are within organisations by department, job role and individual, providing recommendations for learners to upskill only where needed.

Powered by AI, our tool is designed to help organisations in any sector pinpoint skill gaps and increase productivity in a fast and scalable way.

Our intuitive dashboard was designed for HR and L&D managers and administrators, bringing all the data and analytics together to make staff upskilling faster, simpler, and more focused.

Learn more at www.SkillsAssess.ai.

We’re excited to bring you these conversations. Welcome to When Skills Matter.

Welcome to this episode of When Skills Matter.elcome to this episode of When Skills Matter. In this conversation, we delve into the rapidly evolving world of AI and its impact on upskilling, credibility, and workforce development.

Our guest line-up includes Nebel Crowhurst, a senior HR executive with hands-on experience guiding organisations through digital transformation; Carolyn Shepherd, founder and lead consultant at Emmeline AI, known for her focus on future skills; and Perry Timms, founder and chief energy officer at Perry Timms HR, who champions progressive approaches to talent.

Together with our host, Robin Adda, we explore real-world applications and pressing challenges facing HR, L&D, and business leaders today.

This episode explores the practical steps HR and L&D professionals can take to align their work with leadership priorities and show real impact. Our guests discuss how organisations can move beyond basic reporting, using data and storytelling to connect people initiatives with business performance. They emphasise the importance of collaboration, supporting middle managers, and embracing a coaching approach to learning rather than just delivering programmes on request.

We discuss:

Why aligning HR and L&D initiatives with organisational goals makes a measurable difference

How to move beyond traditional data points (like absence and turnover) to real measures of value

The role of collaboration across stakeholders, especially the support needed for middle managers

Approaches to designing people strategies that are integrated, not isolated, from business strategy

The value of engaging employees and leaders in creating learning solutions that address both immediate challenges and long-term ambitions

Practical ways to demonstrate the commercial impact of HR and learning investments

This is a grounded discussion for anyone involved in skills mapping, learning strategy, or workforce development. If you’re aiming to prove the ROI of talent initiatives and want to build a more skills-focused workplace, you’ll find plenty of relevant, real-world takeaways here.

Whether you’re an HR, L&D, Talent, or business leader, our goal is to equip you with practical insights and new perspectives to help your organisation thrive.

We’re glad to have you with us on When Skills Matter.

The When Skills Matter podcast is where forward-thinking HR, L&D, and business leaders come together to share practical ideas and fresh perspectives on workforce development, learning, and performance.

Hosted by Robin Adda, founder and CEO of SkillsAssess, the show dives into real-world strategies for closing skills gaps, developing leaders, aligning HR and L&D with business priorities, and making smarter people decisions that drive measurable impact.

You’ll hear from experienced practitioners and innovators as they explore what’s working, what’s not, and how to navigate the challenges of change, digital disruption, and the evolving world of work.

Whether you’re focused on skills mapping, learning strategy, or talent development, this podcast will give you valuable insights you can use right away.

By providing comprehensive data analytics, SkillsAssess shows where skills gaps are within organisations by department, job role and individual, providing recommendations for learners to upskill only where needed.

Powered by AI, our tool is designed to help organisations in any sector pinpoint skill gaps and increase productivity in a fast and scalable way.

Our intuitive dashboard was designed for HR and L&D managers and administrators, bringing all the data and analytics together to make staff upskilling faster, simpler, and more focused.

Learn more at www.SkillsAssess.ai.

We’re excited to bring you these conversations. Welcome to When Skills Matter.

Welcome to this episode of When Skills Matter.

In this conversation, we flip things around as Robins joins Neil C. Hughes, on his podcast, Tech Talks Daily, for a practical and timely discussion on how AI can transform job opportunities and workforce development.

Together, Robin and Neil explore the real challenges and opportunities facing leaders as technology rapidly reshapes the working world. Theye dive into how organisations and employees can successfully navigate skills gaps, build personalised training plans, and ensure that AI is a tool for growth - not just another headline about job loss.

They discuss:

How AI-driven skills mapping reveals true capability and identifies practical learning needs

Why personalised training is more effective than traditional, standardised approaches

The importance of integrating human qualities like critical thinking, curiosity, and communication into skills strategies

What causes anxiety about AI for employees, and how organisations can turn that concern into motivation for retraining

The real-world impact of digital skills gaps across sectors - and practical ways to close them

Strategies for future-proofing teams, including auditing skills frameworks and making learning more relevant

The role AI can play in upskilling, improving productivity, and supporting economic growth

Our aim in this episode is to share insights that help HR, L&D, and business leaders make evidence-based decisions, align learning with business needs, and create organisations where people can thrive in the age of artificial intelligence.

Whether you’re focused on skills mapping, personalised learning pathways, or effective upskilling, you’ll find practical ideas for building a more agile, confident workforce.

We’re excited to bring you these conversations. Welcome to When Skills Matter.

The When Skills Matter podcast is where forward-thinking HR, L&D, and business leaders come together to share practical ideas and fresh perspectives on workforce development, learning, and performance.

Hosted by Robin Adda, founder and CEO of SkillsAssess, the show dives into real-world strategies for closing skills gaps, developing leaders, aligning HR and L&D with business priorities, and making smarter people decisions that drive measurable impact.

You’ll hear from experienced practitioners and innovators as they explore what’s working, what’s not, and how to navigate the challenges of change, digital disruption, and the evolving world of work.

Whether you’re focused on skills mapping, learning strategy, or talent development, this podcast will give you valuable insights you can use right away.

By providing comprehensive data analytics, SkillsAssess shows where skills gaps are within organisations by department, job role and individual, providing recommendations for learners to upskill only where needed.

Powered by AI, this new tool is designed to aid organisations in any field to pinpoint skill gaps and increase productivity in a quick and scaleable manner.

Using an intuitive dashboard principally designed for HR and L&D managers and administrators, all the data including full analytics is contained and accessed in one place to make the task of staff upskilling quicker, simpler and easier to carry out.

Learn more at www.SkillsAssess.ai.

Welcome to this episode of When Skills Matter. In this conversation, we delve into the rapidly evolving world of AI and its impact on upskilling, credibility, and workforce development.

Our guest line-up includes Nebel Crowhurst, a senior HR executive with hands-on experience guiding organisations through digital transformation; Carolyn Shepherd, founder and lead consultant at Emmeline AI, known for her focus on future skills; and Perry Timms, founder and chief energy officer at Perry Timms HR, who champions progressive approaches to talent.

Together with our host, Robin Adda, we explore real-world applications and pressing challenges facing HR, L&D, and business leaders today.

We talk through how AI is shaping the skills landscape, why fear and uncertainty often accompany new technology, and the steps leaders can take to build credibility and trust while navigating change.

We discuss:

Where AI can support upskilling and strengthen the value of HR and L&D

How credibility may be damaged by over-reliance on AI-generated content, and ways to avoid this trap

The importance of context, personalisation, and reflection in learning strategy

Lessons from past workplace technology shifts, from Google to social media and beyond

The need to break away from orthodoxy, experiment, and evolve learning practices

How business flexibility and entrepreneurial thinking are reshaping job roles and descriptions

Our guests offer practical insights and examples that help make sense of both opportunities and risks as AI transforms the way organisations approach learning and talent development.

Whether you work in HR, L&D, Talent, or business leadership, you’ll find ideas in this episode you can apply right away.

We’re glad to have you with us on When Skills Matter.

The When Skills Matter podcast is where forward-thinking HR, L&D, and business leaders come together to share practical ideas and fresh perspectives on workforce development, learning, and performance.

Hosted by Robin Adda, founder and CEO of SkillsAssess, the show dives into real-world strategies for closing skills gaps, developing leaders, aligning HR and L&D with business priorities, and making smarter people decisions that drive measurable impact.

You’ll hear from experienced practitioners and innovators as they explore what’s working, what’s not, and how to navigate the challenges of change, digital disruption, and the evolving world of work.

Whether you’re focused on skills mapping, learning strategy, or talent development, this podcast will give you valuable insights you can use right away.

By providing comprehensive data analytics, SkillsAssess shows where skills gaps are within organisations by department, job role and individual, providing recommendations for learners to upskill only where needed.

Powered by AI, our tool is designed to help organisations in any sector pinpoint skill gaps and increase productivity in a fast and scalable way.

Our intuitive dashboard was designed for HR and L&D managers and administrators, bringing all the data and analytics together to make staff upskilling faster, simpler, and more focused.

Learn more at www.SkillsAssess.ai.

We’re excited to bring you these conversations. Welcome to When Skills Matter.

Welcome to this episode of When Skills Matter.

In this conversation, we share a special interview between our own Robin Adda, founder and CEO of SkillsAssess, and Ben Geoghegan, host of A Better HR Business podcast. Robin Adda brings decades of entrepreneurial experience in learning, workforce development, and EdTech. His perspective is shaped by building and scaling multiple businesses, with a focus on addressing the real skills challenges facing organisations today.

Together, we discuss how leaders can move past outdated training models and use skills assessment, data, and AI to make workforce upskilling more effective and measurable. The conversation covers essential lessons from building businesses, practical approaches to closing skills gaps, and the changing landscape of learning and development.

We explore:

Why resilience and adaptability are essential for today’s leaders

How practical skills assessment can drive personalised learning pathways

Where traditional training often falls short - and how to address it

The role of AI in diagnosing skills gaps and supporting continuous workforce development

What L&D and HR leaders should look for in assessment tools that align with business goals

Ways to ensure your upskilling strategy is flexible, people-focused, and future-ready

This episode is relevant for anyone looking to make better people decisions, align training with business priorities, or make learning investment go further. You’ll hear first-hand insights on selecting the right tools, integrating assessment and development, and preparing your workforce for what’s next.

Our goal is to help you close skills gaps, improve training effectiveness, and shape a more adaptable organisation - one that’s ready for tomorrow’s challenges.

We’re glad to have you with us on When Skills Matter.

The When Skills Matter podcast is where forward-thinking HR, L&D, and business leaders come together to share practical ideas and fresh perspectives on workforce development, learning, and performance.

Hosted by Robin Adda, founder and CEO of SkillsAssess, the show dives into real-world strategies for closing skills gaps, developing leaders, aligning HR and L&D with business priorities, and making smarter people decisions that drive measurable impact.

You’ll hear from experienced practitioners and innovators as they explore what’s working, what’s not, and how to navigate the challenges of change, digital disruption, and the evolving world of work.

Whether you’re focused on skills mapping, learning strategy, or talent development, this podcast will give you valuable insights you can use right away.

By providing comprehensive data analytics, SkillsAssess shows where skills gaps are within organisations by department, job role and individual, providing recommendations for learners to upskill only where needed.

Powered by AI, our tool is designed to help organisations in any sector pinpoint skill gaps and increase productivity in a fast and scalable way.

Our intuitive dashboard was designed for HR and L&D managers and administrators, bringing all the data and analytics together to make staff upskilling faster, simpler, and more focused.

Learn more at www.SkillsAssess.ai.

We’re excited to bring you these conversations. Welcome to When Skills Matter.

In today's conversation, we sit down with Devyani Vaishampayan, a respected boardroom leader, former FTSE 100 HR Director, and AI entrepreneur who has shaped the global HR landscape for over three decades. With her unique experience spanning senior corporate leadership, innovative AI investment, and non-executive directorships, Devyani Vaishampayan offers grounded perspectives on what it takes for organisations to build future-proof skills and drive workforce performance.

Together with our host Robin Adda, we explore practical, real-world issues facing today’s HR, L&D, and business leaders. Our discussion focuses on closing skills gaps, using data to make better people decisions, and embracing new technology in a way that balances digital transformation with human strengths.

We discuss:

Why skills and talent strategies are top-of-mind for business performance, especially as the pace of change accelerates

How Devyani’s journey from HR leadership to AI entrepreneurship is reshaping practical approaches to skills development

The challenges boards and senior leaders face in adopting AI - and why it’s both an opportunity and a disruption

Practical ways organisations can assess skills gaps using data and evidence, not guesswork

The rise of personalised, just-in-time learning, and how AI enables training to match individual needs and business priorities

Balancing digital skills with critical human capabilities such as creativity, judgment, and collaboration

The importance of culture and planned investment in upskilling everyone, not just leaders, through the transition to more AI-driven roles

Whether you’re working to strengthen skills mapping, refine your learning strategy, or measure the impact of training, this episode brings you actionable insights and honest perspectives from a leader who has sat at the boardroom and on the front lines of workforce development.

Our goal is to help you make smarter skill decisions and prepare your teams for whatever comes next.

We’re excited to bring you these conversations. Welcome to When Skills Matter.

The When Skills Matter podcast is where forward-thinking HR, L&D, and business leaders come together to share practical ideas and fresh perspectives on workforce development, learning, and performance.

Hosted by Robin Adda, founder and CEO of SkillsAssess, the show dives into real-world strategies for closing skills gaps, developing leaders, aligning HR and L&D with business priorities, and making smarter people decisions that drive measurable impact.

You’ll hear from experienced practitioners and innovators as they explore what’s working, what’s not, and how to navigate the challenges of change, digital disruption, and the evolving world of work.

Whether you’re focused on skills mapping, learning strategy, or talent development, this podcast will give you valuable insights you can use right away.

By providing comprehensive data analytics, SkillsAssess shows where skills gaps are within organisations by department, job role and individual, providing recommendations for learners to upskill only where needed.

Powered by AI, this new tool is designed to aid organisations in any field to pinpoint skill gaps and increase productivity in a quick and scaleable manner.

Using an intuitive dashboard principally designed for HR and L&D managers and administrators, all the data including full analytics is contained and accessed in one place to make the task of staff upskilling quicker, simpler and easier to carry out.

Learn more at www.SkillsAssess.ai.