Futurist Tom Cheesewright on Bridging the Skills Gap and Embracing Change

The Secrets of Learning & Development

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S2:E1 - In this insightful episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, we are excited to welcome Tom Cheesewright, a futurist, author, and commentator on the future of work. Known for his compelling take on tomorrow's world, Tom helps organisations and individuals navigate a rapidly changing landscape and prepare for an unpredictable future.

With experience advising companies from global giants to ambitious startups, Tom shares his unique perspective on why many businesses struggle to find the employees they need, the mistakes they are making, and what they should be doing differently. He explains the critical role of learning and development in creating a sustainable workforce and why traditional approaches to training might be leaving organisations behind.

In this episode, Tom delves into the challenges of equipping ourselves and our employees for the future, offering a candid discussion on how to rethink skills development in an age of constant change. He also provides a glimpse into his exciting new projects, including his upcoming children's book and Radio 4 series, which explores the untold stories behind the products we use daily.

Tom's conversation is full of thought-provoking ideas and practical insights that will inspire L&D professionals, business leaders, and anyone looking to better understand the future of work. From understanding the skills gap to encouraging adaptability and resilience, this episode offers valuable guidance for those ready to rethink and revitalise their approach to workforce development.

Join us for an engaging conversation that uncovers the secrets to preparing for a future that is already unfolding. Whether you are looking to innovate your organisation's learning strategy or simply want to stay ahead of the curve, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss.

Key Learnings:
Rethinking Employee Development
Organisations often struggle to find the talent they need because they are not investing in developing the specific skills required for future roles. Tom emphasizes that businesses must shift their focus from simply hiring to actively training and upskilling their current workforce to build a sustainable, future-ready team.

Adapting to Rapid ChangeThe future of work demands agility and adaptability. Tom discusses the importance of creating a culture that embraces change and encourages continuous learning. He highlights the need for leaders to provide time and resources for reflection and growth, enabling employees to navigate uncertainty and thrive in a constantly evolving environment.
Guest Information
Tom Cheesewright
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomcheesewright/
https://tomcheesewright.com/futurist-speaker
https://tomcheesewright.com/

Chapters

1. Futurist Tom Cheesewright on Bridging the Skills Gap and Embracing Change (00:00:00)

2. Introduction to Tom Cheesewright and the Future of Work (00:01:52)

3. Introducing High Frequency Change (00:10:15)

4. 3 Critical Future Skills Creation, Creativity and Communication (00:14:40)

5. The skills gap and the Challenge of finding the right talent (00:18:25)

6. The next big thing Individuals and businesses should be preparing for (00:22:51)

7. L&D Strategy (00:29:11)

8. Tom’s Current Projects: Books and Radio 4 Series (00:29:34)

9. Tom's Key Message (00:34:16)