Navigating the Shift: How Organizations Are Building Skills-Based Workforces
Tue Sep 16 2025
Skills-based organizations are no longer just theoretical concepts discussed in business journals – they're becoming the new operational reality for companies worldwide. As Charlotte Evans, Director of Global Customer Advocacy for Coursera for Business, reveals in this eye-opening conversation with Chris Bjorling, even the most recognizable global brands are only now beginning their implementation journeys.
"A lot of organizations look at me and go 'we are not there,'" Charlotte shares, describing how companies are typically at steps two or three of the five-step maturity model. This widespread challenge has created what she calls "group therapy" among L&D professionals all asking the same questions: Where do we start? How do we measure success? What's actually working?
Evans offers compelling insights into how objective skill measurement is revolutionizing workforce utilization. By accurately identifying capabilities (rather than relying on self or manager assessments), companies can create internal "gig economies" where employees contribute across traditional boundaries. She describes a credit services company that discovered significant gaps between manager perceptions and actual Python skills, highlighting the need for data-driven skill assessment.
Perhaps most fascinating is the evolution of leadership development through artificial intelligence. Coursera's "Dialog" tool creates psychologically safe environments for managers to practice difficult conversations without the disruption or cost of traditional boot camps. The next frontier? AI-powered role play that simulates challenging negotiations, sales calls, and employee conversations – moving beyond today's "peppy" AI responses to reflect workplace realities.
For L&D professionals looking ahead, Evans emphasizes aligning learning with business outcomes by partnering directly with functional leaders. She shares the remarkable story of Dow Chemical, which upskilled 84% of its IT workforce in generative AI within a single quarter, largely because the CIO personally completed and showcased the training.
Connect with Charlotte Evans on LinkedIn or visit coursera.com/business to explore how skills-based learning can transform your organization's performance in an increasingly dynamic business landscape.
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Talking About Ways To Improve Company Culture and People Performance
The People and Performance Podcast is a show that dives into all things related to raising performance in the working world around us. We investigate how technology and HR processes are inextricably linked to the employee experience and the bottom line.
Chris Bjorling, Co-host
Christopher Bjorling is President at Fidello Inc., a consulting and services firm specializing in improving human performance.
For over 30 years Chris has led Fidello in creating unique talent management solutions. Through the products and services he and his team have created over the years, his organization has helped clients design, develop, implement and integrate talent management processes and systems.
Bill Banham, Co-host
Bill Banham, Publisher at The HR Gazette, Host of the popular HRchat Podcast and Organizer of events such as DisruptHR London.
Bill has worked with lots of business tech and HR-focused brands in the UK and North America including HRreview, TalentCulture, HRmarketer, Sprigg HR, and Team Fitness Tool.
Contact us to learn more!
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Skills-based organizations are no longer just theoretical concepts discussed in business journals – they're becoming the new operational reality for companies worldwide. As Charlotte Evans, Director of Global Customer Advocacy for Coursera for Business, reveals in this eye-opening conversation with Chris Bjorling, even the most recognizable global brands are only now beginning their implementation journeys. "A lot of organizations look at me and go 'we are not there,'" Charlotte shares, describing how companies are typically at steps two or three of the five-step maturity model. This widespread challenge has created what she calls "group therapy" among L&D professionals all asking the same questions: Where do we start? How do we measure success? What's actually working? Evans offers compelling insights into how objective skill measurement is revolutionizing workforce utilization. By accurately identifying capabilities (rather than relying on self or manager assessments), companies can create internal "gig economies" where employees contribute across traditional boundaries. She describes a credit services company that discovered significant gaps between manager perceptions and actual Python skills, highlighting the need for data-driven skill assessment. Perhaps most fascinating is the evolution of leadership development through artificial intelligence. Coursera's "Dialog" tool creates psychologically safe environments for managers to practice difficult conversations without the disruption or cost of traditional boot camps. The next frontier? AI-powered role play that simulates challenging negotiations, sales calls, and employee conversations – moving beyond today's "peppy" AI responses to reflect workplace realities. For L&D professionals looking ahead, Evans emphasizes aligning learning with business outcomes by partnering directly with functional leaders. She shares the remarkable story of Dow Chemical, which upskilled 84% of its IT workforce in generative AI within a single quarter, largely because the CIO personally completed and showcased the training. Connect with Charlotte Evans on LinkedIn or visit coursera.com/business to explore how skills-based learning can transform your organization's performance in an increasingly dynamic business landscape. ---------- Talking About Ways To Improve Company Culture and People Performance The People and Performance Podcast is a show that dives into all things related to raising performance in the working world around us. We investigate how technology and HR processes are inextricably linked to the employee experience and the bottom line. Chris Bjorling, Co-host Christopher Bjorling is President at Fidello Inc., a consulting and services firm specializing in improving human performance. For over 30 years Chris has led Fidello in creating unique talent management solutions. Through the products and services he and his team have created over the years, his organization has helped clients design, develop, implement and integrate talent management processes and systems. Bill Banham, Co-host Bill Banham, Publisher at The HR Gazette, Host of the popular HRchat Podcast and Organizer of events such as DisruptHR London. Bill has worked with lots of business tech and HR-focused brands in the UK and North America including HRreview, TalentCulture, HRmarketer, Sprigg HR, and Team Fitness Tool. Contact us to learn more!