How do we retrain millions of workers for jobs that don’t exist yet? Workforce futurist Andy Spence joins Rishad to talk about closing the skills gap, preparing for AI-driven change, and why retraining is the most urgent challenge facing the modern workforce.

Andy Spence is a leading voice in workforce strategy, with over two decades advising global organisations and the C-suite on how to build better, people-centric workplaces. His experience spans Big 4 consultancies, start-ups, and his own advisory firm, with clients including the NHS, John Lewis Partnership, Novartis, Deloitte, Corporate Research Forum, CIPD, ADP, Wikistrat, and McLaren. His work bridges sectors—from tech and think-tanks to universities and non-profits. Andy has delivered keynotes and executive workshops across the world—from London and Paris to Singapore, Sydney and Shanghai. Audiences value his ability to distil global megatrends into actionable insight, blending data-driven analysis with compelling storytelling. He publishes the popular Work 3 Newsletter, followed by 30,000+ professionals weekly, and his pioneering work with Don Tapscott on blockchain in the workplace has influenced entrepreneurs and technologists globally. Industry recognition includes being named a Top 100 HR Tech Influencer by HR Executive Magazine and a Key Opinion Leader in the Future of Work by Onalytica. He holds a Master’s in Cognitive Science (AI) from the University of Birmingham, is a Fellow of the RSA, Senior Industry Fellow at RMIT, and a professional member of the Center for Evidence-Based Management. Originally from Manchester, Andy now lives in Lisbon, helping CHROs and senior leaders navigate the shifting landscape of work.

EPISODE CREDITS

Produced, edited and mixed by Ria Tobaccowala

Artwork designed by Ben Damiano

Additional music licensed through Premium Beats

LINKS

Explore more about the new frontiers of work at Rethinkingwork.io

For more actionable insights that inspire subscribe to Rishad Tobaccowala's free weekly substack: The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past.

This show is also available on YouTube which includes visual supplements.

Rishad's Book Rethinking Work is available in print and audio. Click here for where to buy.

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