Trent Henry, Global Vice Chair, Talent at EY: How to Develop the Skills to Succeed at EY and the Big Four and Beyond
Aug 30, 2023
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Former CEO of EY Canada and now Global Vice Chair, Talent at EY, Trent Henry, shares insights on developing in-demand skills and succeeding in the age of AI. He discusses the shift from skills to experience and impact, offers advice for job seekers, and encourages finding opportunities for personal growth.
Continuous upskilling is crucial to adapt to changing job requirements and future opportunities.
Embracing curiosity and seeking out diverse experiences can enhance skills and career prospects.
Deep dives
Overview of Trent Henry's Background and Role at EY
Trent Henry is the Global Vice Chair of Talent for EY. He has extensive experience in the talent space and is responsible for developing and executing talent strategy for EY's 400,000 employees across 150 countries. Prior to this role, Trent served as the chairman and CEO of EY Canada. His career has been diverse, working in various cities around the world. He emphasizes the importance of lifelong curiosity and being open to diverse experiences in shaping one's career.
Insights on Hiring and Job Market Trends
Trent discusses the current hiring landscape and job market. He acknowledges that there is a lot happening in the world, such as the impact of COVID, geopolitical issues, and economic concerns. However, he believes that these are manageable cycles. Trent emphasizes the role of technology in driving productivity and points out the discussions surrounding generative AI and its potential impact on business strategies and society. He remains optimistic about future opportunities, highlighting the importance of proactive thinking and continuous upskilling to adapt to changing job requirements.
Trent's Personal Journey and Advice for Career Development
Trent shares his personal story and career journey, emphasizing the importance of education and lifelong learning. He highlights the benefits of being open to new opportunities, even if they deviate from a planned career path. Trent recalls a pivotal moment when he decided to shift from being the chairman and CEO of EY Canada to focusing on talent development, inspired by discussions with technology CEOs on the war for talent. He advocates for individuals to embrace curiosity, adapt to change, and seek out diverse experiences to enhance their skills and career prospects.
The Impact of AI on Jobs and the Future of Work
Trent acknowledges that AI will impact jobs and create both opportunities and challenges. While he agrees that job losses will occur, he also points out that labor scarcity is a significant trend in developed markets. He discusses the need for organizations to upskill their workforce to address this scarcity and maintain a competitive advantage. Trent emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning and the development of both technical and soft skills. He believes that AI will change job roles but also create new opportunities, as long as people proactively adapt and acquire the necessary skills.
Before becoming the global vice chair of talent at EY, Trent was the CEO of EY Canada. He's seen how the economy has changed and why so many employers and professionals haven't yet caught up. We get Trent to teach a masterclass about how professionals can invest in themselves and develop the in-demand skills that EY, the Big Four accounting and consulting firms, and some top tech companies demand.
We dig deep into how professionals can pivot from skills to experience and impact, as the latter is what employers have now focused on in the age of AI, machine learning and new technology. Finally, Trent and Jack share their top advice for people who are job searching and looking to advance their careers. (Hint: It might involve ignoring the traditional career ladder and finding your own opportunities for growth.)