Cari Bohley, Vice President of Talent Management at Peraton, talks about solving real workplace problems by focusing on skills. From finding highly specialized talent in competitive markets to helping employees see clear career paths, Cari explains how tools like AI are changing the game. She shares what it takes to turn skills into a practical solution for hiring, retention, and engagement—especially in an industry where the stakes are high. Her story offers actionable insights for tackling challenges in hiring and L&D while proving the value of these efforts to leadership.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

Cari’s role at Peraton and its mission-critical focus [0:00]
Metrics that make leadership care about skills [1:20]
How timing impacts a business case [2:00]
Using AI to hire in niche markets [7:07]
Boosting retention with clear career paths [13:10]
Skills as the foundation for hiring and growth [16:10]
Tailoring a business case for leadership buy-in [32:30]
What success looks like with skills tools [35:00]
Lessons from implementing too quickly [39:06]
Why Cari enjoys the “fun” side of HR [40:20]

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Cari Bohley

Cari Bohley on LinkedIn

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The Art of Finding and Growing Niche Skills with Cari Bohley