How to Use Skills Data to Solve Business Challenges (an Interview with Mikaël Wornoo)
Dec 3, 2024
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Mikaël Wornoo, co-founder of TechWolf, an AI-driven skills data solution, discusses the critical importance of reliable skills data for effective workforce strategies. He highlights how organizations can leverage skills data to tackle real business challenges, contrasting the innovative US and European approaches to skills management. Wornoo also delves into the vital role of AI in reshaping talent measurement, the hidden pitfalls in skills initiatives, and practical steps for organizations to start their skills journey towards measurable outcomes.
Leveraging AI-powered skills data helps organizations optimize workforce planning and talent acquisition, leading to significant operational efficiencies and cost savings.
Understanding the contrasting approaches to skills management between US and European firms can inform a more tailored global workforce strategy.
Deep dives
The Role of AI in Skills Assessment
AI plays a critical role in helping organizations understand both the skills they possess and the skills they need. TechWolf, an AI-powered skills solution, effectively analyzes HR and business applications to provide insights into workforce capabilities. This tool simplifies the often complex challenge of mapping employee skills against organizational needs, especially as companies grow in size. The solution also helps facilitate continuous skills assessment rather than relying on outdated snapshots taken during restructuring or consulting projects.
Transformative Business Applications of Skills Data
Companies are utilizing skills data in various significant ways, affecting workforce planning, talent acquisition, and learning development. For instance, one organization successfully reduced its layoffs by 6% by redeploying employees based on transferable skills identified through TechWolf's analysis. Additionally, another company was able to improve its time to hire by 32% for sales roles, directly impacting its revenue streams. These examples illustrate how leveraging skills intelligence can lead to operational efficiencies and strategic advantages.
Differences in Skills Management Approaches
There is a notable difference in the adoption and application of skills management between US and European organizations. US firms tend to be more competitive and open to leveraging new technologies for skills-based hiring, focusing on how to implement such strategies effectively. In contrast, European companies often take a more cautious and partnership-oriented approach, emphasizing long-term collaboration with technology vendors. This divergence highlights the varying readiness levels and cultural attitudes toward technology and change within businesses across regions.
Key Success Factors for Skills Projects
Successful skills initiatives hinge on several critical factors, including clear business problem identification and active involvement from business sponsors. A strong project manager and effective change management practices are also essential to navigate the inherent complexity of these projects, especially as they cross functional lines. Additionally, fostering collaboration between HR and business units enhances the chances of success and ensures that the initiatives address relevant challenges. Finally, maintaining a mindset focused on delivering tangible value quickly can transform skepticism about skills projects into genuine buy-in from stakeholders across the organization.
What better way to learn about the makes or breaks of skills initiatives than from an organisation whose mission is to deliver reliable skills data across the workforce?
Joined by Mikaël Wornoo, co-founder of TechWolf, host David Green explores how organisations can move beyond surface-level skills discussions to drive real business impact. Sharing lessons learned from working with global organisations, this episode covers:
How organisations are innovatively applying skills data to solve business challenges
Contrasts between US and European approaches to skills that could shape your global workforce strategy
The hidden challenges that derail skills projects and what companies often miss when trying to “get started”
The roles required to build a truly effective skills team
Why AI isn’t just the future of skills intelligence but the catalyst for shifting how organisations define and measure talent
This episode, sponsored by TechWolf, isn’t about skills for the sake of skills—it’s about reframing workforce intelligence as a strategic lever for measurable business outcomes. TechWolf is an AI-powered solution focused on one mission: delivering reliable skills data for every role and every employee in your organisation.
With TechWolf, companies like HSBC, GSK, IQVIA, Workday, and United Airlines have accelerated time-to-hire by 32%, boosted internal mobility by 42%, and saved around $1,000 per employee annually on talent management. Visit techwolf.com for more information.