SWP - The Strategic Workforce Planning Podcast

In this, episode 74, of the SWP Podcast, I finally get the chance to sit down with Tatiana Villalobos Baum, Global Head of Strategic Workforce and Skill Management at SAP — and a familiar face from the SWP London stage. Tati and I dive into her unique journey from finance into HR, and how that analytical lens has shaped her approach to SWP.We explore what makes planning strategic (spoiler: it’s not just data), the mindset shifts needed across the business, and how to turn insights into actions that actually drive workforce transformation. Tati shares some brilliant reflections on the role of AI, the real ROI of reskilling vs rehiring, and the power of demand workshops in shifting the conversation.This one’s rich in both theory and practice — and a timely reminder that when done right, SWP is as much about creating opportunity as it is about managing risk.

Episode of the SWP Podcast features Antoine Aubois, Founder and CEO of Akoya Consulting who helps me unpack the evolution and challenges of strategic workforce planning (SWP). From humble beginnings during the global financial crisis to advising multinational firms, Antoine shares Akoya’s mission to strengthen HR functions by integrating strategic, data-driven, and design-thinking approaches. Together we explore SWP’s ongoing maturity across Europe, the overreliance on tools over strategy, and the risks of disconnected planning across business hierarchies. Antoine offers candid reflections on AI's role, the delicate dance of aligning HR and business strategy, and the value of capability-building over repeat consulting. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating SWP’s complexities or struggling to embed it into business conversations. As Antoine says, SWP isn’t just about forecasting — it’s about cultivating conversations that bridge vision and execution. 

In this engaging discussion, Andrew Pitts, founder and CEO of Polinode and a pioneer in organizational network analysis, reveals how invisible networks impact collaboration and agility in organizations. He explains the critical role of ONA in identifying influencers and mapping career pathways. The conversation highlights the importance of combining ONA with labor market intelligence to enhance strategic workforce planning. Plus, Pitts shares insights on transforming work dynamics post-COVID and ways to boost survey participation by recognizing key organizational contributors.

Episode 71 of the SWP Podcast features Oliver Shaw, CEO of OrgVue. Oliver and I  discuss the findings of OrgVue's recent research on workforce transformation, focusing on the impact of AI, emotional decision-making, and the challenges faced by CEOs. We explore global perspectives on workforce change, the importance of linking workforce strategies to financial metrics, and the need for intentional hiring practices. The conversation highlights the emotional toll of transformation on leaders and the necessity of creating an enterprise capability for change management. Key actions for leaders to reset their workforce strategies are also discussed, emphasizing the importance of understanding the current workforce dynamics and making intentional decisions.

In episode 70 of the SWP Podcast, I sat down with Bob Motion, Director Business Integration RTX Workforce Intelligence, to explore what it means to plan a workforce at scale in one of the world’s most mission-critical sectors. Bob shares how RTX is embedding SWP across a highly complex, engineering-led enterprise — balancing long-term capability planning with rapid shifts in demand, technology, and geopolitics. We dive into how strategic workforce planners can earn trust with business leaders, build credibility through data, and link workforce decisions directly to strategic priorities. From aerospace to defense to the boardroom, Bob brings practical wisdom, grounded insight, and a refreshing take on what it takes to make SWP stick in large, matrixed organizations. Whether you're in government, private sector, or consulting — this one’s packed with takeaways. 

Episode 69 of the SWP Podcast welcomes Lindsey Taylor, Lindsay Taylor, Senior Director of Strategic Workforce Planning at Hewlett Packard Enterprise. Lindsey shares her fascinating and non-linear journey into SWP, from geoscience and operations to leading one of the most established SWP teams in the tech industry. The conversation explores the evolving relationship between SWP, org design, and people analytics, as well as the growing challenges of aligning stakeholder needs, adapting to shifting global dynamics, and keeping pace with rapidly advancing technology. Lindsay also gives a sneak peek into her upcoming session at SWP Conference Chicago, where she’ll unpack HPE’s efforts to reshape leadership structures through integrated planning. Passionate about solving complex organizational puzzles, Lindsay offers insightful reflections on the importance of trust, business acumen, and early engagement for impactful workforce planning. Thanks so much Lindsey!!

Episode 68 of the SWP Podcast welcomes David Boyle, Director of Workforce Planning and Analytics at Altria. Ahead of his appearance at SWP Conference – Chicago, David shares the story of his journey into SWP, the challenges that keep him sharp, and the key ingredients that underpin a successful workforce planning effort. We also dive into the topic of his upcoming session at the conference and the insights delegates can expect to walk away with. I really enjoyed this discussion with David who most certainly has a great deal more knowledge and experience than his admirable modesty allows him to let on.  Thanks so much David! 

Episode 67 of the SWP podcast features the return of one of our favorite voices in the space, Vijay Swaminathan, CEO and co-founder of Draup. Vijay and I dive deep into the evolving role of the workforce planner in the age of generative AI — from hype to real ROI. We explore how AI is shifting the meaning of “workforce” to include workflows, why our window of opportunity is now, and how planners can bridge the gap between AI infrastructure and real business outcomes. Vijay also gives us a sneak peek at what Draup will be unveiling in Chicago — and trust me, it’s big. As always, an energizing and thought-provoking conversation with one of the most generous minds in the business. Thanks again, Vijay — can’t wait for Chicago! 

Episode 66 of the SWP podcast features returning guest and longtime friend of the show, Clare Moncrieff, now Senior Principal of Consulting at Workhuman. Clare and I dive into the unexpected but powerful intersection between employee recognition and strategic workforce planning — a topic I’ve become increasingly passionate about. We explore how recognition data offers untapped insight into culture, human skills, and even hidden networks of collaboration. Clare also shares how Workhuman is leveraging AI to elevate recognition into a strategic tool for driving future-focused workforce plans. A fascinating conversation full of practical takeaways and one that might just change how you think about saying thank you. Thanks again, Clare — always a pleasure! 

Episode 65 of the SWP Podcast saw me catch up with Jennifer Cline for the first time since SWP Conference - Austin in 2024. This wide-reaching conversation spanned multiple themes commencing with strategic workforce planning in a regulated environment – balancing short-term pressures, data challenges, and the future of work. With key discussion points around demonstrating ROI, measuring SWP Success, aligning cross functional teams and so many more, this episode has so many hidden gems.  A super intelligent, insightful and all round delightful podcast guest!