The Coursera Podcast

We sat down with Valerie Singer, General Manager of AWS Global Education, to talk about how organizations are preparing their workforces for the AI era.Drawing on insights from From Cloud to AI: How Tech Leaders Are Investing in Skills Development to Drive Transformation, a new global survey from Coursera and AWS, Valerie shares why cloud and cybersecurity remain foundational to AI transformation, how hands-on learning is shaping the next generation of tech talent, and why AI literacy matters for everyone—not just technical roles. She also highlights how AWS is partnering globally to close skills gaps and expand opportunity, from professional certificates with Coursera to programs serving underserved communities.Whether you’re a business leader, educator, or lifelong learner, this episode offers practical lessons on how to build resilient teams and unlock opportunity through skills.We also cover:⚡ Why cloud infrastructure is the bedrock for AI at scale🔧 How hands-on learning and customization are reshaping training🌱 AWS initiatives to bridge skills gaps in underserved communities🧩 Why AI literacy matters across both technical and non-technical roles✨ Lessons from global workforce development models driving equity and access+++Explore AWS Professional Certificates and Specializations on Coursera, from Generative AI Applications to Cloud Solutions Architecture, and start building the skills to power the future of work.

In this discussion, Dr. Jerry Wind, Lauder Professor Emeritus at the Wharton School, dives into creativity amid the rapid rise of AI. He emphasizes that human imagination still reigns supreme, even as AI reshapes creativity. Jerry shares insights from his course and book, arguing for the importance of adaptive experimentation in leadership. He also highlights how blending intuition with data can empower innovative marketing strategies. Additionally, he discusses the necessity of unlearning to foster creativity in education and the workspace.

We sat down with Matt Sanchez, Chief Operating Officer at Yahoo, to talk about how one of the internet’s original giants is transforming itself for the age of AI.With a career rooted in product innovation and a passion for learning, Matt shares how Yahoo is reinventing user experiences with GenAI, preparing employees with the skills to drive impact, and building a culture that values experimentation and continuous growth.Whether you’re thinking about AI strategy or workforce transformation, this episode offers practical lessons on how to lead change at scale.We also cover:How Yahoo is embedding GenAI into products across its ecosystemWhat it takes to upskill employees for the age of AIHow leaders can balance innovation with trust and governanceWhy AI literacy is becoming a core skill across rolesLessons from Yahoo’s learning and development playbook+++Explore courses on AI, digital transformation, and leadership at Coursera.org to build the skills you need to apply new technologies and stay ahead in a rapidly changing world.

We sat down with Dr. Pranesh Aswath, Provost and Executive Vice President at Texas State University, and Adam Long, a computer science student and student government leader, to talk about how universities are evolving to better prepare students for today’s workforce.From launching career-aligned micro-credentials to embracing student-driven innovation, Texas State is rethinking how higher education can meet the moment. Pranesh and Adam share how they’ve worked together to create new pathways to opportunity—and why listening to students is essential to building programs that work.Whether you’re an educator, learner, or policymaker, this episode offers a roadmap for change.We also cover:🎯 How Texas State aligned micro-credentials with in-demand job skills🗣️ Why student advocacy was key to launching the initiative💼 What students are looking for in career readiness🧑‍🤝‍🧑 How faculty and students collaborated to make it happen🌎 What global learners can take away from the Texas State model+++Explore career-focused credentials from top universities and companies at Coursera.org, and learn how you can build skills that translate directly to the job market at every stage of your learning journey.

Dhawal Shah, Founder and CEO of Class Central, shares his inspiring journey through the evolution of online learning. He discusses the shift from early MOOCs to the significant impact of AI on education today. The conversation dives into how corporate partnerships are transforming learning methods and highlights the challenges learners face, particularly in motivation and course completion. Plus, Dhawal shares his top course recommendations and insights on creating engaging learning experiences, ensuring education remains accessible and effective for everyone.

We sat down with Anupriya Sharma, Vice President of Technology Strategy at Walmart US, to talk about what it takes to lead digital transformation at one of the world’s largest companies.From navigating change and scaling GenAI to building a strong learning culture, Anupriya shares how Walmart is embracing innovation while keeping people at the center. She offers insights on change management, building inclusive technologies, and the critical role empathy plays in tech leadership. Whether you’re rethinking your strategy or just getting started with AI, her perspective is a must-hear.We also cover:🛒 How Walmart is using GenAI to personalize shopping and improve associate tools🧠 What it means to lead with an intrapreneurial mindset⚙️ The importance of responsible experimentation at scale📚 How Walmart is investing in associate learning through programs like Live Better U🧩 Why empathy and storytelling are essential skills in tech roles+++Explore courses on AI, digital transformation, and leadership at Coursera.org, and learn how to integrate AI into day-to-day decision-making—and stay ahead in an evolving global landscape.

We sat down with Ylli Bajraktari, President and CEO of the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), to discuss how AI is transforming global competitiveness, national security, and the future of work.Ylli draws on years of leadership experience across the Pentagon, the White House, and the National Security Commission on AI to explain why AI adoption is now a national imperative. He shares the founding story of SCSP, insights on policy and leadership in the age of AI, and why public-private collaboration is essential to maintaining U.S. leadership in emerging technologies.We also cover:🌍 How AI is reshaping global power dynamics and strategic competition💼 What leaders need to succeed in an AI-driven world🏛️ Why government must prioritize reskilling and AI literacy📘 A new Coursera course tailored for public sector professionals🔍 Lessons for private sector leaders from national security AI strategies+++Explore the free AI and National Security course on Coursera.org, designed for professionals working in government, policy, and beyond. Learn how to integrate AI into day-to-day decision-making—and stay ahead in an evolving global landscape.

We sat down with Suraj Srinivasan, a professor at Harvard Business School and an expert in corporate governance, AI, and innovation, to explore how leaders can navigate disruption and drive meaningful change in an era of rapid technological advancements.Suraj shares his fascinating career journey—from investment banking to launching a retail business in India to becoming a leading voice in business education. We dive into the key challenges organizations face today, from AI adoption to ethical considerations, and discuss strategies for building resilient and forward-thinking leadership.We also cover:🌍 How businesses can develop strategies to thrive in disruptive times🤖 The role of generative AI in shaping industries and leadership🏛️ The importance of corporate governance and ethical AI adoption📈 Key lessons from Coursera’s innovative approach to AI🌱 How organizations can balance profitability with social and environmental impactThis episode is a must-listen if you're interested in leadership, innovation, and the future of work!+++Want to stay ahead in a rapidly changing world? Explore resources on Coursera.org to build skills in AI, leadership, and strategy. Whether you're a business leader, educator, or lifelong learner, Coursera has courses to help you thrive in the digital economy!

We sat down with Molly Nagler, Chief Learning Officer at Moderna, to explore how curiosity and innovation are transforming learning and development. Molly shares how Moderna is tackling challenges like AI adoption, skills shortages, and workforce transformation while making mRNA education accessible to learners worldwide. In this episode, Molly and Arunav also discuss: 🌟 The importance of curiosity in fostering a learning culture 🤖 How AI is revolutionizing training, from custom GPTs to personalized learning pathways 📚 The role of STEM education in bridging skill gaps and creating opportunities 🔄 Strategies for navigating change and building resilience in organizations +++ Curious about the science behind mRNA technology? Check out Moderna’s free mRNAs as Medicines course on Coursera. It’s a fantastic resource for anyone interested in science and innovation. Plus, explore thousands of other courses from world-class universities and companies like Yale, Google, and Microsoft. Start learning today with Coursera!

In this engaging discussion, Amanda Brophy, Director of Grow with Google, dives into the transformative role of technology in workforce training and career development. She shares the impactful journey of Grow with Google, showcasing the impressive milestone of over 600,000 global graduates. Amanda highlights the increasing importance of AI skills and addresses concerns about short-term credentials, underlining pathways to long-term success. The conversation also emphasizes the integration of soft skills into technical training, paving the way for inclusive career advancement.