In this episode of the Global Skills Podcast, I’m joined by Deepti Palluri, Head of Learning and Organisational Development at Commonwealth Secretariat, for a deeply insightful conversation on skills, learning, and leadership in an age of constant disruption. We explore how professionals—especially those in L&D—can help individuals navigate the noise around AI by separating personal upskilling goals from organisational needs, and by asking better, more strategic questions about capability, impact, and relevance.

Deepti shares her “crooked career” journey into L&D, why learning now has a permanent seat at the leadership table, and how evidence-based approaches are reshaping how organisations measure value beyond completion rates. We also unpack the importance of a shared skills language across talent acquisition, learning, and leadership, the risks of poorly calibrated AI-driven hiring systems, and why collaboration between industry and universities is critical to future-proofing talent. This episode is a must-listen for L&D leaders, HR professionals, and anyone thinking seriously about skills, resilience, and human capability in a rapidly changing world.

Connect With Deepti Palluri

https://www.linkedin.com/in/deeptipelluri

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• Connect with the Host Vanessa Wainwright LinkedIn

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