Digital Skills Development

When everyone talks about data… but only one person actually fixes it. 👉 It’s always the Data Engineer who climbs into the pit and makes the system work. If you’re starting your journey as that person — the quiet builder behind every AI success — here’s a structured reading list and GitHub resources to build rock-solid foundations. 1. 𝗔𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘆𝘀𝘁 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 • Tools: Excel, Power BI, SQL, Python • Focus: Automate reports, clean data, build dashboards • AI Boost: Use Copilot or ChatGPT to write Python scripts, generate SQL queries, and debug faster 2. 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺 • Tools: Pandas, dbt, Git, Jupyter • Focus: Write modular code, version control, transform data • AI Boost: Let AI help refactor messy code, explain Git workflows, and generate dbt models 3. 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺 • Tools: Airflow, Prefect, dbt, Databricks • Focus: Build ETL pipelines, schedule jobs, test transformations • AI Boost: Use AI to design pipeline architecture, write DAGs, and troubleshoot errors 4. 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗲 • Tools: AWS/GCP/Azure, Spark, Kafka • Focus: Scale workflows, handle big data, deploy in cloud • AI Boost: Use AI to generate infrastructure-as-code, optimize Spark jobs, and simulate Kafka streams 5. 𝗣𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗼 & 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 • Tools: GitHub, Streamlit, FastAPI, LinkedIn • Focus: Build end-to-end projects, document, share, and network • AI Boost: Generate project ideas, write documentation, and create interactive dashboards But Will AI Replace Data Engineers❓ It’s a common fear. But here’s the truth: AI won't take your job; it will just automate the boring parts, raising the floor for everyone else. Explore these data engineering projects to upskill and level up- Beginner: ETL pipeline using Python and SQL by Ankit Bansal: - https://lnkd.in/gTdCV9aJ - https://lnkd.in/gxEYM3Bb Intermediate: - Data warehouse solution using Snowflake, dbt by Shashank Mishra 🇮🇳 : https://lnkd.in/gf-c5TR7 - Mr. K Talks Tech : https://lnkd.in/gt9JAkRt - Snowflake project by Data Engineering Simplified : https://lnkd.in/gXRWyHpc - Apache Spark project by Ankur Ranjan: https://lnkd.in/gt9JAkRt Advanced: Implement a real-time streaming data processing - Darshil Parmar : https://lnkd.in/ghiEsa7P - Yusuf Ganiyu : https://lnkd.in/giYwJaCS Cloud Projects: - Microsoft Azure by Data Engineering Simplified - https://lnkd.in/gx3aqzKU - Microsoft Azure by Sumit Mittal - https://lnkd.in/dX2yma5b - Amazon Web Services (AWS) by Darshil Parmar - https://lnkd.in/gJg7KV-7 - Google Cloud by Anjan - https://lnkd.in/gjHbmCaM System Design concepts with: - Alex Xu - https://lnkd.in/gGdgJRDd - Design Gurus - https://lnkd.in/gaphzp89 DataExpert.io handbook compiled by Zach Wilson -https://lnkd.in/gb4xBQJy 🔥 𝗔𝗜 𝘄𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗿𝘀—𝗶𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝘂𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗱.

Over the past 10 weeks, I’ve interviewed 35 talent and learning leaders at Fortune 1000 companies for a report I’ll be releasing this fall. One of my favorite questions has been the very first one: 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐧𝐨𝐰?” With 105 priorities and counting, the responses vary widely given differences in industry, scope, and role (VP of Learning, talent, talent management, leadership development) but here is a slice of what has been shared so far: ➡️ AI and work transformation: Clarify what AI means for the workforce, its implications for roles, and how teams can adopt it to accelerate development and efficiency. ➡️ AI Coaching Pilot: Launch an AI-powered coaching pilot program across the organization to scale leadership development support. ➡️ Generative AI Upskilling: Upskill employees and leaders to effectively use generative AI in day-to-day work ➡️ Future of Work & Workforce Planning: Prepare for disruptions to job architecture by integrating human and digital workforces. Rethink responsibilities, structures, and collaboration models. ➡️ Change management: Embed change management capabilities at all levels, particularly around AI adoption. ➡️ New leadership Behaviors: Equip leaders with new capabilities to thrive in a changing environment, including adaptability, resilience, and the ability to lead in an AI-augmented workplace. ➡️ Skills and Career Paths - Creating paths by prioritized skills in our organization ➡️ Rethinking the Function: Redesign the talent and learning function to reflect disruption caused by AI ➡️ Change Leadership: Navigate a period of executive turnover and transition by stabilizing the leadership team, clarifying roles, and building confidence with functional business leaders. ➡️ Facilitating Connection: Partnering with our employee experience and workplace teams to use in-office team days for learning and connection ➡️ Linking Performance and Development: Redesign performance processes to connect directly to development, helping employees understand what growth means in practical and tangible terms. ➡️ Manager Development: Continue to strengthen manager capability and resources, ensuring managers are equipped to drive performance and support employee development ➡️ VP and SVP Development: Support and accelerate the growth of new vice presidents and senior vice presidents as they step into expanded leadership roles. ➡️ Building a Leadership Bench : Develop and execute a strategy for strengthening the leadership bench, with a focus on preparing our Top 200 leaders ➡️ AI/Learning : Using AI internally within the learning function and focusing on key skills in AI for client-facing practitioners ➡️ Academies For AI/Data Roles: Developing and rolling out an academy for our AI & Data Product Employees I’d love to hear your perspective: What stands out most to you about this list, or what themes are you seeing in this list?

Every customer and government leader I meet is asking, “How can we make AI a force for good for our people, and not a threat?” 92% of jobs are expected to undergo some level of transformation due to advancements in AI. The work begins with identifying and enabling the new skills and training needed for AI preparedness. That’s why I’m honored to share the insights from the AI-Enabled ICT Workforce Consortium's inaugural report, “The Transformational Opportunity of AI on ICT Jobs.” This report examines the impact of AI on 47 ICT job roles and offers tailored training recommendations. It's a unique guide to the skills needed for the AI future, with recommendations that couldn't be clearer, timelier, or more urgent. Here are some of the top takeaways: - 92% of ICT jobs will undergo high or moderate transformation due to AI. - 40% of mid-level and 37% of entry-level ICT positions will see high levels of transformation. - Skills like AI ethics, responsible AI, prompt engineering, and AI literacy will become crucial. - Foundational skills such as AI literacy and data analytics are essential across all ICT roles. Read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/gWfPc8WT The risks associated with an under-skilled, unprepared workforce are global in scale, ranging from economic wage gaps to trade imbalances, technological stagnation, social and ethical issues, and national security threats. This creates a pressing need for a coordinated effort to reskill and upskill employees around the world. By investing in a long-term roadmap for an inclusive and skilled workforce, we can help all populations participate and thrive in the era of AI. Led by Cisco and joined by industry giants like Accenture, Eightfold, Google, IBM, Indeed, Intel Corporation, Microsoft, and SAP the Consortium will train and upskill 95 million people over the next 10 years through their individual organizations' commitments.

Regardless of how great your ideas are in your virtual sales pitch, webinar, or team meeting… People are most likely checking their email, browsing social media, or working on other things while you present. How can you prevent that and actually get your audience to pay attention? Here are 4 of the most powerful techniques we use for our own virtual training courses: 1. Win the first five seconds According to research from the University of Toronto, people need only five seconds to gauge your charisma and leadership as a speaker. In virtual environments, this first impression is even more critical. To establish instant rapport: - Keep your posture open and inviting (avoid fidgeting, crossed arms, and closed-off postures) - Use open gestures that welcome the audience into your space - Gesture with your palms showing at a 45-degree angle - Speak with clear articulation and energy from the very first word The quickest way to lose your audience? Starting with tentative body language that signals you’re unsure or unprepared. 2. Design your presentation for virtual viewing When designing slides, assume varied viewing conditions. Design for the smallest likely device and the slowest likely Internet speed. Make your slides accessible by: - Using larger fonts (24-32pt) - Applying higher contrast colors - Limiting each slide to ONE clear idea - Adding more space between lines when using smaller text - Stripping excess content (you can provide additional information in a separate document) 3. Vary your delivery Our research shows the optimal length for linear presentations is just 16-30 minutes, while interactive ones can maintain engagement for 30-45 minutes. People’s attention will go through peaks and valleys during that time, so try these techniques to keep their attention: - Vary your speaking pace (faster to convey urgency, slower to express gravity) - Use intentional pauses to let key points land - Adjust your vocal tone (lower pitch for authority, higher for approachability) - Shift between slides, stories, and data at regular intervals Each change helps reset your audience’s attention and signals importance. 4. Build in structured interaction Don’t make your audience wait until the end of your presentation to interact. According to our research, presentations that incorporate audience engagement through polls, chat responses, or breakout discussions maintain attention longer. For the highest engagement: - Use a variety of interaction types throughout your presentation - Incorporate breakout rooms for small-group discussions - Switch modalities regularly to keep it interesting Remember: In virtual environments, you need to recreate the natural engagement that happens in person. Your virtual presentation success isn’t measured by perfection…it’s measured by action. Master these techniques and your audience won’t just pay attention, they’ll respond. #VirtualPresentations #CorporateTraining #WorkplaceLearning

No marketer wants to hear this. In 2025, good marketing will require an understanding of the AI space, especially the AI Agent space.  Your ads will no longer only be seen by human beings. They are heavily going to be seen by other AI agents/systems as well. Your audience is no longer just humans but also AI robots who will be employed by companies. The companies that will win at marketing are the ones who are the best at grabbing the attention of AI agents. To do this, marketers will have to: - Understand the AI agents shaping their industry. - Design ads + content that are understandable and accessible for AI agents - Invest in AI Analytics  - Stay on top of developments in the AI agent space 

I’ve spent the last 15 years working on digital inclusion at large. I’ve seen how powerful being online can be, but also and how fragile that promise is. Today, I’m increasingly worried about a quiet shift: the smartphones low-income users can afford are delivering less real capability over time. As the focus moves upmarket under AI and chip pressures, entry-level devices are losing 𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆, i.e. how much actual usefulness each dollar buys. This isn’t just an access gap. It’s a 𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗴𝗮𝗽. And for people for whom the smartphone is the internet - especially those early in their digital journey, women and rural users - it means less opportunities, lower safety, and stereotypes that get reinforced rather than challenged. I've tried to unpack why I think handset quality now matters as much as affordability, and what we should do differently in this piece: 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗕𝘂𝗱𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗣𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘆 𝗨𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘀: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗖𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗼𝘄 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀. Thoughts and comments are welcome!

Anthropic's founder just predicted: "In 12 months, AI will write essentially all code." This isn't speculation. It's happening now. Similar pattern emerging across knowledge work. The disruption playbook unfolds in four stages: → Denial: "It can't do my job" → Minimization: "AI only handles simple tasks" → Realization: "It's handling most of my work" → Adaptation: "I now direct the AI" I've watched this play out in the world of design, accounting, law and several other areas. The timeline is collapsing. Knowledge work is flipping inside out: → Execution to direction: Deciding over doing → Creation to curation: Selecting over creating → Solo to orchestration: Conducting AI systems Companies are reorganizing around this reality. Implementers fade while directors become invaluable. Deeper transformations emerging: → Organizations flatten as AI handles coordination → Direction pays premium; execution roles disappear → Education lags while self-taught directors thrive → Teams direct AI, not other humans The signals are everywhere: flat startups outperforming established companies, direction skills commanding premiums, universities scrambling to stay relevant. This forces us to redefine who we are professionally. Our identities have been built on specialized knowledge: "I'm a programmer" = "I know how to code" "I'm a lawyer" = "I understand and apply law" As foundations dissolve, we face deeper questions: → Who am I without unique knowledge? → What value exists beyond commoditized skills? → Where is meaning in an AI world? The answer lies in distinctly human qualities: wisdom, judgment, empathy, and ethical understanding. Our time to adapt is shrinking. The winners in this new reality will be those who: → Practice direction skills daily → Keep up with advancing AI capabilities → Develop judgment through refining AI work → Grow qualities AI cannot replicate Those who continue defining themselves by execution skills face a challenging future. The question isn't whether this transformation is happening. The question is: Which side of this divide will you be on?

AI is everywhere. So where's the transformation? A fascinating disconnect is emerging in our workplaces. A recent study shows that while 88% of global employees are using AI at work, only 28% of companies see a real impact on business transformation. The tools are there. The usage is high. So why isn't the needle moving on innovation? The research points to a critical gap: "𝘧𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘥𝘺𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘤𝘴". In the rush to adopt technology, many organisations have overlooked the essential human foundation required to leverage it. True transformation isn't powered by software alone. It's powered by people equipped with the right skillset, toolset, and mindset. 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀𝗲𝘁: Beyond basic AI literacy, we need targeted upskilling that connects technology to specific business outcomes. 𝗧𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀𝗲𝘁: We must thoughtfully provide company-endorsed tools while understanding the "shadow AI" employees use to be effective. The best strategy often involves listening to and legitimising their solutions. 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗲𝘁: Leaders must set clear goals and foster a culture where AI is seen as a partner for innovation, not just a productivity hack. For HR and business leaders, the mandate is clear: Our investment in talent strategy must match or exceed our investment in new technology. The future isn't just automated; it's augmented. And that requires a deliberate focus on the human engine of change. What's the biggest talent challenge you see in enabling AI-driven innovation in your organisation? #DrJaclynLee #FutureOfWork #AI #HRTech #TalentStrategy #BusinessTransformation #Leadership #Innovation

I’ve just been reading this report “Invisible No More: How AI Chatbots are Reshaping Violence Against Women and Girls” linked in the comments below, on violence against women, and something really struck me. We often think about violence as isolated incidents. But the evidence is clear: it’s deeply connected to systems: inequality, lack of opportunity, economic dependence, and exclusion. One point in particular stayed with me: 👉 Economic independence can be a critical pathway to safety. And it made me reflect on my experience which was exactly this, it also made me think about the work I’ve been doing for years through #techmums, TechUP Programme, Women in Tech Power Network and BCSWomen. When a woman: • gains digital skills • builds confidence • accesses education or employment …it’s not just about getting a job. It’s about: ✨ having choices ✨ reducing isolation ✨ feeling in control of your future Many of the women we support on the TechUP Programme have faced significant barriers, poverty, lack of opportunity, and in some cases very difficult personal circumstances. What they often need first isn’t just training, it’s a safe, supportive environment where they can rebuild confidence. Which is what we give them. That’s why community matters. That’s why inclusion matters. That’s why representation matters. And perhaps most importantly: 💡 Tech isn’t just an industry, it can be a route to independence and empowerment. We don’t always frame it this way, but digital inclusion and skills training can play a real role in long-term prevention and recovery. ❤️🩹 Talent is everywhere. Opportunity isn’t. Let’s keep working to change that. #WomenInTech #Inclusion #TechForGood #DigitalInclusion #Empowerment #VAWG

THE GREAT DIGITAL DIVIDE In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, the chasm between those proficient in digital technologies and those without —the digital divide—is widening. This divide not only hampers individual opportunities but also poses significant challenges to organizational growth, talent acquisition, and workforce development. 🖇What happens when there is lack of Digital Adoption? Digital technologies are the backbone of modern economies, driving innovation, efficiency, and competitiveness. Organizations that embrace digital tools and platforms can streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and unlock new revenue streams. Conversely, those lagging in digital adoption risk obsolescence in an increasingly tech-driven market. A study analyzing data from 59 countries across seven regions between 2018 and 2020 found a positive relationship between economic growth and digitalization. This underscores the critical role of digital adoption in fostering economic development and competitiveness. 🗺Digital Literacy - It is a Non-Negotiable Skill Digital literacy encompasses the ability to effectively and critically navigate, evaluate, and create information using a range of digital technologies. It's no longer a supplementary skill but a fundamental requirement. ♻Impact on Talent Sourcing Organizations seeking digitally proficient candidates often find a limited pool, especially in regions where access to technology and digital education is scarce. This scarcity can lead to increased recruitment costs and extended vacancy periods, hindering organizational performance and growth. 💪Workforce Upskilling: Bridging the Gap Continuous upskilling is essential to keep pace with technological advancements. Organizations must invest in training programs that elevate employees' digital competencies, ensuring they remain competitive and innovative. How can digital literacy be emabraced well? For Individuals: ✔ Take Online Courses – Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer digital skill training. ✔ Practice Hands-On – Use digital tools like spreadsheets, collaboration platforms, and AI-powered apps. ✔ Stay Updated – Follow tech news, attend webinars, and engage in digital communities. ✔ Teach & Share – Help colleagues reinforce learning. For Organizations: ✔ Invest in Training – Provide employees with digital literacy workshops and certifications. ✔ Promote a Digital Culture – Encourage the use of tech tools in daily operations. ✔ Offer Mentorship & Support – Create peer-learning groups to share digital knowledge. ✔ Improve Accessibility – Ensure all employees have access to digital tools and resources. Embracing digital adoption and literacy isn't merely advantageous—it's imperative. How to incorporate a digital mindset? 💡https://lnkd.in/dGGM5vCK #sonniasingh #sonniasinghleadershipcoach #digitalmindset #futureofwork #digitaladoption #workplace #productivity