Skill Economy is the podcast bridging the gap between education and the real world of work. We sit down with hiring managers, founders, CEOs, and early-careers leaders to break down the skills that actually matter - from resilience and communication to problem-solving, commercial awareness, and navigating pressure. Too many companies wait until someone’s hired to start “upskilling.” We’re here to start earlier, helping students and young people build future-proof skills before day one, and helping employers connect with the next generation of talent.
Meet Luke Todd, CEO of MadeYou and a leadership development coach who has spent decades helping organisations across Europe build high-performing teams through what he calls “core skills.” In this episode, we break down why so-called soft skills are actually the hardest skills to master, how communication and feedback drive real performance, and what separates those who progress from those who plateau in their careers.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Luke Todd
0:08 Luke’s Role and Passion for Developing People
1:21 The One Skill That Shaped His Career
3:02 Adapting Your Leadership Style to Individuals
5:01 Why “Soft Skills” Are Actually Core Skills
6:15 Communication & Feedback as Career Foundations
8:36 Why You Shouldn’t Try to Be Like Other Leaders
11:04 How to Give Better Feedback (Future-Focused)
13:52 The Biggest Communication Mistake People Make
24:10 Why Careers Plateau (And How to Break Through)
3 Apr 2026
Life & Career Design Expert: The Skill You’re Never Taught in Lecture Halls
Sean Schofield is the Assistant Vice President of Life and Career Design at Wheaton College, where he helps students become career-ready from day one. In this episode, he breaks down the real skills that drive hiring, growth, and long-term success.0:00 – Intro1:40 – The Most Important Skill: Storytelling5:20 – How to Actually Build That Skill9:10 – Why Career Support Starts Too Late11:40 – Where Young People Should Start17:30 – Why Networking Changes Everything24:10 – The Gap Between Education & Employers28:10 – Why Degrees Aren’t Enough30:45 – How to Grow Fast in Your Career33:50 – Final Advice for Young People
19 Mar 2026
CEO & Co-Founder at Vizzy: How to Stand Out When Everyone Uses AI
Episode Guest:
Meet Chris, CEO & Co-Founder of Vizzy, a platform used by companies like Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co, Virgin and Burberry to rethink hiring, as he shares why CVs are breaking down, how AI is changing the job market, and what actually helps candidates stand out today, here on the Skill Economy Podcast.
12 Mar 2026
Co-Founder at CareerGuard: The Skill That Changed My Career (Most Young People Ignore It)
Dominic shares how skills like sales, persuasion, and effective communication can dramatically impact career success. He discusses practical ways to develop these skills, the importance of face-to-face networking, and how AI is transforming recruitment. Learn how to stand out in a competitive job market and future-proof your career by mastering learning agility and self-promotion.Interested in learning more about Skill Group? We help companies see who's motivated, capable and great to work with - before interviews begin.Our first mission: https://skill-ministry.com/The CareerGuard: https://thecareerguard.com/Dominics LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominic-noel-hay-2766b4102/
6 Mar 2026
Founder & CEO at Earniversity: What Young People Need to Learn About Making Money
In this conversation, Dean Botha shares his journey from dropping out of school at 15 to becoming a university lecturer and founder of Earniversity. He discusses the role of pain as a motivator, the challenges faced by today's youth, and the importance of authenticity and ambition in achieving success. Dean emphasizes the need for modern education that equips young people with financial skills and confidence to navigate a rapidly changing world.Interested in learning more about Skill Group? We help companies see who's motivated, capable and great to work with - before interviews begin.Our first mission: https://skill-ministry.com/Where to find Dene: https://www.earniversity.io/
Chapters00:00 The Power of Pain and Motivation03:01 Navigating Youth Challenges in a Chaotic World06:09 The Journey from School Dropout to Educator08:56 Finding Purpose in a Changing Landscape12:00 The Role of Earniversity in Modern Education15:01 Building Financial Confidence in Youth18:10 The Importance of Authenticity and Ambition21:08 Skills for the Future: Confidence and Adaptability
27 Feb 2026
Author of Careers by the People: Why So Many Careers End in Misery
Mike Wysocki discusses the disconnect between education and the workforce, emphasizing the importance of soft skills, networking, and personal accountability in career readiness. He shares insights from his experiences in various industries, highlighting the need for students to take initiative in their career paths and to seek out real-world experiences. The discussion also covers the pros and cons of working in big versus small companies, the significance of resilience, and the value of building connections in the job market.Interested in learning more about RecruitGrads? We help companies see who's motivated, capable and great to work with - before interviews begin.https://recruitgrads.ai/Where to find MikeMike's Website: https://careersbythepeople.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@careersbythepeople/
24 Feb 2026
Graduate Success Manager at University of East London: The Skill Graduates Are Missing
In this episode, George and James Platt discuss the challenges graduates face in transitioning from university to the workforce. They explore themes of disengagement, resilience, the skills gap, and the importance of networking. James emphasises the need for universities to adapt their teaching to include soft skills and for students to take initiative in their career development. The conversation also touches on the role of AI in job applications and the significance of confidence in achieving career success.
Interested in learning more about RecruitGrads? We help companies see who's motivated, capable and great to work with - before interviews begin.
https://recruitgrads.ai/
Where to find James
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-platt-careers/
20 Feb 2026
Founder at InternOutreach: How Luke landed 10+ Internship Offers at 18
In this episode of the Skill Economy podcast, host George speaks with Luke Stone, a student who has successfully navigated the internship landscape by leveraging social media, particularly LinkedIn. Luke shares his journey of overcoming fears associated with posting online, the importance of cold outreach, and how he secured multiple internships through proactive strategies. The conversation emphasizes the significance of building confidence, gaining real-world experience, and the value of agency in pursuing career goals. Luke also provides practical advice for students on how to approach internships and networking effectively.Interested in learning more about RecruitGrads? We help companies see who's motivated, capable and great to work with - before interviews begin.https://recruitgrads.ai/Where to find LukeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lukestxne/Website: https://quiz.internoutreach.io/
17 Feb 2026
CEO at Senvoy LLC: How We Built a 20,000-Deliveries-a-Day Business
In this episode of the Skill Economy podcast, host George interviews entrepreneur Jerry Brazie, who shares his remarkable journey from poverty to success. Jerry discusses his transformation after a health scare, emphasizing the importance of resilience, accountability, and hard work in achieving career success. He offers practical advice for young professionals, highlighting the value of experience over monetary gain and the significance of relationships in business. Jerry also shares his unique perspective on parenthood as a catalyst for personal growth and responsibility, encouraging listeners to adopt a proactive mindset in their careers.Interested in learning more about RecruitGrads? We help companies see who's motivated, capable and great to work with - before interviews begin.https://recruitgrads.ai/Where to find JerryThe Kronos Group: https://thekronosgroup.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerrybrazie/
13 Feb 2026
Founder of CMC Consulting HR & Recruitment: How To Stand Out In Your First Job
In this episode of the Skill Economy podcast, George interviews Cordelia, a recruitment expert and founder of CMC Consulting. They discuss the challenges job seekers face, the importance of internships, and the skills necessary for success in the job market. Cordelia shares her own career journey, the lessons learned from her experiences in recruitment, and the realities of starting a business. The conversation also touches on the significance of self-awareness, managing relationships with bosses, and the role of feedback in personal growth.
Interested in learning more about RecruitGrads? We help companies see who's motivated, capable and great to work with - before interviews begin.
https://recruitgrads.ai/
Where to find CordeliaCMC
Consulting: https://www.cmcconsultingmalta.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cordeliamorgancooper/
10 Feb 2026
Founder of StudentVenture: From Selling Sweets at School to Building a Startup
In this episode, George interviews Liam Jeffery, founder of Student Venture, who shares his entrepreneurial journey from selling sweets in school to creating a platform that connects students with job opportunities. Liam discusses the challenges faced by young people in the job market, the importance of networking, and the skills that employers are looking for. He emphasizes the need for students to showcase their individuality and take risks in their careers.
Interested in learning more about RecruitGrads? We help companies see who's motivated, capable and great to work with - before interviews begin.
https://recruitgrads.ai/
Where to find Liam:
StudentVenture - https://www.studentventure.io/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/liam-jeffery/?originalSubdomain=uk
6 Feb 2026
Author & President of Tom's Mechanical: How To Impress Your Boss (Without Kissing Up)
In this episode of The Skill Economy, host George engages with Rich Ashton, a seasoned leader and author, to explore the essential skills that drive success in the workplace. Rich shares insights from his career, emphasizing the importance of intellectual curiosity, effective communication, and accountability. He reflects on his journey from a young Navy recruit to a successful entrepreneur, highlighting the lessons learned along the way, including the value of mentorship and the significance of understanding different perspectives. Rich's new book, "Growing Your Own," serves as a guide for aspiring leaders, offering practical advice on how to cultivate leadership qualities and navigate the complexities of the modern workplace.Interested in learning more about RecruitGrads? We help companies see who's motivated, capable and great to work with - before interviews begin.https://recruitgrads.ai/Where to find Rich:Rich's website: https://www.growingyourown.net/
2 Feb 2026
Founder & CEO of GradWorx: The Truth About Graduate Jobs
In this conversation, Michael Horrigan discusses the challenges faced by graduates in today's job market, emphasizing the disconnect between education and employment expectations. He highlights the importance of redefining the student experience in job applications, common mistakes students make, and the significance of finding the right fit in a career. Michael shares insights from his early career experiences, the role of curiosity in career development, and the value of global experiences. He also addresses employer expectations in graduate recruitment and the journey of being a solo founder in entrepreneurship, concluding with advice on essential skills for the future, particularly in AI and free thinking.Interested in learning more about RecruitGrads? We help companies see who's motivated, capable and great to work with - before interviews begin.https://recruitgrads.ai/Where to find MichaelGradWorx: https://www.gradworx.io/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-horrigan/
17 Dec 2025
Founder & CEO at Skill Group: Why Skills Beat Degrees
Meet the founder of RecruitGrads.ai as he discusses the mission he's on with an ambassador Henry.
George is the host of the Skill Economy. This podcast dates back to October when he started RecruitGrads.
In this podcast you'll learn the skills you need to win when graduating Uni and how to set yourself up for success.
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