Episode 245: Why Upskilling is a Key Workforce Strategy with Molly Ellenberg Friedland

We are back for another enlightening episode! In this episode, we dive deep into the dynamic world of workforce education and upskilling with a remarkable guest, Molly Ellenberg Friedland. As the Group Vice President of Corporate Partnerships at InStride, Molly's career has been dedicated to expanding access to quality education and transforming the workforce landscape. We explore the critical importance of upskilling, the integration of soft skills into professional development, and the future of strategic workforce education in a rapidly evolving world. Join them for an insightful conversation that promises to inspire leaders and learners alike!

In her role, Molly focuses on expanding access to excellent education and upskilling opportunities. With a background in education and partnership leadership, Molly brings expertise in building impactful partnerships and driving outcomes for learners and organizations alike. She shares insights into the transformative power of upskilling and its role in shaping the future of work.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

2:36 - Tracy and Michelle express their excitement about meeting inspiring individuals and highlight their recent interview with Molly Ellenberg Friedland.

4:57 - Molly's introduction outlines her career journey and her current role at InStride, emphasizing her commitment to expanding access to education and supporting learners' career advancement.

5:43 - Molly discusses the importance of upskilling in addressing talent shortages and preparing for a rapidly changing world, citing three key reasons: addressing critical talent shortages, future-proofing employees, and driving business outcomes.

9:42 - The hosts acknowledge the clear ROI and employee engagement benefits of upskilling, emphasizing its role in retaining talent and driving organizational success.

10:32 - Molly provides examples of upskilling initiatives, including a partnership with a medical device company and a healthcare organization, highlighting the impact on promotions, employee engagement, and skill development.

15:23 - Tracy and Michelle commend the innovative approach to upskilling and its capacity to tap into existing organizational resources effectively.

19:47 - Molly discusses the balance between tradition and innovation in supporting both traditional education and innovative upskilling initiatives, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and equitable access to education.

24:56 - The hosts explore the integration of soft skills upskilling, discussing the significance of relationship-building and communication skills in driving organizational success.

25:51 - Molly discusses the approach to upskilling soft skills, highlighting three key strategies: offering short-form courses on topics like conflict resolution, embedding soft skills into career education pathways, and customizing leadership development programs based on corporate needs.

27:32 - Unpacking leadership development and executive training for corporate partners.

29:59 - Tracy and Michelle emphasize the importance of soft skills and commend Molly's approach to integrating them into upskilling initiatives.

30:37 - Tracy and Michelle ask Molly about the future direction of workforce education and leadership focus amid global changes. Molly predicts a widespread adoption of strategic education programs and emphasizes the importance of long-term planning to address talent shortages effectively.

Stay tuned as we delve deeper into the evolving dynamics of leadership in today's complex world. Dive into the discussion here or catch it here to watch on the MissingLogic LLC YouTube channel to find out why.

Best Way to Reach Molly Ellenberg Friedland:

Website: https://www.instride.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/molly-ellenberg-friedland-33508115

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smoresfriedland/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCemDXqAYdulW3m6yLX3sb_g

Instagram: https://twitter.com/InStrideLearn

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