<![CDATA[Talent Talks by be/impact]]>Talent Talks by be/impact is a podcast about what it really takes to attract, grow, and retain great people in a fast-changing world of work. Hosted by Julian Buschmaas, CEO and co-founder of be/impact, each episode features honest conversations with leaders from consulting, professional services, technology, and beyond on culture, learning, leadership, purpose, and the future of talent. Rooted in be/impact’s belief that teaching is one of the best ways to learn, Talent Talks shares practical ideas and fresh perspectives for anyone building teams that stay and thrive.

]]>https://www.beimpact.co.ukRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Mon, 02 Nov 2026 18:56:20 GMTThu, 04 Sep 2025 13:41:24 GMT60Julian Buschmaas<p><b>Talent Talks by be/impact</b> is a podcast about what it really takes to attract, grow, and retain great people in a fast-changing world of work. Hosted by Julian Buschmaas, CEO and co-founder of be/impact, each episode features honest conversations with leaders from consulting, professional services, technology, and beyond on culture, learning, leadership, purpose, and the future of talent. Rooted in be/impact’s belief that teaching is one of the best ways to learn, Talent Talks shares practical ideas and fresh perspectives for anyone building teams that stay and thrive.</p>episodicJulian Buschmaasjulian@beimpact.co.ukno<![CDATA[How To Train Leaders with Nina Möller]]>Nina Möller is Managing Partner of Implement Consulting Group in Germany. Implement spent its first 20 years refusing to hire graduates, because consultants needed real-life experience in the backpack. Now AI is taking on much of the work that used to fill it, so Julian asks Nina where experience will come from next.

Nina also explains what makes leadership training stick, why the room matters as much as the content, how to tell whether training worked, and which tasks Implement wants juniors to keep doing without AI.

Who this episode is for

  • Leaders of consulting and professional services firms
  • Heads of L&D and HR designing leadership programmes
  • Senior leaders weighing training spend and AI adoption

YouTube chapters

00:00 - Opening

00:30 - Introducing Nina Möller

02:57 - Trojan mice and reverse mentoring

03:58 - Abu Dhabi and the learning zone

07:50 - Why Implement isn't up or out

12:29 - What makes training stick

16:29 - Who should deliver the training

18:55 - How to tell if training worked

23:41 - Protecting time for learning

33:27 - When juniors shouldn't use AI

35:52 - Where will experience come from?

38:15 - Quickfire questions

Practical takeaways

  • Keep AI out where the thinking is the work, and form a view before asking AI for one.
  • Use the content on something real before anyone leaves the training room.
  • Measure over months, starting with a baseline set before the programme begins.
  • Stretch people into the learning zone, with backing when they are not quite ready.

About the guest

Nina Möller is Managing Partner of Implement Consulting Group in Germany and sits on the group board. She began her career at 22 in Abu Dhabi, joined Implement in 2018 when the German business had five people, and was running it four years later.

About Talent Talks

Talent Talks by be/impact explores how organisations are rethinking development, leadership and culture, and what it takes to build teams that stay and thrive.

https://t.mtrbio.com/talenttalks

]]>eef23158-174b-4c1a-9db5-d1c9abe2086eTue, 20 Oct 2026 05:00:00 GMT<p>Nina Möller is Managing Partner of Implement Consulting Group in Germany. Implement spent its first 20 years refusing to hire graduates, because consultants needed real-life experience in the backpack. Now AI is taking on much of the work that used to fill it, so Julian asks Nina where experience will come from next.</p><p>Nina also explains what makes leadership training stick, why the room matters as much as the content, how to tell whether training worked, and which tasks Implement wants juniors to keep doing without AI.</p><p>Who this episode is for</p><ul><li>Leaders of consulting and professional services firms</li><li>Heads of L&amp;D and HR designing leadership programmes</li><li>Senior leaders weighing training spend and AI adoption</li></ul><p>YouTube chapters</p><p>00:00 - Opening</p><p>00:30 - Introducing Nina Möller</p><p>02:57 - Trojan mice and reverse mentoring</p><p>03:58 - Abu Dhabi and the learning zone</p><p>07:50 - Why Implement isn't up or out</p><p>12:29 - What makes training stick</p><p>16:29 - Who should deliver the training</p><p>18:55 - How to tell if training worked</p><p>23:41 - Protecting time for learning</p><p>33:27 - When juniors shouldn't use AI</p><p>35:52 - Where will experience come from?</p><p>38:15 - Quickfire questions</p><p>Practical takeaways</p><ul><li>Keep AI out where the thinking is the work, and form a view before asking AI for one.</li><li>Use the content on something real before anyone leaves the training room.</li><li>Measure over months, starting with a baseline set before the programme begins.</li><li>Stretch people into the learning zone, with backing when they are not quite ready.</li></ul><p>About the guest</p><p>Nina Möller is Managing Partner of Implement Consulting Group in Germany and sits on the group board. She began her career at 22 in Abu Dhabi, joined Implement in 2018 when the German business had five people, and was running it four years later.</p><p>About Talent Talks</p><p>Talent Talks by be/impact explores how organisations are rethinking development, leadership and culture, and what it takes to build teams that stay and thrive.</p><p><a href="https://t.mtrbio.com/talenttalks" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://t.mtrbio.com/talenttalks</a></p>no00:43:16How To Train Leaders with Nina Möllerfull<![CDATA[Keeping Work Human in the Age of AI with Laura Casci]]>In this episode of Talent Talks, Julian Buschmaas speaks with Laura Casci, Managing Partner UK at Valcon, about how leaders can embrace AI while protecting the human skills, judgement and relationships that organisations still depend on.

Laura discusses what she looks for when hiring, why technical training alone is not enough, the role of face-to-face interaction in developing soft skills, and why employee engagement is central to retention. They also explore AI capability across organisations, responsible adoption, and the business case for social impact and tech-for-good programmes.

Who this episode is for

  • CEOs and senior leaders navigating AI adoption
  • HR, L&D and talent leaders developing human skills alongside technical capability
  • Consulting and professional services leaders focused on retention and culture
  • Technology leaders balancing automation with human judgement
  • Organisations looking to connect social impact with employee engagement

YouTube chapters

00:10 - Introduction to Talent Talks

00:55 - Meet Laura Casci, Managing Partner UK at Valcon

02:27 - Laura's route into consulting

05:01 - Valcon's ambition around data and AI

11:40 - Where AI belongs in recruitment

13:08 - What Laura looks for in great hires

16:47 - Why technical training is not enough

17:34 - Why soft skills need real interaction

18:23 - The human side of employee retention

19:57 - Laura's approach to culture and leadership

24:43 - How Valcon develops new joiners

27:19 - AI capability as a hiring expectation

29:12 - Why everyone needs fundamental AI knowledge

30:31 - AI literacy versus AI capability

32:08 - What strong AI leadership looks like

34:21 - Social impact, purpose and culture

35:01 - The tech-for-good model

36:50 - How tech for good affects employee engagement

38:26 - The ROI of social impact

40:00 - Quickfire questions

Practical takeaways

  • AI can support work and recruitment, but Laura argues that important human touchpoints still require judgement, empathy and communication.
  • Technical capability is only part of development. Soft skills are strengthened through interaction with colleagues and shared learning.
  • Retention depends on people feeling engaged, known and invested in, not only on salary.
  • AI capability is becoming a baseline expectation, while leaders also need enough knowledge to practise what they preach.
  • Social impact can strengthen employee engagement and retention while creating a multiplier effect in the wider community.
  • Laura sees businesses as having a responsibility to create opportunity and contribute to the communities around them.

About Laura Casci

Laura Casci is Managing Partner UK at Valcon. She has spent nearly 30 years in consulting and now leads Valcon's UK business as it grows its data and AI capabilities while maintaining a collaborative, inclusive and human culture.

About Talent Talks

Talent Talks by be/impact explores how organisations are rethinking development, leadership and culture, and what it takes to build teams that stay and thrive.

]]>057b8a53-a414-4370-8fb1-580cda9c5492Tue, 06 Oct 2026 05:00:00 GMT<p>In this episode of Talent Talks, Julian Buschmaas speaks with Laura Casci, Managing Partner UK at Valcon, about how leaders can embrace AI while protecting the human skills, judgement and relationships that organisations still depend on.</p><p>Laura discusses what she looks for when hiring, why technical training alone is not enough, the role of face-to-face interaction in developing soft skills, and why employee engagement is central to retention. They also explore AI capability across organisations, responsible adoption, and the business case for social impact and tech-for-good programmes.</p><p><b><strong>Who this episode is for</strong></b></p><ul><li>CEOs and senior leaders navigating AI adoption</li><li>HR, L&amp;D and talent leaders developing human skills alongside technical capability</li><li>Consulting and professional services leaders focused on retention and culture</li><li>Technology leaders balancing automation with human judgement</li><li>Organisations looking to connect social impact with employee engagement</li></ul><p><b><strong>YouTube chapters</strong></b></p><p>00:10 - Introduction to Talent Talks</p><p>00:55 - Meet Laura Casci, Managing Partner UK at Valcon</p><p>02:27 - Laura's route into consulting</p><p>05:01 - Valcon's ambition around data and AI</p><p>11:40 - Where AI belongs in recruitment</p><p>13:08 - What Laura looks for in great hires</p><p>16:47 - Why technical training is not enough</p><p>17:34 - Why soft skills need real interaction</p><p>18:23 - The human side of employee retention</p><p>19:57 - Laura's approach to culture and leadership</p><p>24:43 - How Valcon develops new joiners</p><p>27:19 - AI capability as a hiring expectation</p><p>29:12 - Why everyone needs fundamental AI knowledge</p><p>30:31 - AI literacy versus AI capability</p><p>32:08 - What strong AI leadership looks like</p><p>34:21 - Social impact, purpose and culture</p><p>35:01 - The tech-for-good model</p><p>36:50 - How tech for good affects employee engagement</p><p>38:26 - The ROI of social impact</p><p>40:00 - Quickfire questions</p><p><b><strong>Practical takeaways</strong></b></p><ul><li>AI can support work and recruitment, but Laura argues that important human touchpoints still require judgement, empathy and communication.</li><li>Technical capability is only part of development. Soft skills are strengthened through interaction with colleagues and shared learning.</li><li>Retention depends on people feeling engaged, known and invested in, not only on salary.</li><li>AI capability is becoming a baseline expectation, while leaders also need enough knowledge to practise what they preach.</li><li>Social impact can strengthen employee engagement and retention while creating a multiplier effect in the wider community.</li><li>Laura sees businesses as having a responsibility to create opportunity and contribute to the communities around them.</li></ul><p><b><strong>About Laura Casci</strong></b></p><p>Laura Casci is Managing Partner UK at Valcon. She has spent nearly 30 years in consulting and now leads Valcon's UK business as it grows its data and AI capabilities while maintaining a collaborative, inclusive and human culture.</p><p><b><strong>About Talent Talks</strong></b></p><p>Talent Talks by be/impact explores how organisations are rethinking development, leadership and culture, and what it takes to build teams that stay and thrive.</p>no00:44:16Keeping Work Human in the Age of AI with Laura Cascifull<![CDATA[Learning Outside Your Comfort Zone: Talent Talks with Ffion Bartley]]>In this episode of Talent Talks, Julian Buschmaas speaks with Ffion Bartley, Global Head of Learning and Development at Cambridge Consultants, about learning culture, leadership, AI, and the human skills people need in a changing workplace. 

Ffion explains why learning often requires discomfort, how teaching can deepen expertise, why learning needs to become part of delivery, and why managers play such an important role in whether people strategies succeed. 

The conversation also explores AI in workplace learning, including Ffion’s useful analogy of treating AI like an intern: highly capable at execution, but still dependent on human context, judgement and oversight. 

Who is this episode for? 

  • L&D and talent leaders 
  • Senior leaders in professional services and technology 
  • Managers responsible for developing people 
  • HR leaders thinking about AI, skills and workplace learning 

Chapters 

0:00 – Why discomfort and learning are connected 

0:32 – Introduction to Ffion Bartley 

3:03 – Looking beyond training to solve the real problem 

4:22 – Lessons from Ffion’s best and worst boss 

6:02 – Stretch opportunities, discomfort and psychological safety 

8:02 – Why L&D professionals need to understand the business 

12:33 – Building a learning culture at Cambridge Consultants 

16:30 – Making learning part of work and delivery 

20:04 – How AI is changing workplace learning 

23:43 – Treating AI like an intern 

25:30 – The human skills people will need in an AI-driven workplace 

34:05 – Why people strategy succeeds or fails through managers 

35:20 – Employees watch what leaders do, not what they say 

About Ffion Bartley 

Ffion Bartley is Global Head of Learning and Development at Cambridge Consultants. 

Her career has included teaching, training, charity, fintech and professional services. At Cambridge Consultants, she focuses on building a learning culture that supports highly technical teams while connecting development with business performance. 

About Talent Talks 

Talent Talks explores how leaders think about talent, learning, leadership and the future of work. 

In 2026, the podcast focuses on AI and the human side of work, including culture, re- and up-skilling, purpose, impact and the human skills people need as technology changes how work gets done. 

Connect 

be/impact: https://beimpact.co.uk/ 

Julian Buschmaas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianbuschmaas/ 

Ffion Bartley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ffionbartley/ 

Cambridge Consultants: https://www.cambridgeconsultants.com/ 

Cambridge Consultants on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cambridge-consultants/ 

 

]]>ec78ba53-1ee9-4d5d-8e90-15a938c962ddTue, 22 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT<p>In this episode of Talent Talks, Julian Buschmaas speaks with Ffion Bartley, Global Head of Learning and Development at Cambridge Consultants, about learning culture, leadership, AI, and the human skills people need in a changing workplace. </p><p></p><p>Ffion explains why learning often requires discomfort, how teaching can deepen expertise, why learning needs to become part of delivery, and why managers play such an important role in whether people strategies succeed. </p><p></p><p>The conversation also explores AI in workplace learning, including Ffion’s useful analogy of treating AI like an intern: highly capable at execution, but still dependent on human context, judgement and oversight. </p><p></p><p><b>Who is this episode for?</b> </p><ul><li>L&amp;D and talent leaders </li></ul><ul><li>Senior leaders in professional services and technology </li></ul><ul><li>Managers responsible for developing people </li></ul><ul><li>HR leaders thinking about AI, skills and workplace learning </li></ul><p></p><p><b>Chapters</b> </p><p><b>0:00 – Why discomfort and learning are connected</b> </p><p><b>0:32 – Introduction to Ffion Bartley</b> </p><p><b>3:03 – Looking beyond training to solve the real problem</b> </p><p><b>4:22 – Lessons from Ffion’s best and worst boss</b> </p><p><b>6:02 – Stretch opportunities, discomfort and psychological safety</b> </p><p><b>8:02 – Why L&amp;D professionals need to understand the business</b> </p><p><b>12:33 – Building a learning culture at Cambridge Consultants</b> </p><p><b>16:30 – Making learning part of work and delivery</b> </p><p><b>20:04 – How AI is changing workplace learning</b> </p><p><b>23:43 – Treating AI like an intern</b> </p><p><b>25:30 – The human skills people will need in an AI-driven workplace</b> </p><p><b>34:05 – Why people strategy succeeds or fails through managers</b> </p><p><b>35:20 – Employees watch what leaders do, not what they say</b> </p><p></p><p><b>About Ffion Bartley</b> </p><p>Ffion Bartley is Global Head of Learning and Development at Cambridge Consultants. </p><p></p><p>Her career has included teaching, training, charity, fintech and professional services. At Cambridge Consultants, she focuses on building a learning culture that supports highly technical teams while connecting development with business performance. </p><p></p><p><b>About Talent Talks</b> </p><p>Talent Talks explores how leaders think about talent, learning, leadership and the future of work. </p><p>In 2026, the podcast focuses on AI and the human side of work, including culture, re- and up-skilling, purpose, impact and the human skills people need as technology changes how work gets done. </p><p></p><p><b>Connect</b> </p><p><b>be/impact:</b> <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://beimpact.co.uk/" target="_blank">https://beimpact.co.uk/</a> </p><p><b>Julian Buschmaas on LinkedIn:</b> <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianbuschmaas/" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianbuschmaas/</a> </p><p><b>Ffion Bartley on LinkedIn:</b> <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ffionbartley/" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/ffionbartley/</a> </p><p><b>Cambridge Consultants:</b> <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.cambridgeconsultants.com/" target="_blank">https://www.cambridgeconsultants.com/</a> </p><p><b>Cambridge Consultants on LinkedIn:</b> <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/cambridge-consultants/" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/company/cambridge-consultants/</a> </p><p> </p>no00:39:10Learning Outside Your Comfort Zone: Talent Talks with Ffion Bartleyfull<![CDATA[Teaching Is The Key To Success: Talent Talks with Kolja Heskamp]]>In this episode of Talent Talks, Julian Buschmaas speaks with Kolja Heskamp of torq.partners, about learning, talent, culture, and the future of professional services in an AI-driven world.  

Kolja shares how his experience across finance, private equity, investment banking, and scaling businesses shaped his approach to talent, including his belief in backing overlooked people based on their drive, motivation, and potential rather than simply their CV.  

The conversation explores how to build a learning culture, why teaching should be a condition of progression, how companies can make people more valuable even if they eventually leave, and what AI means for junior talent and the traditional professional services pyramid. 

Who is this episode for? 

-L&D and talent professionals building cultures of continuous learning 

-Senior leaders in professional services rethinking talent development and progression 

-Consulting and finance leaders navigating AI's impact on junior roles 

-Early-career professionals looking to build the human skills that will matter in an AI-driven workplace 

Chapters 

0:00 – Introduction 

8:55 – The company of the overlooked 

18:15 – Why learning is a predictor of performance and retention 

26:35 – Why teaching should be part of progression 

36:40 – AI and the changing professional services pyramid 

42:15 – Building the firm of the future 

46:06 – Quickfire questions 

Practical takeaways 

● Hire for drive, motivation, and learning ability rather than relying too heavily on polished CVs. 

● Build teaching and knowledge-sharing into progression and promotion. 

● Create enough space for people to learn, even when utilisation and client pressure are high. 

● As AI replaces repetitive junior tasks, deliberately create opportunities for people to develop communication, judgment, negotiation, and other human skills. 

● Build organisations where people become more valuable through their time there, even if that eventually means they leave. 

About the host 

Julian Buschmaas is the CEO and co-founder of be/impact and the host of Talent Talks. 

He works at the intersection of learning, talent, AI, social impact, and the future of work. 

Connect 

Be/Impact - https://beimpact.co.uk/ 

Connect with Julian on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianbuschmaas/ 

Connect with Kolja on LinkedIn - https://de.linkedin.com/in/kolja-heskamp-2a110520 

torq.partners - https://www.torq.partners/ 

 

]]>81a6417e-3949-4794-b192-368d6a2053e2Tue, 08 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT<p>In this episode of Talent Talks, Julian Buschmaas speaks with Kolja Heskamp of <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://torq.partners" target="_blank">torq.partners</a>, about learning, talent, culture, and the future of professional services in an AI-driven world.  </p><p></p><p>Kolja shares how his experience across finance, private equity, investment banking, and scaling businesses shaped his approach to talent, including his belief in backing overlooked people based on their drive, motivation, and potential rather than simply their CV.  </p><p></p><p>The conversation explores how to build a learning culture, why teaching should be a condition of progression, how companies can make people more valuable even if they eventually leave, and what AI means for junior talent and the traditional professional services pyramid. </p><p>Who is this episode for? </p><p></p><p>-L&amp;D and talent professionals building cultures of continuous learning </p><p>-Senior leaders in professional services rethinking talent development and progression </p><p>-Consulting and finance leaders navigating AI's impact on junior roles </p><p>-Early-career professionals looking to build the human skills that will matter in an AI-driven workplace </p><p></p><p>Chapters </p><p>0:00 – Introduction </p><p>8:55 – The company of the overlooked </p><p>18:15 – Why learning is a predictor of performance and retention </p><p>26:35 – Why teaching should be part of progression </p><p>36:40 – AI and the changing professional services pyramid </p><p>42:15 – Building the firm of the future </p><p>46:06 – Quickfire questions </p><p></p><p>Practical takeaways </p><p>● Hire for drive, motivation, and learning ability rather than relying too heavily on polished CVs. </p><p>● Build teaching and knowledge-sharing into progression and promotion. </p><p>● Create enough space for people to learn, even when utilisation and client pressure are high. </p><p>● As AI replaces repetitive junior tasks, deliberately create opportunities for people to develop communication, judgment, negotiation, and other human skills. </p><p>● Build organisations where people become more valuable through their time there, even if that eventually means they leave. </p><p>About the host </p><p>Julian Buschmaas is the CEO and co-founder of be/impact and the host of Talent Talks. </p><p>He works at the intersection of learning, talent, AI, social impact, and the future of work. </p><p></p><p>Connect </p><p>Be/Impact - <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://beimpact.co.uk/" target="_blank">https://beimpact.co.uk/</a> </p><p>Connect with Julian on LinkedIn - <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianbuschmaas/" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianbuschmaas/</a> </p><p>Connect with Kolja on LinkedIn - <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://de.linkedin.com/in/kolja-heskamp-2a110520" target="_blank">https://de.linkedin.com/in/kolja-heskamp-2a110520</a> </p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://torq.partners" target="_blank">torq.partners</a> - <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.torq.partners/" target="_blank">https://www.torq.partners/</a> </p><p> </p>no00:49:58Teaching Is The Key To Success: Talent Talks with Kolja Heskampfull<![CDATA[Talent Talks with Will Hayllar: AI Won't Replace Consultants In The Way We Think]]>In this episode of Talent Talks, Julian Buschmaas speaks with Will Hayllar (Global

Managing Partner at OC&C Strategy Consultants), about the future of consulting,

leadership, and talent development in an AI-driven world. He has spent 25 years in

consulting and now focuses on building a strong, future-ready firm that combines

analytical rigor with human-centered leadership and learning. The conversation

explores how firms can balance analytical excellence with the human skills that matter

more than ever: critical thinking, influencing, judgment, and relationship-building.

Who is this episode for?

-Senior leaders navigating AI's impact on teams and talent

-Consulting & professional services leaders rethinking apprenticeship and partnership

models

-L&D and talent professionals focused on building human skills

-Early-career professionals looking to future-proof their careers

Chapters

0:00 – Introduction

3:45 – The shift from advisor to leader

8:20 – Learning from mistakes

14:05 – How AI is changing the apprenticeship model

20:30 – Why human skills matter more in an AI era

26:15 – Why firms still need juniors

31:40 – Preparing the next generation

36:55 – Closing thoughts

Practical takeaways

● Don't treat AI as only a tooling or technical issue.

● Invest in human skills early: communication, persuasion, judgment, and

structured thinking.

● Update apprenticeships so knowledge can flow in multiple directions.

● Great leaders make themselves replaceable by building others up.

● Keep hiring juniors, but redesign what they learn and how they contribute.

About the host

Julian Buschmaas is the CEO and co-founder of be/impact and the host of Talent Talks.

He works at the intersection of learning, talent, AI, social impact, and the future of work.

Connect

Be/Impact - https://beimpact.co.uk/

Connect with Julian on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianbuschmaas/

Connect with Will on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-hayllar-a6532636/

OC&C Strategy Consulting - https://www.occstrategy.com/en

]]>0d25ead3-4570-43ad-b7c1-a1f93bb71f84Tue, 25 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT<p>In this episode of Talent Talks, Julian Buschmaas speaks with Will Hayllar (Global<br /><br />Managing Partner at OC&amp;C Strategy Consultants), about the future of consulting,<br /><br />leadership, and talent development in an AI-driven world. He has spent 25 years in<br /><br />consulting and now focuses on building a strong, future-ready firm that combines<br /><br />analytical rigor with human-centered leadership and learning. The conversation<br /><br />explores how firms can balance analytical excellence with the human skills that matter<br /><br />more than ever: critical thinking, influencing, judgment, and relationship-building.<br /><br />Who is this episode for?<br /><br />-Senior leaders navigating AI's impact on teams and talent<br /><br />-Consulting &amp; professional services leaders rethinking apprenticeship and partnership<br /><br />models<br /><br />-L&amp;D and talent professionals focused on building human skills<br /><br />-Early-career professionals looking to future-proof their careers<br /><br />Chapters<br /><br />0:00 – Introduction<br /><br />3:45 – The shift from advisor to leader<br /><br />8:20 – Learning from mistakes<br /><br />14:05 – How AI is changing the apprenticeship model<br /><br />20:30 – Why human skills matter more in an AI era<br /><br />26:15 – Why firms still need juniors<br /><br />31:40 – Preparing the next generation<br /><br />36:55 – Closing thoughts<br /><br />Practical takeaways<br /><br />● Don't treat AI as only a tooling or technical issue.<br /><br />● Invest in human skills early: communication, persuasion, judgment, and<br /><br />structured thinking.<br /><br />● Update apprenticeships so knowledge can flow in multiple directions.<br /><br />● Great leaders make themselves replaceable by building others up.<br /><br />● Keep hiring juniors, but redesign what they learn and how they contribute.<br /><br />About the host<br /><br />Julian Buschmaas is the CEO and co-founder of be/impact and the host of Talent Talks.<br /><br />He works at the intersection of learning, talent, AI, social impact, and the future of work.<br /><br />Connect<br /><br />Be/Impact - <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://beimpact.co.uk/" target="_blank">https://beimpact.co.uk/</a><br /><br />Connect with Julian on LinkedIn - <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianbuschmaas/" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianbuschmaas/</a><br /><br />Connect with Will on LinkedIn - <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-hayllar-a6532636/" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-hayllar-a6532636/</a><br /><br />OC&amp;C Strategy Consulting - <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.occstrategy.com/en" target="_blank">https://www.occstrategy.com/en</a></p>no00:42:20Talent Talks with Will Hayllar: AI Won't Replace Consultants In The Way We Thinkfull<![CDATA[Talent Talks with Simon Piesse: Supercharging Your Staff In The Age of AI]]>Talent Talks: Supercharging Talent in the Age of AI with Simon Piesse

In this episode of the Talent Talks podcast, Julian Buschmaas is joined by Simon Piesse from North Highland to explore how organisations can think differently about talent, learning and AI.

Rather than viewing AI simply as a way to replace work, Simon explores how it can be used to supercharge the talent organisations already have, helping people work more effectively while creating opportunities to develop new capabilities.

The conversation also looks at the importance of practice in turning learning into real capability. Training can introduce a skill, but applying it in real situations is what helps people become confident and effective.

Julian and Simon also discuss the importance of “showing your workings” when using AI.

As AI becomes increasingly involved in decision-making and professional work, understanding how an outcome was reached becomes an important part of quality assurance, accountability and trust.

In this episode, we explore:

  • How AI can supercharge talent rather than replace it
  • The gap between learning and doing, and why practice matters
  • Building capabilities before organisations urgently need them
  • The importance of understanding how AI-supported decisions are reached
  • What “showing your workings” could mean for quality assurance
  • How organisations can prepare people for a changing world of work

About Simon Piesse

Simon Piesse is a leader at North Highland, working with organisations on transformation, talent and the future of work.

About Talent Talks

Talent Talks is hosted by Julian Buschmaas, CEO and co-founder of be/impact. The podcast explores the intersection of learning, talent, AI, social impact and the future of work, bringing together leaders and thinkers to explore how organisations and people can adapt to change.

]]>f7ed59d8-14fb-460d-9822-4151d5ede118Tue, 11 Aug 2026 05:00:00 GMT<h1>Talent Talks: Supercharging Talent in the Age of AI with Simon Piesse</h1><p>In this episode of the Talent Talks podcast, Julian Buschmaas is joined by Simon Piesse from North Highland to explore how organisations can think differently about talent, learning and AI.</p><p></p><p>Rather than viewing AI simply as a way to replace work, Simon explores how it can be used to <b>supercharge the talent organisations already have</b>, helping people work more effectively while creating opportunities to develop new capabilities.</p><p></p><p>The conversation also looks at the importance of practice in turning learning into real capability. Training can introduce a skill, but applying it in real situations is what helps people become confident and effective.</p><p>Julian and Simon also discuss the importance of <b>“showing your workings”</b> when using AI. </p><p></p><p>As AI becomes increasingly involved in decision-making and professional work, understanding how an outcome was reached becomes an important part of quality assurance, accountability and trust.</p><h3>In this episode, we explore:</h3><ul><li>How AI can supercharge talent rather than replace it</li><li>The gap between learning and doing, and why practice matters</li><li>Building capabilities before organisations urgently need them</li><li>The importance of understanding how AI-supported decisions are reached</li><li>What “showing your workings” could mean for quality assurance</li><li>How organisations can prepare people for a changing world of work</li></ul><p></p><p><b>About Simon Piesse</b></p><p>Simon Piesse is a leader at North Highland, working with organisations on transformation, talent and the future of work.</p><p></p><p><b>About Talent Talks</b></p><p>Talent Talks is hosted by Julian Buschmaas, CEO and co-founder of be/impact. The podcast explores the intersection of learning, talent, AI, social impact and the future of work, bringing together leaders and thinkers to explore how organisations and people can adapt to change.</p>no00:43:51Talent Talks with Simon Piesse: Supercharging Your Staff In The Age of AIfull<![CDATA[Ivan Gladkow: Are your staff AI Literate or AI Capable?]]>As artificial intelligence reshapes the workplace, what skills will matter most?

In this episode of Talent Talks, we sit down with Ivan Gladkow, Head of Enterprise Sector (UK&I) at SPS, to discuss how AI is changing leadership, learning and development, and the future of work.

Whether you're a CEO, Managing Director, Partner, HR leader, L&D professional, or responsible for developing people in your organisation, this conversation offers practical insights you can apply immediately.

In This Episode

  • Why soft skills become more valuable as AI becomes more capable
  • The difference between AI literacy and AI capability
  • How to identify and develop AI champions within your organisation
  • Why learning by doing outperforms online-only training
  • How to measure the real return on investment of training
  • Practical leadership lessons for navigating AI transformation
  • Building a culture of curiosity and continuous learning

Key Takeaways

Human skills matter more

As AI automates routine work, communication, collaboration, empathy and leadership become even more valuable.

Curiosity creates AI champions

Successful AI adoption isn't driven by technology alone. Organisations need people who are willing to experiment, learn and help others embrace change.

Learning happens through practice

Online learning has its place, but capability is developed through coaching, observation, real-world experience and repetition.

Who Should Listen?

This episode is ideal for:

  • CEOs and Managing Directors
  • Consulting Partners
  • HR Directors
  • Heads of Learning & Development
  • Talent Development professionals
  • People leaders
  • Professional services firms
  • Enterprise organisations
  • Anyone preparing their organisation for the future of work

About Ivan Gladkow

Ivan Gladkow is Head of Enterprise Sector (UK&I) at SPS, where he works with enterprise organisations to improve performance, develop talent and drive organisational transformation.

Throughout the conversation, Ivan shares practical examples from leading teams, implementing learning programmes and helping organisations adopt AI in meaningful ways.

Connect with Ivan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivan-gladkow-mba-a744769/

Connect with Julian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianbuschmaas/

]]>4c311dad-010a-4e80-b42f-25ff8cfdc94eTue, 28 Jul 2026 04:30:00 GMT<p>As artificial intelligence reshapes the workplace, what skills will matter most?</p><p></p><p>In this episode of <b>Talent Talks</b>, we sit down with <b>Ivan Gladkow, Head of Enterprise Sector (UK&amp;I) at SPS</b>, to discuss how AI is changing leadership, learning and development, and the future of work.</p><p></p><p>Whether you're a CEO, Managing Director, Partner, HR leader, L&amp;D professional, or responsible for developing people in your organisation, this conversation offers practical insights you can apply immediately.</p><hr /><h2>In This Episode</h2><ul><li>Why soft skills become more valuable as AI becomes more capable</li><li>The difference between AI literacy and AI capability</li><li>How to identify and develop AI champions within your organisation</li><li>Why learning by doing outperforms online-only training</li><li>How to measure the real return on investment of training</li><li>Practical leadership lessons for navigating AI transformation</li><li>Building a culture of curiosity and continuous learning</li></ul><hr /><h2>Key Takeaways</h2><h3>Human skills matter more</h3><p>As AI automates routine work, communication, collaboration, empathy and leadership become even more valuable.</p><h3>Curiosity creates AI champions</h3><p>Successful AI adoption isn't driven by technology alone. Organisations need people who are willing to experiment, learn and help others embrace change.</p><h3>Learning happens through practice</h3><p>Online learning has its place, but capability is developed through coaching, observation, real-world experience and repetition.</p><hr /><h2>Who Should Listen?</h2><p>This episode is ideal for:</p><ul><li>CEOs and Managing Directors</li><li>Consulting Partners</li><li>HR Directors</li><li>Heads of Learning &amp; Development</li><li>Talent Development professionals</li><li>People leaders</li><li>Professional services firms</li><li>Enterprise organisations</li><li>Anyone preparing their organisation for the future of work</li></ul><hr /><h2>About Ivan Gladkow</h2><p>Ivan Gladkow is <b>Head of Enterprise Sector (UK&amp;I) at SPS</b>, where he works with enterprise organisations to improve performance, develop talent and drive organisational transformation.</p><p></p><p>Throughout the conversation, Ivan shares practical examples from leading teams, implementing learning programmes and helping organisations adopt AI in meaningful ways.<br /><br />Connect with Ivan on LinkedIn: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivan-gladkow-mba-a744769/" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivan-gladkow-mba-a744769/</a><br /><br />Connect with Julian on LinkedIn: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianbuschmaas/" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianbuschmaas/</a></p>no00:51:07Ivan Gladkow: Are your staff AI Literate or AI Capable?full<![CDATA[Talent Talks with Mike Drolet: How to drive employee engagement]]>In this episode of Talent Talks, Julian speaks with Mike Drolet, Chief Operating Officer at Six Degrees, about leading through change, building trust, and helping people stay valuable in an AI-shaped workplace. They explore why leaders need to listen before acting, how to turn learning into real behaviour change, and why adaptability, communication, and personalised development matter more than ever.

]]>9a9bbb7e-3933-4e09-88eb-d85f21bfdc06Thu, 14 May 2026 13:45:00 GMT<p>In this episode of Talent Talks, Julian speaks with Mike Drolet, Chief Operating Officer at Six Degrees, about leading through change, building trust, and helping people stay valuable in an AI-shaped workplace. They explore why leaders need to listen before acting, how to turn learning into real behaviour change, and why adaptability, communication, and personalised development matter more than ever.</p>no00:49:0713Talent Talks with Mike Drolet: How to drive employee engagementfull<![CDATA[Talent Talks with Peter O'Connor: Building teams that stay and thrive]]>In this episode of Talent Talks, Julian speaks with Peter O’Connor, CEO of Target Group, about what it takes to build teams that stay and thrive. They explore leadership, communication, learning, AI, and why helping people flourish matters more than ever.

]]>d53bca20-e5f8-4f0a-b59b-54a5e5af09c3Thu, 30 Apr 2026 11:00:00 GMT<p>In this episode of Talent Talks, Julian speaks with Peter O’Connor, CEO of Target Group, about what it takes to build teams that stay and thrive. They explore leadership, communication, learning, AI, and why helping people flourish matters more than ever.</p>no00:43:3012Talent Talks with Peter O'Connor: Building teams that stay and thrivefull<![CDATA[Talent Talks with Yv Corbeil: Creativity, curiosity and AI at work]]>In this episode of Talent Talks, Julian speaks with Yv Corbeil, Managing Director & CCO, ExCo member at Niji, about how AI is changing creativity, careers, and team performance. They explore the shift from AI literacy to AI capability, why curiosity is becoming the most valuable skill, and how leaders can create cultures where people experiment, learn, and thrive.

]]>8c6ceb90-9464-4998-8466-3b19daeac5ccWed, 15 Apr 2026 20:30:00 GMT<p>In this episode of Talent Talks, Julian speaks with Yv Corbeil, Managing Director &amp; CCO, ExCo member at Niji, about how AI is changing creativity, careers, and team performance. They explore the shift from AI literacy to AI capability, why curiosity is becoming the most valuable skill, and how leaders can create cultures where people experiment, learn, and thrive.</p>no00:44:1411Talent Talks with Yv Corbeil: Creativity, curiosity and AI at workfull