ABOUT THIS EPISODE
In this episode, I sit down with Thom Straight, General Manager of Global Talent Acquisition for EMEA and Asia at Microsoft, to explore how AI is reshaping hiring, careers, and the future of work. Thom shares his journey from studying history and philosophy, into recruitment, and eventually leading talent strategy inside one of the world’s biggest tech companies. We talk about the shift from traditional recruitment to skills-first hiring, why learning agility matters more than ever, and how organizations can unlock hidden potential by focusing less on job titles and more on transferable skills.
We also dive into how AI is changing early-career opportunities, internal mobility, and workforce planning. Thom shares practical examples of how Microsoft is using AI tools to help entry-level talent solve more complex problems earlier in their careers, while also freeing experienced employees to focus on higher-value work. Throughout the conversation, we discuss growth mindset, the importance of staying curious with new technology, and why the future of talent will depend on organizations connecting skills, learning, and career development more effectively than ever before.
Connect With Thom Straight
https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomstaight/
Connect with the Global Skills Podcast
- Connect with the Host Vanessa Wainwright LinkedIn
- Visit Our Website https://www.globalskillspodcast.com
- Send us an email at editor@globalskillspodcast.com
