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Untapped Talent: The Rise of Skill Based Hiring – an Interview with Betty Thompson, Former CPO at Booz Allen Hamilton

diversity skills talent Feb 05, 2025

I had the great pleasure of interviewing Betty Thompson, former Chief People Officer at Booz Allen Hamilton and Chairwoman of the Board at SHRM, about her journey and insights on harnessing untapped talent. She emphasized the importance of skills over degrees, citing the rising cost of education and the need for diverse workforce strategies. Thompson highlighted the value of internal talent development, leveraging AI for skill identification, and creating pathways for non-traditional candidates. She stressed the necessity for organizations to plan three to five years ahead, invest in lifelong learning, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. Thompson encouraged individuals to seize opportunities rather than chase specific roles, advocating for resilience and adaptability in the evolving job market.

Key Takeaways from this Interview:

0:34:50 Individuals should chase opportunities that challenge them, as learning often comes from stepping outside one’s comfort zone.
0:10:04 Re...