Episoge 46: A conversation with Dr Mike Rugg-Gunn, author of Managing Talent, A Short Guide for the Digital Age

In discussion with Rob Feltham, Mike shares thought-provoking perspectives on a range of talent topics including: real-time performance management; neuroscience in psychometric assessment; the ever-increasing importance of the freelance workforce as a central element of the talent pool; generational stereotypes (Gen Y, Gen Z etc); and the urgent need for the UK to become world class in digital skills training. Other issues discussed include the relevance of Business Psychology in the age of AI and digital transformation, and the impact of the current US presidential regime on DEI initiatives.

Mike is a chartered occupational psychologist and has worked for the past 25 years as a consultant in talent management with a particular focus on assessment for senior level roles, especially for private equity clients. Prior to qualifying in psychology, Mike had a career in Bass plc, and later worked for the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (forerunner to QinetiQ) as a government scientist researching topics for the UK armed forces, during which time he started his doctorate researching ways of evaluating computer-based training techniques in the submarine service. Subsequently Mike worked for several consultancies and executive search businesses where he set up three assessment practices, before running his own consultancy www.kildonanconsulting.com in talent management with a particular focus on senior leader assessment. He is now semi-retired.

Mike is a frequent conference speaker and has authored many papers on Human Resource issues - several which can be found in open access on the internet. A full list is available on request.

About the book: Rugg-Gunn, M. (2024), Managing Talent: A Short Guide for the Digital Age, Routledge.

Rob Feltham is Podcast Editor of The ABP