In episode 70 of the SWP Podcast, I sat down with Bob Motion, Director Business Integration RTX Workforce Intelligence, to explore what it means to plan a workforce at scale in one of the world’s most mission-critical sectors. Bob shares how RTX is embedding SWP across a highly complex, engineering-led enterprise — balancing long-term capability planning with rapid shifts in demand, technology, and geopolitics. We dive into how strategic workforce planners can earn trust with business leaders, build credibility through data, and link workforce decisions directly to strategic priorities. From aerospace to defense to the boardroom, Bob brings practical wisdom, grounded insight, and a refreshing take on what it takes to make SWP stick in large, matrixed organizations. Whether you're in government, private sector, or consulting — this one’s packed with takeaways.

Episode 69 of the SWP Podcast welcomes Lindsey Taylor, Lindsay Taylor, Senior Director of Strategic Workforce Planning at Hewlett Packard Enterprise. Lindsey shares her fascinating and non-linear journey into SWP, from geoscience and operations to leading one of the most established SWP teams in the tech industry. The conversation explores the evolving relationship between SWP, org design, and people analytics, as well as the growing challenges of aligning stakeholder needs, adapting to shifting global dynamics, and keeping pace with rapidly advancing technology. Lindsay also gives a sneak peek into her upcoming session at SWP Conference Chicago, where she’ll unpack HPE’s efforts to reshape leadership structures through integrated planning. Passionate about solving complex organizational puzzles, Lindsay offers insightful reflections on the importance of trust, business acumen, and early engagement for impactful workforce planning. Thanks so much Lindsey!!

Episode 68 of the SWP Podcast welcomes David Boyle, Director of Workforce Planning and Analytics at Altria. Ahead of his appearance at SWP Conference – Chicago, David shares the story of his journey into SWP, the challenges that keep him sharp, and the key ingredients that underpin a successful workforce planning effort. We also dive into the topic of his upcoming session at the conference and the insights delegates can expect to walk away with. I really enjoyed this discussion with David who most certainly has a great deal more knowledge and experience than his admirable modesty allows him to let on. Thanks so much David!

Episode 67 of the SWP podcast features the return of one of our favorite voices in the space, Vijay Swaminathan, CEO and co-founder of Draup. Vijay and I dive deep into the evolving role of the workforce planner in the age of generative AI — from hype to real ROI. We explore how AI is shifting the meaning of “workforce” to include workflows, why our window of opportunity is now, and how planners can bridge the gap between AI infrastructure and real business outcomes. Vijay also gives us a sneak peek at what Draup will be unveiling in Chicago — and trust me, it’s big. As always, an energizing and thought-provoking conversation with one of the most generous minds in the business. Thanks again, Vijay — can’t wait for Chicago!

Episode 66 of the SWP podcast features returning guest and longtime friend of the show, Clare Moncrieff, now Senior Principal of Consulting at Workhuman. Clare and I dive into the unexpected but powerful intersection between employee recognition and strategic workforce planning — a topic I’ve become increasingly passionate about. We explore how recognition data offers untapped insight into culture, human skills, and even hidden networks of collaboration. Clare also shares how Workhuman is leveraging AI to elevate recognition into a strategic tool for driving future-focused workforce plans. A fascinating conversation full of practical takeaways and one that might just change how you think about saying thank you. Thanks again, Clare — always a pleasure!

Episode 65 of the SWP Podcast saw me catch up with Jennifer Cline for the first time since SWP Conference - Austin in 2024. This wide-reaching conversation spanned multiple themes commencing with strategic workforce planning in a regulated environment – balancing short-term pressures, data challenges, and the future of work. With key discussion points around demonstrating ROI, measuring SWP Success, aligning cross functional teams and so many more, this episode has so many hidden gems. A super intelligent, insightful and all round delightful podcast guest!

Episode 65 of the SWP Podcast saw me welcome Sarah Rogers and Sean Finney who, together with team have supported the Asia Pacific SWP conferences ever since we launched. It’s been quite the wait, but we finally caught up with Sarah and Sean here to discuss something I’m personally very passionate about, the critical integration of AI, roles, tasks and most importantly people, into a holistic SWP approach. A wonderful discussion with a couple of leading SWP experts!

Episode 63 of the SWP podcast features legendary people analytics podcaster and good friend Cole Napper. Cole and I discuss all things people analytics and strategic workforce planning and how the respective disciplines have converged and diverged over the years. We hypothesize around the optimal structure to ensure effective delivery and explore Cole's recent move from corporate land to labor market data providers Lightcast. An incredibly entertaining and enjoyable discussion to be a part of and always fun when two podcast hosts go at it! Oh how the tables are so easily turned. Thanks Cole - I had an absolute blast!