In this episode of the SWP Podcast, I sit down with Andrew Pitts, founder and CEO of Polinode, to explore the game-changing intersection between Organisational Network Analysis (ONA) and Strategic Workforce Planning (SWP). Andrew unpacks how ONA reveals the informal structures, influencers, and energisers that drive collaboration, agility, and transformation within organisations—insights often invisible in traditional org charts. Together, we discuss active vs. passive ONA, how network insights complement role and skills-based planning, and why combining ONA with labour market intelligence and attrition data can elevate SWP from theory to execution. From surfacing critical people to mapping career pathways and skill co-occurrence, this conversation is a deep dive into the networks shaping the modern workforce. If you're looking to future-proof your SWP strategy, this episode is essential listening.

Episode 71 of the SWP Podcast features Oliver Shaw, CEO of OrgVue. Oliver and I discuss the findings of OrgVue's recent research on workforce transformation, focusing on the impact of AI, emotional decision-making, and the challenges faced by CEOs. We explore global perspectives on workforce change, the importance of linking workforce strategies to financial metrics, and the need for intentional hiring practices. The conversation highlights the emotional toll of transformation on leaders and the necessity of creating an enterprise capability for change management. Key actions for leaders to reset their workforce strategies are also discussed, emphasizing the importance of understanding the current workforce dynamics and making intentional decisions.

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.