In this, episode 74, of the SWP Podcast, I finally get the chance to sit down with Tatiana Villalobos Baum, Global Head of Strategic Workforce and Skill Management at SAP — and a familiar face from the SWP London stage. Tati and I dive into her unique journey from finance into HR, and how that analytical lens has shaped her approach to SWP.

We explore what makes planning strategic (spoiler: it’s not just data), the mindset shifts needed across the business, and how to turn insights into actions that actually drive workforce transformation. Tati shares some brilliant reflections on the role of AI, the real ROI of reskilling vs rehiring, and the power of demand workshops in shifting the conversation.

This one’s rich in both theory and practice — and a timely reminder that when done right, SWP is as much about creating opportunity as it is about managing risk.

Episode of the SWP Podcast features Antoine Aubois, Founder and CEO of Akoya Consulting who helps me unpack the evolution and challenges of strategic workforce planning (SWP). From humble beginnings during the global financial crisis to advising multinational firms, Antoine shares Akoya’s mission to strengthen HR functions by integrating strategic, data-driven, and design-thinking approaches. Together we explore SWP’s ongoing maturity across Europe, the overreliance on tools over strategy, and the risks of disconnected planning across business hierarchies. Antoine offers candid reflections on AI's role, the delicate dance of aligning HR and business strategy, and the value of capability-building over repeat consulting. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating SWP’s complexities or struggling to embed it into business conversations. As Antoine says, SWP isn’t just about forecasting — it’s about cultivating conversations that bridge vision and execution.

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.