Anthony Salcito of Coursera on Why Skills Are the New Degree in the Age of AI

Send us Fan MailAnthony Salcito is President & GM of Enterprise at Coursera, where he leads partnerships with enterprises, universities, and governments to build job-relevant skills at scale. Previously, he held leadership roles at Microsoft and Nerdy (Varsity Tutors), and has spent his career at the intersection of technology, education, and workforce development.💡 5 Things You'll Learn in This EpisodeWhy skills are becoming the new currency in hiring. How micro-credentials complement, not replace college degrees.  What AI-ready organizations do differently.  How the Coursera-Udemy merger expands learning opportunities.  Why lifelong learning is essential in the AI era. ✨ Episode Highlights[00:02:00] Anthony explains the vision behind the Coursera-Udemy merger. [00:05:22] Why employers increasingly value micro-credentials alongside degrees. [00:11:17] Technology doesn't drive transformation; people and culture do. [00:20:40] Why the future isn't degrees or micro-credentials, it's both. [00:28:01] What AI-first organizations do differently to build lasting skills. [00:31:57] How Coursera evolved from MOOCs to workforce-focused learning. [00:36:40] Global partnerships are expanding access to AI and job-ready skills. [00:38:48] Anthony shares the edtech trends he's most excited about, including entrepreneurial mindsets and making technology "less obvious but essential." 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here.🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s:Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com. This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education. Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now. Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead.