Future-Proofing Talent with Polly Boardman: Why Learning & Development Is a Strategic Imperative

In this episodeGlobal Skills Podcast, I sit down with Polly Boardman, Senior Global Learning and Talent Leader, Learning and Talent Director at Collaboradoodle, and Advisory Board Member at Marlin Environmental Services. Polly shares her journey from working in social and economic regeneration programs to leading global learning, talent, OD, EDI, and AI-enabled development strategies. We explore how learning and development plays a critical role across the entire talent journey — from attraction to alumni — and why skills-based, data-driven approaches are shaping the future of work. Polly also speaks candidly about supporting underrepresented talent, mid-career women, and returning parents, and how organizations can design more inclusive, accessible development pathways. We discuss AI’s impact on workforce planning, the risks of losing early talent pipelines, and why L&D must move from being seen as “training” to being recognized as a strategic driver of culture, engagement, and future-proofing talent. Connect With  Polly boardman https://www.linkedin.com/in/pollyhboardman-fcipd Connect with the Global Skills Podcast Connect with the Host Vanessa Wainwright LinkedIn Visit Our Website https://www.globalskillspodcast.com Send us an email at [email protected]