Investing in Skills to Improve Profitability and Sustainability

What this episode covers

In this episode of The Finance Cafe Podcast, host Shannon Pestun welcomes Laura McDonough, Associate Director of Insights & Knowledge Mobilization at the Future Skills Centre. Laura leads national research and knowledge-sharing efforts that help shape evidence-informed policy and practice across Canada’s skills ecosystem. With a background in research and evaluation at United Way Greater Toronto and a deep commitment to making data accessible and actionable, Laura brings a unique lens that bridges research, lived experience, and real-world workforce development.The conversation focuses on why skills development has become a critical growth lever for small and medium-sized businesses. Laura unpacks what it means to be future-skills ready, emphasizing both in-demand technical skills and the often-overlooked soft skills that are essential for effective leadership, strong management, and high-performing teams. She challenges traditional SME mindsets around productivity, encouraging business owners to invest in their people, develop managers’ capabilities, and move away from burnout-driven approaches or over reliance on technology alone.Shannon and Laura also explore how skills development intersects with equity, highlighting programs that support women and diverse communities in building transferable, high-value skills. The episode closes with a look at the growing role of AI, and why building skills and confidence around AI now can help businesses stay agile and resilient as the workforce continues to evolve.This episode is a must-listen for SME leaders and women entrepreneurs who want to grow their businesses by investing smarter in skills, people, and the future of work.FSC Bluseky: https://bsky.app/profile/fsc-ccf.bsky.socialFSC LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/fsc-ccf/FSC Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/fsc_ccf/Future Skills Website: https://fsc-ccf.ca/Finance Cafe Courses https://thefinancecafe.ca/women-entrepreneurs/

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