EdGate Powers Podcast #37- with Will Markow
Artificial intelligence is transforming the workforce, but not in the way many people expect. While headlines often focus on jobs being replaced, the reality is more nuanced. AI is changing how work gets done, increasing the importance of critical thinking, communication, adaptability, and other uniquely human skills. At the same time, educators, employers, and policymakers are facing growing pressure to ensure students and workers are prepared for rapidly evolving career demands. This podcast explores how workforce trends, labor market data, Career and Technical Education (CTE), and lifelong learning can help close the gap between education and employment in an AI-driven economy.
In this episode of the EdGate Powers Podcast, Rich Portelance sits down with Will Markow, Founder and CEO of FourOne Insights, to discuss how artificial intelligence, workforce data, and evolving employer expectations are reshaping education and career preparation. Together, they examine why the future of work depends less on replacing people with AI and more on equipping learners with durable human skills, stronger industry connections, and the adaptability needed to succeed in a rapidly changing workforce.
Join us as we explore the future of workforce readiness, not simply preparing students for today's jobs, but equipping them with the skills, adaptability, and learning mindset needed to thrive in tomorrow's economy.
In this episode, you will learn:
- How AI is changing work by reshaping skills rather than replacing jobs.
- Why durable human skills are becoming more valuable alongside emerging technologies.
- How Career and Technical Education (CTE) can better prepare students for evolving careers.
- How concept-based taxonomies create consistent, scalable alignment.
- The role of employer partnerships, internships, and work-based learning in workforce development.
- Why skills-based hiring, mentorship, and continuous upskilling strengthen organizations.
- How educators can use workforce data to make more informed curriculum decisions.
Why This Conversation Matters
Workforce demands are changing faster than traditional education models can adapt. Employers are seeking individuals who can combine technical knowledge with communication, critical thinking, and lifelong learning, while educators are being challenged to align curriculum with rapidly evolving labor market needs. Organizations that embrace data-informed decision-making, stronger employer partnerships, and continuous skill development will be able to prepare learners for long-term career success better.
Organizations that strengthen collaboration between educators, employers, and policymakers while investing in continuous learning and data-informed decision-making will be better positioned to prepare learners for evolving careers, close emerging skills gaps, and build a more resilient workforce.
Join Rich and Will as they explore the future of workforce readiness, not simply preparing students for today's jobs, but equipping them with the skills, adaptability, and learning mindset needed to thrive in tomorrow's economy.
Learn how artificial intelligence, workforce trends, and evolving employer expectations are changing education and workforce preparation.
Will Markow is an internationally recognized expert on the future of work and the Founder and CEO of FourOne Insights. Will has advised hundreds of companies, technology vendors, training providers, workforce development organizations, government agencies, and multiple White House administrations on key issues related to the future of work, skills-based hiring, and related topics.
Rich is passionate about eEdTech and helping people discover pathways to successful careers. He leverages his many years of business experience in strategy, product development, brand creation, and sales & marketing as a frequent industry speaker and sought-after consultant.
Beginning his career in digital marketing and web development, Rich was recruited into the private, independent school market to help usher in digital technologies and social media. During this time, Richard served as a student advisor and was nominated to serve on the CAIS (Connecticut Association of Independent Schools) Technology Commission. In 2012, Rich joined York & Chapel, a brand and digital transformation agency where he began working with secondary and higher ed clients, developing strategies for student engagement and pathway creation. In 2014, Richard founded CareerPath, a SaaS engagement platform. Over the past ten years, Rich has given back to the industry as an advisor to numerous EdTech startups, and generally has had a blast doing what he loves to do — help others succeed.
Questions Answered
During the podcast, we tackle plenty of critical questions about AI replacing jobs, education and workforce needs, and skills-based hiring practices.
- What is a misconception that people have about the future of work?
- How is AI affecting entry-level versus senior-level jobs?
- Should Career and Technical Education (CTE) be viewed as an alternative pathway?
- What should a modern Career and Technical Education (CTE) program include?
- What does a skills-based organization look like in practice versus in theory? How about with durable skills versus volatile skills?
- How can companies improve the way they upskill workers and measure competency?
- What should a 17 or 18-year-old spend time learning before entering the marketplace? And vice versa?
- How can lifelong learning become more accessible for students and workers?
- How should educators use data in their decision-making?
- How do edtech publishers and providers avoid chasing trends and focus on signal over noise?
- What job or career path will disappear or fundamentally change over the next decade?
- What does good education plus workforce alignment look like?