Skills Over Titles: The New Talent Strategy

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From Title to Talent 

During a recent visit with my 94-year-old abuelita, we were sitting at her kitchen table, sipping cafecito and talking through some changes to her healthcare. She had just received a letter about her Medicare plan. Her new medications weren’t covered, and the out-of-pocket costs were adding up fast.

She told me she had already called the insurance specialist at her doctor’s office to ask for help. They told her there was nothing they could do. “Sorry, that’s just how the plan works.”

I wasn’t ready to give up. I picked up the phone, called the Medicare hotline directly, and started asking questions. After a few rounds of explaining and clarifying, the agent on the other end finally said, “Wait, let me see what we can do.”

By the end of that call, they had made adjustments and were able to cover my grandmother’s medication.

That’s when she looked at me over her glasses, half-smirking, and said:
"Mija, no es lo mismo tener el título que tener el talento."
(It’s not the same to have the title as to have the talent.)

At first, I laughed. It was classic Abuelita wisdom, delivered with her usual flair. But it stuck with me. The insurance specialist had the title. I just had the patience, persistence, and problem-solving skills.

That moment triggered a flashback to a pivotal meeting in my career.

Several years ago, I was in a high-stakes leadership meeting deciding who should lead a Talent Transformation initiative. The goal was to roll out a new HR platform and build a better system for identifying internal skills.

The usual names were suggested. Senior leaders with impressive titles. The safe choices. I sat there quietly, fully aware that my name wasn’t being considered.

Then, someone at the table finally asked the right question:
“What skills does this person actually need to lead this transformation?”

The room fell silent. Then they started listing:

• Data storytelling
• Tech-savviness
• Comfort with new technology tools
• Adaptability
• Innovative thinking

And just like that, they all turned and looked at me.

By the end of that meeting, I was leading the initiative.

That experience and my abuelita’s words made me realize how often we default to status and titles. What we really need is to look at what people can do.

Her wisdom wasn’t just about healthcare. It was a reminder that talent and skills, not titles, are what drive real progress.

THIS WEEK'S INSIGHTS:

Trend: AI is reshaping talent strategies by focusing on skills over titles.

Tip: Shift from traditional role-based thinking to a skills-first mindset.

Tool: Use AI platforms like Gloat, Eightfold, and Workday Skills Cloud to map and develop workforce skills.

TRENDS: 

The workplace is evolving fast. According to McKinsey, up to 375 million workers may need to switch occupational categories by 2030 due to automation and AI advancements.

The old approach of relying on resumes and job titles no longer works. Organizations need a dynamic understanding of their workforce’s skills.

AI-powered platforms are stepping in to fill this gap.

Gloat helps map hidden skills, align them with real-time business needs, and surface internal mobility opportunities.

Eightfold provides Skills Intelligence that identifies, develops, and retains high-potential talent.

Workday Skills Cloud uses AI to analyze and match skills across roles, helping leaders make smarter decisions.

For professionals, this is a game changer. Your growth is no longer limited by your current job title. Your skills are your currency, and AI helps you showcase them.

TIPS: Limiting Beliefs → Empowered Shifts

Old Belief: Job titles define capability.

New Belief: Skills and adaptability drive success.

How AI Helps: AI-powered platforms identify and match people to opportunities based on their actual skills, not just their job titles.

Old Belief: Experience is more important than potential.

New Belief: Continuous learning and innovation are key.

How AI Helps: AI tools highlight learning agility and emerging skills, helping leaders see beyond static resumes.

Old Belief: Talent is fixed.

New Belief: Talent evolves with the right opportunities.

How AI Helps: AI tracks skill development over time and matches people to roles that stretch and grow them.

TOOLS:  AI Prompts for Smarter Talent Strategy

Use these robust AI prompts to unlock deeper insights and make informed talent decisions. Copy them into ChatGPT, your preferred AI platform, or specific tools like Eightfold, Gloat, or Workday Skills Cloud for best results.


Prompt 1: 

Act as a Talent Strategy Expert specializing in workforce planning for [industry/department]. Using the latest trends in AI-powered skills analysis, evaluate our current workforce data. Identify the top five skills gaps that could impact our ability to meet strategic goals over the next 12 months. Recommend three targeted actions to close these gaps, including a mix of internal upskilling strategies, external partnerships, and AI tools. Provide a clear, step-by-step action plan with data-driven reasoning for each recommendation.

Use it with:

• ChatGPT: Great for drafting strategy plans and brainstorming workforce insights.
• Eightfold or Gloat: For in-depth skills analysis and data-driven talent insights.
  
  

Prompt 2: 

You are a Workforce Development Specialist with expertise in AI talent mapping. Review our internal employee data. Identify a list of employees who have demonstrated skills in [specific skill, e.g., data storytelling], including how they applied those skills (specific projects, results, or initiatives). For each individual, propose how they could be leveraged in upcoming strategic projects and suggest any relevant development opportunities to further enhance their capabilities.

Use it with:

• ChatGPT: Ideal for quick talent mapping ideas and drafting internal memos.
• Workday Skills Cloud: For structured, real-time employee skills data.
  
  

Prompt 3: 

Act as an AI-Powered Learning Consultant. Create a comprehensive learning roadmap for employees aiming to transition into [emerging role]. The roadmap should include the top five core skills required, recommended courses or resources (both internal and external), a 6 to 12-month timeline for mastery, and suggested internal mentors or experts who can support this development. Align the plan with current industry trends and ensure it is actionable and measurable.

Use it with:

• ChatGPT: Great for drafting learning plans and outlining development paths.
• Gloat or Eightfold: For identifying role-specific skills, mentors, and training opportunities.

PRO TIP:

When making career moves, don't just update your job title on LinkedIn; you need to update your skills profile. AI-powered platforms and talent systems track what you can do, not just what you’re called. The more you showcase your evolving skills, the more opportunities you will find.

👉🏽 What skills are you building today to lead tomorrow?

Closing Thought

Titles may open doors, but your skills keep you in the room.

In a world where job titles can be misleading, your adaptability, curiosity, and willingness to learn will truly set you apart. AI is not just a tool; it's a partner in identifying and nurturing these qualities.

Reflect on your journey. Are you leaning into your unique skills and experiences? Are you open to growth and innovation?

Remember, it's not about the title you hold but the value you bring.

Hasta la próxima, Abrazos!

Monica Marquez

When You're Ready...

Here’s how I can help you and your organization take your leadership and professional growth to the next level:

Speaking: I deliver engaging, high-impact keynotes and workshops on AI-driven leadership, personal branding, career advancement, and transformation. Whether it's a corporate event, leadership summit, or industry conference, I bring practical insights and strategies that empower professionals to thrive in today's rapidly evolving world.

Learning & Development Consulting: I partner with organizations to design and implement learning experiences that drive real impact. From AI-powered career development programs to leadership training tailored to their talent, I help companies advance their workforce and create growth opportunities for high-potential professionals.

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