Title

AWS re:Invent 2022 - Learning at the speed of cloud: Turning employees into entrepreneurs (ENT217)

Summary

Phil Lebrun and Luke Hennekens, former CIOs of McDonald's and Airbus respectively, discuss the importance of reskilling organizations beyond the technology department.
They emphasize the concept of "never normal" due to constant disruption, highlighting the need for continuous adaptation and learning.
The speakers address the massive opportunity in cloud technology and the skills gap that organizations face.
They argue that all members of an organization, including leadership, need to be versed in technology to drive innovation and competitive advantage.
The talk covers the importance of creating a learning organization, leveraging systems thinking, shared vision, personal mastery, team learning, and challenging mental models.
Examples of Amazon's initiatives like the Amazon Career Choice program and AWS Restart are provided to illustrate successful upskilling and reskilling efforts.
The speakers debunk common myths about learning and training in organizations and provide actionable steps to create a learning culture.

The rapid pace of technological change has significantly reduced the half-life of skills, necessitating a culture of continuous learning and adaptation.
Organizations that invest in learning and development can expect a positive impact on motivation, loyalty, productivity, and innovation.
Cloud technology is not only a technical skill but also an organizational accelerator that can democratize learning and innovation across all levels of an organization.
The concept of "two pizza teams" is highlighted as a successful approach to team formation and problem-solving, fostering agility and learning.
The talk underscores the importance of leadership in role modeling learning behaviors, breaking down silos, and creating an environment that encourages continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.
Addressing the "yes, but" objections to learning and training within organizations is crucial to overcoming resistance and fostering a culture that values skill development.
The speakers advocate for a strategic approach to talent management, focusing on upskilling existing employees and recruiting for learning potential rather than just current skill sets.