The Coursera Podcast

One of the biggest life transitions that service members face is moving on to their next career.In this episode of The Coursera Podcast, Arunav Sinha and Anthony Salcito speak with Danielle Haro, Director of Transition Programs at the USO, about how personalized support, community, and skills-based learning help service members and military spouses navigate what comes next.Danielle shares how the USO creates individualized action plans, helps learners overcome impostor syndrome, and leverages online learning to expand access to in-demand skills, from cybersecurity to AI literacy. Drawing on her experience as a military spouse, she reframes “readiness” as continuous growth rather than a one-time milestone.We also cover:🎖️ The biggest challenges of military-to-civilian transitions 🧭 How personalized action plans cut through overwhelm 🧠 Why adaptability and AI literacy matter for every role 📈 How online learning builds confidence and momentum 🤝 The role of community and mentorship in career change+++If you’d like to explore new skills, discover a career pathway, or just take the next step in your own learning journey, you can find thousands of courses and professional certificates on Coursera.org.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Shonda Gibson and Dr. Mary Liz Brooks to explore how the Texas A&M University System is preparing students for a rapidly changing job market. Across its 11 campuses, Texas A&M is embedding industry-aligned credentials into degree programs to bridge academic learning and workforce needs—at scale.Shonda, who leads academic transformation for the entire system, shares how a community-of-practice model has driven adoption from the ground up, allowing each campus to tailor implementation while staying aligned to a shared vision. Mary Liz brings the classroom perspective, highlighting how students are engaging with Coursera’s Career Academy to build confidence, gain real-world skills, and shape their professional identities—before graduation.This conversation offers a powerful look at what’s possible when system-level innovation meets faculty-led experimentation, and how higher education can support student success far beyond the classroom.We also cover:🎓 What “career readiness” means in the age of automation and AI🔧 How Texas A&M embedded Career Academy directly into curriculum📊 The impact of over 20,000 learning hours and 4,700+ course completions🌍 Strategies for equity and access across rural and urban campuses🧩 What public universities can do to rethink ROI and lifelong learning+++Explore Coursera Career Academy and learn how institutions are embedding real-world learning into their degree programs: coursera.org/campus

We sat down with Valerie Singer, General Manager of AWS Global Education, to talk about how organizations are preparing their workforces for the AI era.Drawing on insights from From Cloud to AI: How Tech Leaders Are Investing in Skills Development to Drive Transformation, a new global survey from Coursera and AWS, Valerie shares why cloud and cybersecurity remain foundational to AI transformation, how hands-on learning is shaping the next generation of tech talent, and why AI literacy matters for everyone—not just technical roles. She also highlights how AWS is partnering globally to close skills gaps and expand opportunity, from professional certificates with Coursera to programs serving underserved communities.Whether you’re a business leader, educator, or lifelong learner, this episode offers practical lessons on how to build resilient teams and unlock opportunity through skills.We also cover:⚡ Why cloud infrastructure is the bedrock for AI at scale🔧 How hands-on learning and customization are reshaping training🌱 AWS initiatives to bridge skills gaps in underserved communities🧩 Why AI literacy matters across both technical and non-technical roles✨ Lessons from global workforce development models driving equity and access+++Explore AWS Professional Certificates and Specializations on Coursera, from Generative AI Applications to Cloud Solutions Architecture, and start building the skills to power the future of work.

We sat down with Dr. Jerry Wind, Lauder Professor Emeritus and Professor of Marketing at the Wharton School, to explore what creativity means in an era where AI can generate art, ideas, and strategies in seconds.A pioneer in marketing science and strategic innovation, Jerry shares how human imagination, intuition, and courage remain at the heart of innovation—even as generative AI reshapes the way we create and learn. He introduces lessons from his new Coursera course, Creativity in Business and Other Disciplines, and companion book, Creativity in the Age of AI, offering a bold framework for rethinking how we approach creativity across industries and education.Whether you’re a business leader, educator, or lifelong learner, this episode highlights practical ways to unlock new ideas, embrace experimentation, and challenge the status quo.We also cover:🎨 The role of AI in amplifying (not replacing) human creativity🔬 Why adaptive experimentation is essential for leaders💡 Lessons on courage, persistence, and unlearning from innovators across fields📚 How education must evolve to foster imagination alongside skills+++Explore courses on creativity, innovation, and leadership at Coursera.org to build the skills you need to spark new ideas and thrive in a rapidly changing world.

We sat down with Matt Sanchez, Chief Operating Officer at Yahoo, to talk about how one of the internet’s original giants is transforming itself for the age of AI.With a career rooted in product innovation and a passion for learning, Matt shares how Yahoo is reinventing user experiences with GenAI, preparing employees with the skills to drive impact, and building a culture that values experimentation and continuous growth.Whether you’re thinking about AI strategy or workforce transformation, this episode offers practical lessons on how to lead change at scale.We also cover:How Yahoo is embedding GenAI into products across its ecosystemWhat it takes to upskill employees for the age of AIHow leaders can balance innovation with trust and governanceWhy AI literacy is becoming a core skill across rolesLessons from Yahoo’s learning and development playbook+++Explore courses on AI, digital transformation, and leadership at Coursera.org to build the skills you need to apply new technologies and stay ahead in a rapidly changing world.

We sat down with Dr. Pranesh Aswath, Provost and Executive Vice President at Texas State University, and Adam Long, a computer science student and student government leader, to talk about how universities are evolving to better prepare students for today’s workforce.From launching career-aligned micro-credentials to embracing student-driven innovation, Texas State is rethinking how higher education can meet the moment. Pranesh and Adam share how they’ve worked together to create new pathways to opportunity—and why listening to students is essential to building programs that work.Whether you’re an educator, learner, or policymaker, this episode offers a roadmap for change.We also cover:🎯 How Texas State aligned micro-credentials with in-demand job skills🗣️ Why student advocacy was key to launching the initiative💼 What students are looking for in career readiness🧑‍🤝‍🧑 How faculty and students collaborated to make it happen🌎 What global learners can take away from the Texas State model+++Explore career-focused credentials from top universities and companies at Coursera.org, and learn how you can build skills that translate directly to the job market at every stage of your learning journey.

We sat down with Dhawal Shah, Founder and CEO of Class Central, to explore the fascinating journey of online learning, from the early days of MOOCs to the transformative role of AI in education today.Dhawal's journey into the world of online education is as inspiring as it is insightful. He shares how Class Central started as a side project and grew into a global platform that helps millions of learners find and review online courses. Together, we dive into the pivotal moments that shaped online learning platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udemy, and discuss how corporate involvement and AI are influencing the future of education.We also cover:🎓 The rise of online learning and how it revolutionized global access to education🚀 How corporate partnerships are reshaping online learnin🤖 The evolving role of AI in content creation and personalized learning🎯 The biggest challenges in online education, from learner motivation to course completion💡 Dhawal's top course recommendations and insights on creating effective learning experiences+++Looking to discover your next learning adventure? Check out ClassCentral.com for comprehensive course reviews and recommendations. And don't forget to explore Coursera.org for a wide range of programs designed to help you upskill and advance your career. Start learning today with Coursera!

We sat down with Anupriya Sharma, Vice President of Technology Strategy at Walmart US, to talk about what it takes to lead digital transformation at one of the world’s largest companies.From navigating change and scaling GenAI to building a strong learning culture, Anupriya shares how Walmart is embracing innovation while keeping people at the center. She offers insights on change management, building inclusive technologies, and the critical role empathy plays in tech leadership. Whether you’re rethinking your strategy or just getting started with AI, her perspective is a must-hear.We also cover:🛒 How Walmart is using GenAI to personalize shopping and improve associate tools🧠 What it means to lead with an intrapreneurial mindset⚙️ The importance of responsible experimentation at scale📚 How Walmart is investing in associate learning through programs like Live Better U🧩 Why empathy and storytelling are essential skills in tech roles+++Explore courses on AI, digital transformation, and leadership at Coursera.org, and learn how to integrate AI into day-to-day decision-making—and stay ahead in an evolving global landscape.

We sat down with Ylli Bajraktari, President and CEO of the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), to discuss how AI is transforming global competitiveness, national security, and the future of work.Ylli draws on years of leadership experience across the Pentagon, the White House, and the National Security Commission on AI to explain why AI adoption is now a national imperative. He shares the founding story of SCSP, insights on policy and leadership in the age of AI, and why public-private collaboration is essential to maintaining U.S. leadership in emerging technologies.We also cover:🌍 How AI is reshaping global power dynamics and strategic competition💼 What leaders need to succeed in an AI-driven world🏛️ Why government must prioritize reskilling and AI literacy📘 A new Coursera course tailored for public sector professionals🔍 Lessons for private sector leaders from national security AI strategies+++Explore the free AI and National Security course on Coursera.org, designed for professionals working in government, policy, and beyond. Learn how to integrate AI into day-to-day decision-making—and stay ahead in an evolving global landscape.

We sat down with Suraj Srinivasan, a professor at Harvard Business School and an expert in corporate governance, AI, and innovation, to explore how leaders can navigate disruption and drive meaningful change in an era of rapid technological advancements.Suraj shares his fascinating career journey—from investment banking to launching a retail business in India to becoming a leading voice in business education. We dive into the key challenges organizations face today, from AI adoption to ethical considerations, and discuss strategies for building resilient and forward-thinking leadership.We also cover:🌍 How businesses can develop strategies to thrive in disruptive times🤖 The role of generative AI in shaping industries and leadership🏛️ The importance of corporate governance and ethical AI adoption📈 Key lessons from Coursera’s innovative approach to AI🌱 How organizations can balance profitability with social and environmental impactThis episode is a must-listen if you're interested in leadership, innovation, and the future of work!+++Want to stay ahead in a rapidly changing world? Explore resources on Coursera.org to build skills in AI, leadership, and strategy. Whether you're a business leader, educator, or lifelong learner, Coursera has courses to help you thrive in the digital economy!

We sat down with Molly Nagler, Chief Learning Officer at Moderna, to explore how curiosity and innovation are transforming learning and development. Molly shares how Moderna is tackling challenges like AI adoption, skills shortages, and workforce transformation while making mRNA education accessible to learners worldwide. In this episode, Molly and Arunav also discuss: 🌟 The importance of curiosity in fostering a learning culture 🤖 How AI is revolutionizing training, from custom GPTs to personalized learning pathways 📚 The role of STEM education in bridging skill gaps and creating opportunities 🔄 Strategies for navigating change and building resilience in organizations +++ Curious about the science behind mRNA technology? Check out Moderna’s free mRNAs as Medicines course on Coursera. It’s a fantastic resource for anyone interested in science and innovation. Plus, explore thousands of other courses from world-class universities and companies like Yale, Google, and Microsoft. Start learning today with Coursera!

We sat down with Amanda Brophy, Director of Grow with Google, to explore how technology has transformed workforce training and career development. Amanda shared the story behind Grow with Google’s career certificates, which have empowered hundreds of thousands of learners worldwide, and highlighted the program’s focus on inclusivity, digital skills, and AI training. In this conversation, Amanda and Arunav cover: 🎓 The origins of Grow with Google and its mission to create economic opportunity for all 🌐 The global impact of career certificates, with 600,000+ graduates and growing 🤖 The rise of AI skills and their importance in today’s workforce 📈 Addressing critiques of short-term credentials with pathways to long-term success 🎯 Integrating soft skills like communication and leadership into technical training +++ Are you ready to elevate your career? Explore Google’s career certificates on Coursera and gain in-demand skills in AI, cybersecurity, data analytics, and more. Whether you’re starting fresh or switching careers, these programs offer a proven path to success. Start learning today!