Insights
Reading the future of work — so you can act on it.Analysis and field notes on workforce policy, AI and emerging technology, economic mobility, and the craft of leading change — written by practitioners who do this work, not just watch it. Signal from noise, so you can move first. First up: what the new Workforce Pell landscape means for colleges, workforce boards, and the students and employers they serve.
Ditch the pre-conceived notions, let’s put Registered Apprenticeships to work for your organization
Every September, workforce boards, educators, employers, and civic leaders spotlight the people and programs that move local economies forward. This Workforce Development Month, there’s one proven, scalable tool that deserves center stage: Registered Apprenticeships...
Why a Fractional Workforce Strategist Belongs on Your Team (Right Now)
As the Founder & Chief Strategist at @Padilla Futures Group, a former workforce strategist, and nostalgic higher ed administrator, I’ve spent years helping education systems, private employers, chambers, economic development organizations, and state agencies align...
The Chamber Imperative in 2025: Why Chambers of Commerce Matter More than Ever
En route to Philly for the #ACCE25 convention, and there’s a palpable energy for me. As a former board member for several chambers, I feel like I’m on the way to see “my people”. I get it, and could not be more thrilled about the week ahead. Chambers are claiming...
Workforce Pell: From Pending to Passing — A July 2025 Update
The Bipartisan Workforce Pell Act is now law. Here’s what the new legislation means for short-term, skills-based training — and what institutions and employers should do to prepare.
The (pending) Bipartisan Workforce Pell Act: Game Changer in the Making?
The U.S. is at a bit of a crossroads when it comes to workforce development. We’ve got nearly 10 million unfilled jobs while over 6 million people are still unemployed. If you’ve worked in this space, you know the problem: a lot of folks just don’t have access to (or...
The “case” for strong case management in registered apprenticeships
Registered apprenticeships. Heard of ‘em? If you’re in workforce or economic development, you either love them or feel completely lost trying to figure out where they’re headed or how to implement them. I’ve spent years working with state and local governments,...