AI Is Changing Work Faster Than Institutions Can Keep Up

In this episode of The Shift Code Podcast, host Pierre Le Manh is joined by Pearson’s CEO, Omar Abbosh, to explore what happens when AI changes how people learn, work, and lead faster than institutions can adapt. Omar explains why traditional education must evolve toward lifelong learning, why assessment becomes more important when answers are instantly available, and how Pearson is building its strategy around assessment, next-generation education powered by AI, early careers, and enterprise skilling. He also shares why companies need to rethink skills as roles change and what leaders must get right when driving transformation. At the center of it all is a distinctly human challenge: AI can improve analysis, productivity, and decision support, but motivating people, exercising judgment, and building trust remain critical leadership responsibilities. 

What You’ll Learn:

• Why traditional education must evolve toward lifelong learning and alternative skills pathways
• How AI can support teachers and learners without removing the effort required for real learning
• Why assessment becomes even more important when learners can access AI-generated answers instantly
• How Pearson’s “one plus three” strategy builds growth around existing competitive strengths
• Why CEOs should use AI as a thought partner while keeping people-related decisions firmly human
• How enterprises can manage AI costs through multiple providers and fit-for-purpose models

Omar Abbosh is the Chief Executive Officer of Pearson, the global lifelong learning company, where he leads the organization’s strategy around assessment, next-generation education powered by AI, early careers, and enterprise skilling.

Before joining Pearson in January 2024, Omar served as President of Industry Solutions at Microsoft, helping customers create value through digital transformation. Prior to Microsoft, he spent more than three decades at Accenture, holding senior leadership roles including Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Executive of the company’s Communications, Media & Technology business, where he led a team of 100,000 people and a $9 billion business unit.

• Omar Abbosh on LinkedIn
• Pearson Website
• Pierre Le Manh on LinkedIn
• Project Management Institute Website
• Project Management Institute LinkedIn