In the first of a series of rapid fires as part of #SkillUp – a seasonal on reskilling and upskilling, business and HR leaders share tidbits of reflections on how companies can effectively tackle learning and development related challenges. They also share their own personal learning mantras and journeys. 

Kamal Dutta is the Managing Director of India, Skillsoft and SumTotal. Prior to Skillsoft and SumTotal, Dutta was Managing Director of Asia Growth Countries for HPE Software, which included India, SEA, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Korea. He has held many other leadership roles, including Country General Manager of Hewlett Packard Software in India. 

Here’s what he had to share:

One big skill-related challenge according to you

There’s too much of free bad content

One technology/innovation that will change the future of learning

Artificial Intelligence will enable hyper-personalization of learning

One step employers should take on re-skilling/upskilling

Building the right learning experience platform and ensuring top class content as content is the king for learning.

One tip to create a great learning culture

Build right learning engagement tools, have a learning strategy blueprint but more importantly have the right learning partners.

One advice for leaders to drive the learning agenda in their organization

Get the right resources to ensure you can develop a learning culture in the organization and it will be the best legacy that you can build.

Best book on Skilling 

Not quite sure there’s any specific one, but I think my all-time favorite is “Seven Habits of highly effective people” by Stephen R. Covey, an essential book on life skills.

One expert you follow on Skilling & Learning

Mark Onisk - Skillsoft

Your Learning Mantra

“Those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.” ― George Bernard Shaw

How do you make decisions when you don’t have all the necessary information?

Follow my instincts and gut

Who is your aspirational leader?

JRD Tata

Any specific skill you want to learn in the coming days

Leading with Emotional Intelligence

Best career advice you have ever gotten

If you want to be a leader, have a big heart and never forget the power of dreams.