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About the Episode

As headlines continue to announce sweeping layoffs and AI reshapes how work gets done, the conversation around the future of employment has never been more urgent. On a recent episode of NPR’s Make Me Smart podcast, 1Huddle Founder and CEO Sam Caucci joined a powerful panel at Aspen Ideas: Economy to discuss one of the most pressing challenges of our time: How can we build a more diverse and resilient labor market?

Hosted by Make Me Smart’s Kimberly Adams, the discussion featured Claire Casey, President of the AARP Foundation, and Dr. Margaret McMenamin, President of Union College of Union County, New Jersey, alongside Caucci. Together, they unpacked how rapid technological change, demographic shifts, and evolving expectations are forcing leaders to rethink the future of work.

Rethinking Workforce Development in the Age of AI

As AI accelerates automation and companies across industries announce major layoffs, millions of workers are asking what comes next. Caucci emphasized that the problem isn’t just about technology—it’s about access and opportunity.

“We’re not just facing a skills gap,” he explained. “We’re facing an access gap. Too many people are left out of the workforce conversation because they don’t have an equal shot at training, upskilling, and advancement.”

At 1Huddle, that mission has long been front and center. Through game-based training technology, the company is transforming how organizations—from small businesses to Fortune 500s—prepare their teams for the challenges of tomorrow. Instead of relying on outdated, one-size-fits-all training modules, 1Huddle gamifies learning, making it more engaging, inclusive, and measurable.

Bridging the Skills Divide

During the panel, Caucci and his fellow guests highlighted the need to invest in people, not just platforms. McMenamin spoke about the role of community colleges in providing affordable, fast-track education for workers in transition. Casey discussed how older workers—often overlooked in conversations about innovation—remain a critical, experienced segment of the labor force.

Caucci tied these themes together by pointing out that resilience starts with inclusion.

“If we want a stronger labor market,” he said, “we have to make learning more accessible and meaningful for everyone—whether you’re 18 or 68. Training shouldn’t feel like a chore; it should feel like progress.”

The Future of Work Is Human

While technology continues to disrupt nearly every sector, Caucci reminded listeners that the solution isn’t to fear innovation—it’s to prepare for it. The key, he argued, is building systems that empower workers to adapt, grow, and thrive in a constantly evolving economy.

That’s exactly what 1Huddle is working toward: helping companies turn every employee into a confident, capable player in the future of work.