General Assembly CEO Lewin on Workforce Reskilling

Lisa Lewin, CEO of General Assembly, discusses her transition to leadership during the pandemic, highlighting the challenges and adaptations required for remote work. She emphasizes the importance of building trust and authenticity in a virtual environment. The conversation also covers the increased demand for tech skills and career shifts during the pandemic, as well as the effectiveness of hybrid and remote learning environments. Finally, the discussion touches on hybrid work preferences and diversity considerations in the workplace.

What was one of the unexpected benefits Lisa Lewin found in taking over as CEO during the pandemic?

• Higher employee turnover

• Easier access to global markets

• Opportunity to refound the company

• Increased face-to-face interactions

What was a significant challenge for General Assembly when transitioning to remote work?

• Lack of digital infrastructure

• Loss of physical campus experiences

• Increased operational costs

• Decreased student enrollment

How did Lisa Lewin approach building trust with her employees in a remote setting?

• By holding daily meetings

• By being authentic and relatable

• By implementing strict policies

• By offering financial incentives

What personal trait did Lisa Lewin emphasize to build trust with her team?

• Humor

• Strictness

• Professionalism

• Vulnerability

What was a major reason for the surge in demand for tech skills during the pandemic?

• Tech jobs offer stability and growth

• Tech jobs require no prior experience

• Tech jobs are available in every city

• Tech jobs are easy to learn

What is one reason people were motivated to reskill during the pandemic?

• To travel more

• To reduce working hours

• To enter high-demand tech fields

• To avoid working from home

What is a key component of effective learning in a hybrid or remote environment according to the discussion?

• Using a blended approach

• Relying on in-person training only

• Focusing solely on asynchronous learning

• Avoiding technology in training

What is a benefit of a blended learning model?

• It requires no technology

• It eliminates the need for instructors

• It combines different learning methods

• It focuses only on technical skills

Why do women and people of color often prefer remote work environments?

• They dislike office settings

• They are less productive in offices

• They find remote work more flexible and comfortable

• They have fewer responsibilities at home

How does remote work benefit women according to the discussion?

• It increases their salary

• It allows for better work-life balance

• It offers more vacation time

• It reduces their workload