Tech Journey Insights Season 2 Episode 5 podcast graphic featuring Beverly Clarke MBE and Rebecca Franks.

The Future of Work: AI, Digital Skills and Why Inclusion Matters More Than Ever

ByRebecca Franks

Season 2 • Episode 5
39 min
Published February 2025
Future of Work • Digital Skills • Inclusion

Episode summary

Rebecca Franks and Beverly Clarke MBE reflect on recent milestones, including the launch of Flock XR, funding successes for Technology Books for Children and the realities of building purpose-driven organisations. They discuss the resilience needed when developing new technology, the importance of securing funding and why progress is often built one step at a time.

The conversation explores the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report, examining the growing demand for digital skills, AI literacy and lifelong learning. Rebecca and Beverly discuss how educators, employers and individuals can prepare for a rapidly changing workplace while ensuring that technology remains inclusive and accessible for everyone.

The episode concludes by exploring digital receipts, AI-generated fraud, inclusion, changing customer experiences and the ethical questions raised by increasingly automated systems. Throughout the discussion, they encourage listeners to stay curious, question technology and focus on creating solutions that genuinely improve people’s lives.

Journey insights

  • Building meaningful technology requires persistence, resilience and a clear purpose.
  • Digital skills and AI literacy are becoming essential across almost every profession.
  • Inclusion requires action, not simply good intentions or awareness campaigns.
  • Technology should simplify life without compromising privacy or trust.
  • Curiosity is one of the most valuable skills for navigating a rapidly changing world.

Is this episode for you?

This episode is for you if you are:

  • Professionals preparing for the future of work.
  • Educators teaching digital skills and AI.
  • Entrepreneurs building technology products or services.
  • Business leaders responsible for digital transformation.
  • Anyone interested in inclusion, lifelong learning and emerging technologies.

About this episode

Rebecca Franks and Beverly Clarke MBE explore how artificial intelligence, digital skills and emerging technologies are reshaping work, education and society. From the Future of Jobs Report and inclusive technology design to AI fraud, digital privacy and entrepreneurship, this episode examines how we can embrace innovation while ensuring technology works for everyone.

About the speakers

Rebecca Franks

Rebecca Franks is an award-winning technology educator, entrepreneur and Co-founder of Flip Computing. With more than 20 years of experience in education, she has authored national computing curricula, developed AI education programmes and speaks internationally about technology, inclusion and innovation. Rebecca is passionate about helping people build confidence, develop digital skills and discover rewarding careers in technology.

Beverly Clarke MBE

Beverly Clarke MBE is a technology leader, educator, coach and author with over 20 years of experience in education and digital skills. She is the author of the Ava and Chip children’s book series and is passionate about digital inclusion, artificial intelligence, coaching and empowering people to achieve their potential. Beverly was awarded an MBE for services to computing and digital education.

Together, Rebecca and Beverly share honest conversations about technology, careers, entrepreneurship and the lessons they are learning along the way.

Resources mentioned

  • World Economic Forum – Future of Jobs Report
  • Flock XR
  • Technology Books for Children
  • BETT Show
  • Epic Games
  • Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN)
  • Theo Paphitis
  • AI-generated fraud
  • Digital receipts
  • AI prompt engineering

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