The Coursera Podcast

We sat down with Matt Sanchez, Chief Operating Officer at Yahoo, to talk about how one of the internet’s original giants is transforming itself for the age of AI.With a career rooted in product innovation and a passion for learning, Matt shares how Yahoo is reinventing user experiences with GenAI, preparing employees with the skills to drive impact, and building a culture that values experimentation and continuous growth.Whether you’re thinking about AI strategy or workforce transformation, this episode offers practical lessons on how to lead change at scale.We also cover:How Yahoo is embedding GenAI into products across its ecosystemWhat it takes to upskill employees for the age of AIHow leaders can balance innovation with trust and governanceWhy AI literacy is becoming a core skill across rolesLessons from Yahoo’s learning and development playbook+++Explore courses on AI, digital transformation, and leadership at Coursera.org to build the skills you need to apply new technologies and stay ahead in a rapidly changing world.

We sat down with Dr. Pranesh Aswath, Provost and Executive Vice President at Texas State University, and Adam Long, a computer science student and student government leader, to talk about how universities are evolving to better prepare students for today’s workforce.From launching career-aligned micro-credentials to embracing student-driven innovation, Texas State is rethinking how higher education can meet the moment. Pranesh and Adam share how they’ve worked together to create new pathways to opportunity—and why listening to students is essential to building programs that work.Whether you’re an educator, learner, or policymaker, this episode offers a roadmap for change.We also cover:🎯 How Texas State aligned micro-credentials with in-demand job skills🗣️ Why student advocacy was key to launching the initiative💼 What students are looking for in career readiness🧑‍🤝‍🧑 How faculty and students collaborated to make it happen🌎 What global learners can take away from the Texas State model+++Explore career-focused credentials from top universities and companies at Coursera.org, and learn how you can build skills that translate directly to the job market at every stage of your learning journey.

We sat down with Dhawal Shah, Founder and CEO of Class Central, to explore the fascinating journey of online learning, from the early days of MOOCs to the transformative role of AI in education today.Dhawal's journey into the world of online education is as inspiring as it is insightful. He shares how Class Central started as a side project and grew into a global platform that helps millions of learners find and review online courses. Together, we dive into the pivotal moments that shaped online learning platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udemy, and discuss how corporate involvement and AI are influencing the future of education.We also cover:🎓 The rise of online learning and how it revolutionized global access to education🚀 How corporate partnerships are reshaping online learnin🤖 The evolving role of AI in content creation and personalized learning🎯 The biggest challenges in online education, from learner motivation to course completion💡 Dhawal's top course recommendations and insights on creating effective learning experiences+++Looking to discover your next learning adventure? Check out ClassCentral.com for comprehensive course reviews and recommendations. And don't forget to explore Coursera.org for a wide range of programs designed to help you upskill and advance your career. Start learning today with Coursera!

We sat down with Anupriya Sharma, Vice President of Technology Strategy at Walmart US, to talk about what it takes to lead digital transformation at one of the world’s largest companies.From navigating change and scaling GenAI to building a strong learning culture, Anupriya shares how Walmart is embracing innovation while keeping people at the center. She offers insights on change management, building inclusive technologies, and the critical role empathy plays in tech leadership. Whether you’re rethinking your strategy or just getting started with AI, her perspective is a must-hear.We also cover:🛒 How Walmart is using GenAI to personalize shopping and improve associate tools🧠 What it means to lead with an intrapreneurial mindset⚙️ The importance of responsible experimentation at scale📚 How Walmart is investing in associate learning through programs like Live Better U🧩 Why empathy and storytelling are essential skills in tech roles+++Explore courses on AI, digital transformation, and leadership at Coursera.org, and learn how to integrate AI into day-to-day decision-making—and stay ahead in an evolving global landscape.

We sat down with Ylli Bajraktari, President and CEO of the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), to discuss how AI is transforming global competitiveness, national security, and the future of work.Ylli draws on years of leadership experience across the Pentagon, the White House, and the National Security Commission on AI to explain why AI adoption is now a national imperative. He shares the founding story of SCSP, insights on policy and leadership in the age of AI, and why public-private collaboration is essential to maintaining U.S. leadership in emerging technologies.We also cover:🌍 How AI is reshaping global power dynamics and strategic competition💼 What leaders need to succeed in an AI-driven world🏛️ Why government must prioritize reskilling and AI literacy📘 A new Coursera course tailored for public sector professionals🔍 Lessons for private sector leaders from national security AI strategies+++Explore the free AI and National Security course on Coursera.org, designed for professionals working in government, policy, and beyond. Learn how to integrate AI into day-to-day decision-making—and stay ahead in an evolving global landscape.

We sat down with Suraj Srinivasan, a professor at Harvard Business School and an expert in corporate governance, AI, and innovation, to explore how leaders can navigate disruption and drive meaningful change in an era of rapid technological advancements.Suraj shares his fascinating career journey—from investment banking to launching a retail business in India to becoming a leading voice in business education. We dive into the key challenges organizations face today, from AI adoption to ethical considerations, and discuss strategies for building resilient and forward-thinking leadership.We also cover:🌍 How businesses can develop strategies to thrive in disruptive times🤖 The role of generative AI in shaping industries and leadership🏛️ The importance of corporate governance and ethical AI adoption📈 Key lessons from Coursera’s innovative approach to AI🌱 How organizations can balance profitability with social and environmental impactThis episode is a must-listen if you're interested in leadership, innovation, and the future of work!+++Want to stay ahead in a rapidly changing world? Explore resources on Coursera.org to build skills in AI, leadership, and strategy. Whether you're a business leader, educator, or lifelong learner, Coursera has courses to help you thrive in the digital economy!

We sat down with Molly Nagler, Chief Learning Officer at Moderna, to explore how curiosity and innovation are transforming learning and development. Molly shares how Moderna is tackling challenges like AI adoption, skills shortages, and workforce transformation while making mRNA education accessible to learners worldwide. In this episode, Molly and Arunav also discuss: 🌟 The importance of curiosity in fostering a learning culture 🤖 How AI is revolutionizing training, from custom GPTs to personalized learning pathways 📚 The role of STEM education in bridging skill gaps and creating opportunities 🔄 Strategies for navigating change and building resilience in organizations +++ Curious about the science behind mRNA technology? Check out Moderna’s free mRNAs as Medicines course on Coursera. It’s a fantastic resource for anyone interested in science and innovation. Plus, explore thousands of other courses from world-class universities and companies like Yale, Google, and Microsoft. Start learning today with Coursera!

We sat down with Amanda Brophy, Director of Grow with Google, to explore how technology has transformed workforce training and career development. Amanda shared the story behind Grow with Google’s career certificates, which have empowered hundreds of thousands of learners worldwide, and highlighted the program’s focus on inclusivity, digital skills, and AI training. In this conversation, Amanda and Arunav cover: 🎓 The origins of Grow with Google and its mission to create economic opportunity for all 🌐 The global impact of career certificates, with 600,000+ graduates and growing 🤖 The rise of AI skills and their importance in today’s workforce 📈 Addressing critiques of short-term credentials with pathways to long-term success 🎯 Integrating soft skills like communication and leadership into technical training +++ Are you ready to elevate your career? Explore Google’s career certificates on Coursera and gain in-demand skills in AI, cybersecurity, data analytics, and more. Whether you’re starting fresh or switching careers, these programs offer a proven path to success. Start learning today!

In this episode, we sit down with Panos A. Panay⁠⁠⁠, President of the Recording Academy, to explore his remarkable journey—from founding Sonicbids to leading one of the most influential organizations in the music industry during a time of profound change. Panos shares insights on the transformative role of music education, the impact of emerging technologies like AI, and the Academy’s global efforts to inspire creativity. ⁠ In this episode, Panos and Arunav cover: 🎶 The universal, healing power of music 📚 The importance of music education in personal and professional development 🎤 The GRAMMY GO initiative and its role in empowering emerging artists 🌍 Expanding global access to music education and resources 🤖 AI’s influence on the music industry and the balance between innovation and authenticity +++ Are you an emerging musician ready to take your craft to the next level? Check out GRAMMY GO on Coursera to learn how to build your audience and master music production from industry experts. Plus, explore other courses from top universities and companies like Yale, Google, and Microsoft. Start learning with Coursera today!

We sat down with Dr. Vic Strecher, professor at the University of Michigan’s School of Public Health and the founder of Kumanu, a company focused on building purposeful cultures in organizations, to discuss transformative power of purpose and resilience. In this episode, Vic and Arunav cover: 🧠 The physiological and psychological benefits of having a purpose 📋 Strategies to cultivate purpose, build resilience, and set meaningful goals ⚙️ How leaders can build purposeful, resilient teams in the workplace 🤖 How AI is reshaping the way we think about purpose and work 📚 Key lessons from Vic’s popular course, Finding Purpose and Meaning in Life +++ Is your purpose to grow your skillset or learn something new? With Coursera Plus, you’ll have unlimited access to 7,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs from world-class universities and companies like Yale, Google, Microsoft, and Salesforce. Sign up for Coursera Plus today.

We sat down with Sayasat Nurbek, the Minister of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan, to discuss how the widespread adoption of online learning is helping to bridge the skills gap in his country. Minister Nurbek shares his personal journey and passion for education, as well as the initiatives he has led to reshape Kazakhstan's higher education system. In this episode, Sayasat and Arunav cover: The challenges of upskilling and reskilling a workforce, including the need for English language proficiency, quality faculty, and advanced infrastructure. Transforming education through strategic partnerships with international universities and online learning platforms like Coursera. Personalizing the learning journey for students to facilitate lifelong learning +++ Interested in furthering your own education online? With Coursera Plus, you’ll have unlimited access to 7,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs from world-class universities and companies like Yale, Google, Microsoft, and Salesforce. Sign up for Coursera Plus today.

We sat down with Jeff Hollan, Head of Applications and Developer Platform at Snowflake, to discuss how product design is changing and how developers are scaling up their skill sets to make the most of AI. From enhancing collaboration to unleashing new levels of imagination, Jeff’s insights will inspire you to see AI as your new creative and technical partner. In this episode, Jeff and Arunav cover: Balancing Innovation and Technical Debt Enhancing Accessibility and Creativity with AI The Role of AI in Personal Productivity Building Diverse Teams in the Age of AI An update on Snowflake's Northstar learning program on Coursera ++ Snowflake's Northstar Builder Education program on Coursera aims to reach millions of builders and help them develop skills in data and AI. With this program, you can learn at your own pace with online courses, join Snowflake for in-person training events near you, and earn badges to show off your new skills.