On October 14, 2022, University of Phoenix’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) Raghu Krishnaiah spoke at the Leadership in the Age of Personalization® 2022 Executive Summit.
The Summit, entitled “Navigating Uncertainty,” saw individuals from across the U.S. come together to discuss trends that can cause uncertainty in the workplace. These participants also discussed the strategies they can implement to manage the unknown and uphold resilience in whatever challenges come their way.
Summit attendees included students, deans and faculty from higher education organizations; patients, doctors and administrators from healthcare companies; and employees, managers and C-suite executives from corporate businesses.
“Navigating Uncertainty”
The “Navigating Uncertainty” Summit saw speakers discuss the kind of uncertainty that a host of scenarios can cause and how to embrace these kinds of uncertainty. These scenarios included:
- War
- Recession
- COVID-19 pandemic
- Talent shortages
- Hybrid working
- E-learning
- Unclear expectations
- Inflation and rising consumer prices
- Clashing views on racial, social, health and climate justice
Discussion topics also included the latest trends in higher education, how universities and employers can be more flexible to accommodate student needs, strategies to navigate the effects of the great resignation and what Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) can mean for a company.
Speakers highlighted the fact that the only certainty is that more uncertainty will come. They explained that knowing how to manage uncertainty and find success in the face of today’s challenges is a valuable skill that can help leaders flourish.
The Summit encouraged attendees to implement progressive corporate social responsibility strategies to be responsive and competitive as they attempt to make a positive impact on wider society.
Attendees learned:
- How individuality affects their industries
- How to manage uncertainty by focusing on well-being and environmental, social and corporate governance (EGS)
- How to reform the ways that they think about inclusion by showing leaders and their organizations how to step away from standardization and instead acknowledge individuality
Raghu Krishnaiah’s Insights Into Closing the Employee Skills Gap
This year, Glenn Llopis Group and Ann Powers College of Business at Clemson University hosted the Summit, welcoming speakers like Krishnaiah, who provided workforce insights from University of Phoenix’s Career Institute® Career Optimism Index® study.
Krishnaiah shared tips on the topic, “Closing the Employee Skills Gap. Helping Employers Evolve Through the Employee.”
University of Phoenix’s Career Institute® addresses barriers to career advancement through research-based solutions and strategic partnerships, both of which aim to overcome the barriers that many workers face in their careers. These barriers often link to uncertainty, and the Career Optimism Index® study explores such uncertainty by taking a deep dive into employer and employee career perceptions.
This year, the Career Optimism Index® study revealed that many workers aren’t confident in their skills, and many don’t believe their employers are taking sufficient action to help them upskill or reskill. As a result, 52 percent of workers feel replaceable, and 41 percent worry they might lose their jobs.
Skills development during higher education is essential. Krishnaiah noted that the fast-paced nature of modern workforces requires students to stay “relevant and current” while they complete their degree programs. These individuals can demonstrate and apply the progress they achieve through skills training and acquisition to progress in their careers.
Krishnaiah also explained that University of Phoenix recognizes opportunities and steps that educational organizations can implement to enable inclusive, strategic and equitable skills development for students. These can empower students and workers in their career mobility, which can contribute to the growth of the businesses they work for.
About Raghu Krishnaiah
Over the past two decades, Krishnaiah has developed a career as an experienced change agent and strategist. He is well-versed in progressive profit and loss (P&L) management, sales and marketing, strategy, operations, technology, data analytics, product and human resources responsibilities.
Krishnaiah completed a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He also earned a Master of Business Administration from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
Now, as University of Phoenix’s COO, he dedicates himself to the University’s operating strategy and results.
Learn more about Raghu Krishnaiah and the Leadership in the Age of Personalization® Executive Summit.
About University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix is dedicated to progressing the educational goals of adult and nontraditional learners and to helping students navigate the career options and degree programs that align with their interests. The University’s degree programs can help students prepare for an array of in-demand career paths including in cybersecurity, nursing and business. These students have access to flexible start dates, online classes and numerous scholarship opportunities, which the University offers so anyone can earn the degree they desire. University of Phoenix also upholds a Career Services for Life® commitment for active students and graduates. This commitment provides the resources needed to be prepared when entering the workforce for no additional charge including resume and interview support, career guidance, and education and networking opportunities. Learn more at www.phoenix.edu.
