Reskilling the UK’s Workforce for the AI Economy: Focus on 01Founders

Richard Foster-FletcherJuly 20, 2024

I recently had the pleasure of being a part of the celebrations for the three-year anniversary of 01Founders in London. An initiative that aims to drive more people into technology and coding, thereby improving careers and fostering innovation. 01Founders is a groundbreaking coding school that offers a unique, peer-to-peer learning environment, enabling individuals to acquire practical tech skills without prior experience. Their roadmap provides a structured path from novice to professional developer, addressing the growing demand for skilled tech professionals.

As an advocate for reskilling the UK to support the burgeoning AI economy, I am impressed by the talent and dedication seen in the 01Founders community. This initiative is crucial for equipping the workforce with real, in-demand skills, making it an invaluable asset for employers seeking competent tech talent.

Furthermore, as the Chair of MKAI.org, I am deeply involved in advancing ethical AI practices and supporting AI upskilling. MKAI.org plays a pivotal role in helping leaders navigate the ethics, accountability, and responsibility that come with AI adoption and integration. Through strategic AI integration consultancy and adult learning courses, we help organisations harness AI ethically and effectively.

The success of 01Founders highlights the importance of proactive reskilling initiatives. By supporting such programmes, we can drive innovation and ensure that the UK remains competitive in the global AI landscape. As we advance ethical AI practices and a global AI community, it is imperative to empower individuals with the skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven economy. This approach not only benefits businesses but also promotes social equity and long-term economic growth.

Celebrating 01Founders’ three-year milestone underscores the vital role of reskilling in shaping the future workforce. By integrating technology and coding skills into education and professional development, we can create a more inclusive and innovative society. The ongoing collaboration between MKAI.org and educational institutions is essential in supporting this mission, ensuring that the benefits of AI are accessible to all and that the UK continues to lead in technological advancements.

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Richard is a thorough professional who takes his work seriously, is knowledgeable and possibly the best at spreading the word about AI. Richard’s probing questions about this subject, make you think. He gets the best out of you!

Nikhil Malhotra, Chief Innovation Officer, Tech Mahindra

The physicist John Wheeler once remarked, “We shape the world by the questions we ask.” If that’s so, then Richard is shaping the world. I had the pleasure of joining him as a guest on his podcast and was *profoundly* impressed with the depth, generosity and thoughtfulness of his questions. He’s a star!

Andrew Zolli, Chief Impact Officer at Planet

Richard is a great global thought leader in the field of emerging technologies. I really appreciate his passion and work to create awareness about various critical topics like AI ethics, developing and implementing responsible AI, the understanding impact of emerging technologies for the future, and building strong leadership and ways to address climate change challenges. I also highly recommend everyone to listen to his podcast channel “Boundless” which explores fascinating topics around emerging technologies, leadership, and change. Richard is truly inspiring and I love his work.

Abhinav Raje Sr , Product Manager@NAB | Storyteller | Inspiring Ideas Podcast

Richard delivered an insightful and thought-provoking talk on the expansive implications of artificial intelligence on society, the future of work, and ethical considerations. His ability to articulate complex concepts in an accessible manner prompted a dynamic and engaging discussion among attendees. Richard’s presentation not only highlighted the potential risks and rewards of AI adoption but also encouraged a deeper understanding of its impact. The session was very well-received, sparking meaningful dialogue and a multitude of questions from an engaged audience. We are appreciative of Richard’s contribution to our event and his role in advancing the conversation around AI. His expertise and passion for the subject matter were evident and greatly appreciated by all participants.

Andy Murray, Executive Director at Major Projects Association

Richard has a unique quality:360° perception. If you want to have a real conversation that goes through every aspect of a topic, Richard is the person you want! Richard takes you further than most people I know. You always end up learning more about yourself and the information you were trying to convey. Richard is boundless indeed and will take you as well as your audience to the next level!

Denis Rothman, AI Expert & Ethicist | Author & Speaker

It would be easy to describe Richard as an inspirational keynote speaker, an energetic and positive founder and a great podcast compere. And these would all be true. But to do so would miss something important and worth talking about. Richard is all about bringing the right people together and then inspiring them to do what they are best at. You can see it in his events, in his podcasts and in his keynote speeches. This positivity, respect and encouragement of everyone else is what makes Richard stands out. Book him. Work with him. Enjoy it.

Ryan Parke, Professional Speaker on Male Mental Health

Richard Foster-Fletcher is an asset to humanity. He brings intelligence and heart to our ever-changing future. He’s a team player who cares about people and their important role on the planet as stewards for future generations. He is a great communicator and thinks outside of the box when creating solutions to difficult problems. Richard also sees the value in healthy partnerships when expanding new ideas. It’s an honor to work with Richard.

Laura Cox, Executive Producer

Richard’s keynote at our recent EMEA Conference was both enlightening and engaging. His presentation, “AI in Action – Balancing Innovation and Integrity in Decision-Making” adeptly addressed the complex interplay of AI innovation and ethics, enhancing our understanding of these critical issues. Richard combined humour and humility to make the intricate topics of bias and the future of work approachable, while his interactive style enriched our session. We are grateful for his significant contribution to the conference and for advancing the conversation on ethical AI.

Megan Hendricks, Executive Director, MBA Career Services & Employee Alliance

I have known Richard since the beginning years of MKAI. He is an engaging speaker and leader with the delivery of a world-class orator. If Richard is speaking somewhere, I’m listening in.

Ambassador Terry Earthwind Nichols, Ambassador | International Speaker

Richard Foster-Fletcher delivered a truly engaging and thought-provoking keynote at the AI Tomorrow Summit 2024 in Türkiye. His insights into the transformative potential of AI for Türkiye’s economy were both enlightening and impactful. Richard’s emphasis on the pivotal role of generative AI for SMEs, the importance of upskilling, and ethical considerations in AI development resonated deeply with our audience. His ability to articulate complex concepts with clarity and relevance made the session highly valuable. AIPA were thrilled to have Richard speak and look forward to future collaborations.

Ulas Malli, Board Member, AIPA

Richard provided an excellent platform for our discussion, skillfully getting to the heart of the matter and allowing me to share my views effectively. His thoughtful questions, combined with a warm and engaging manner, made for a truly insightful conversation. I appreciated his genuine interest and the respectful way he facilitated our discussion.

Sir Anthony Seldon, Author, Historian and Educator