David Leaser
New Market Thoughts
Dec 19, 2025
4
min read
News & Updates
Edtech and Workforce Development News Roundup - 12/19
In today's ever-changing world of education and workforce development, technology is increasingly shaping the opportunities available to students, schools, and employers. From online talent marketplaces and cutting-edge edtech tools to personalized support systems and updated regulations, these changes reflect a shared effort to make education more transparent, results-focused, and centered around the learner.
Dec 12, 2025
4
min read
News & Updates
Edtech and Workforce Development News Roundup - 12/12
In today's rapidly evolving workforce Industry, traditional pathways into employment are facing unprecedented challenges, from eroding entry-level opportunities to shifting perceptions of higher education's value. As AI continues to transform skill requirements and job roles, innovative approaches (such as portfolio-based work-based learning, skills-first strategies, and streamlined educational systems) are emerging as vital solutions to bridge gaps and foster economic mobility.
Dec 5, 2025
4
min read
News & Updates
Edtech and Workforce Development News Roundup - 12/05
In this week's News Roundup, the articles featured highlight how the traditional pathways from education to career are facing unprecedented challenges and opportunities. From the widening gap between high school graduation and workforce readiness to the diminishing returns of a college degree, stakeholders across the education and employment sectors are rethinking how we prepare young people for success.
David Leaser is the senior executive of strategic growth initiatives for IBM’s Training & Skills program. Mr. Leaser is the founder of the IBM Digital Badge program, a leading-edge digital credential program.
Leaser also developed the IBM New Collar Certificate Program and IBM’s first cloud-based embedded learning solution. Mr. Leaser is a member of the IMS Global Consortium Board advisory group for digital credentials, the national Credential As You Go Advisory Board and he provides guidance to the US Department of Labor and the US Department of Education as an employer subject matter expert.
Mr. Leaser holds a B.A. in Communications from Pepperdine University and an M.A. in Communications Management from USC’s Annenberg School. Mr. Leaser was appointed as an Industry Fellow in the Center for the Future of Higher Education & Talent Strategy in the College of Professional Studies at Northeastern University, an American Tier 1 university.
He is the author of thought leadership white papers on talent development, including “Migrating Minds,” “The Social Imperative in Workforce Development” and Wiley’s “Connecting Workplace Learning and Academic Credentials via Digital Badges.”
