David Leaser
New Market Thoughts
Jul 18, 2025
4
min read
News & Updates
Edtech and Workforce Development News Roundup - 7/18
From preparing graduates for the AI-driven job market to addressing historic disparities rooted in geographic and socioeconomic factors, innovative solutions are essential. Edtech companies, educators, and policymakers are increasingly collaborating to create equitable, future-ready learning environments that empower all students to thrive in an uncertain world.
Jul 11, 2025
4
min read
News & Updates
Edtech and Workforce Development News Roundup - 7/11
From the rising demand for targeted training to tackling chronic absenteeism and preparing teens for future careers, these articles highlight the pivotal role that edtech and workforce development companies can play in shaping a resilient, inclusive, and adaptable workforce.
Jul 4, 2025
4
min read
News & Updates
Edtech and Workforce Development News Roundup - 7/4
The articles in this week's News Roundup collectively highlight the urgent need for a student-centered approach in education, emphasizing relationship-building, inclusivity, and empowerment in the edtech space. From addressing chronic absenteeism through welcoming environments and personalized engagement to leveraging AI tools for tailored instruction, the focus is on creating responsive systems that meet students where they are.
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.”
