Upskilling and Reskilling: Bridging the Talent Gap

• Leveraging upskilling & reskilling to enhance employee retention and build a resilient workforce
• Exploring real-world use cases of workforce enhancement with Medtronic and Wing Strategies
• Unlocking the potential of a multigenerational workforce
• Implementing effective strategies for addressing the talent shortage
• Bridging the talent gap in both contingent and permanent labor strategies

Audra Guthrie
Senior Director, Client Solutions 
Page Outsourcing

Audra has been a thought leader in the contingent workforce industry for close to 20 years. Having led contingent workforce teams, global solutions, and solution designs for large global companies – Audra is well placed to share knowledge on the world of non-permanent workforce solutions.

Audra partners closely with procurement leaders globally to align on cost savings initiative in their workforce strategy. Audra’s experience includes, but isn’t limited to, SOW programs, global expansions, direct sourcing strategies, IC/payroll, worker tracking, and other strategic initiatives, including cost savings levers to ensure organizations are paying the right value for quality talent globally.
 

Mark Smith
Vice President, Global Talent Acquisition
Medtronic

Mark Smith is a seasoned global talent leader with over 20 years of experience in Talent Acquisition, Leadership Development, and Talent Management. Currently serving as Vice President of Global Talent Acquisition at Medtronic, a leading medical technology company, Mark oversees a global team that drives innovative hiring solutions to advance Medtronic's mission of alleviating pain, restoring health, and extending lives. Under his leadership, Medtronic’s TA team has consistently delivered excellence across more than 150 countries, supporting a workforce of over 90,000 professionals.

Mark’s team plays a pivotal role in ensuring Medtronic continues to lead in healthcare innovation, addressing 70 health conditions and impacting millions of patients globally. Throughout his career, Mark has led talent functions at industry giants such as Randstad, Caterpillar, Amazon, SC Johnson, and Kraft Heinz. His global expertise spans multiple sectors and geographies, enabling him to build diverse, high-performing teams and transform recruitment models to meet the ever-evolving needs of the business. Known for his strategic foresight and commitment to operational excellence, Mark is a firm believer in servant leadership—fostering cultures of trust, authenticity, and innovation in every organization he serves.

Candice Hammer
Co-Founder; Workforce Strategy Advisors
Wing Strategies LLC

Candice Hammer is the co-founder of Workforce Strategy Advisors (WSA) and Wing Strategies LLC, specializing in organizational strategy and HR-talent alignment. With over 18 years of expertise in human capital management, talent enablement, contingent labor management, and operational excellence, Candice is recognized as a strategic leader in workforce transformation. Her experience working with buyers, suppliers, and technology providers uniquely positions her to design Talent and Contingent Workforce Programs that drive measurable success. Passionate about empowering individuals and organizations, Candice has a proven track record of helping businesses maximize their potential. At Workforce Strategy Advisors, she spearheaded the Career Advancement Mentorship Program (CAMP), which connects early-stage professionals (Career Advancement Mentees – CAMs) with seasoned workforce leaders, fostering growth, learning, and career success.