Q&A with Jason Levin and Taylor McLemore
The inaugural Human Potential Summit is set to take place from October 14-16 in Denver, Colorado, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders to explore the future of work and learning. The summit is organized by Taylor McLemore, Founder of the event, and is supported by organizations like WGU Labs, with Jason Levin, Executive Director of WGU Labs, playing a key role in driving innovative conversations. In this Q&A, Jason and Taylor discuss the motivations behind the summit, the challenges and opportunities in today’s workforce, and how they envision the future of work and learning.
Q: What was the initial spark for creating the Human Potential Summit?
Taylor McLemore: I’ve always felt there was a need for a dedicated space where we could focus on the connection between career, education, and employer solutions. Too often, these discussions are siloed, but the reality is that employers drive real action in this space. We want to bring together early adopters of talent innovation and make this summit a space where we can foster real collaboration.
Q: How does this summit stand apart from other conferences?
Taylor McLemore: A lot of conferences are either employer-specific or segmented by industry roles like CEOs, HR leaders, etc. Our summit is intentionally different. We’re bringing together a wide range of participants — employers, educators, startups, investors, non-profits, policymakers — because we believe that to effect meaningful change, we can’t just work within one sector. We need to approach human capital and hiring from multiple angles.
Q: Jason, why is WGU Labs excited to be part of this event?
Jason Levin: What excites me most is the opportunity to bring both educators and employers into the same room. We need stronger connections between these groups, and this summit is the perfect platform to build those bridges. It’s also a chance for us to make employers feel more accountable for workforce development, and for us at WGU Labs to showcase some of the innovative solutions our workforce clients are developing.
Q: What role does education play in unlocking human potential and shaping the future workforce?
Jason Levin: Education is critical in creating opportunities, but the challenge is making education work for everyone. We need to focus on breaking down the barriers that prevent people from accessing learning and career growth, especially those who need the most help.
Taylor McLemore: I agree. Education, at its best, starts with the individual. We need to match career paths with each person’s unique motivations and potential. People don’t stop learning after they graduate, and we need to encourage lifelong learning to adapt to the evolving workforce.
Q: What challenges do employers, employees, and job candidates face in today's job market?
Jason Levin: A major challenge is the lack of social capital and how it affects hiring. We’re seeing many people struggle to get past automated screening systems because they don’t have the traditional pedigree. It’s a real issue in terms of expressing skills and capabilities in a way that resonates with employers.
Taylor McLemore: The relationship between employers and employees has become more transactional. It’s no longer about mutual benefit, which has led to a shift in how we view human capital. We need to reframe this relationship to focus more on long-term value creation for both parties.
Q: What opportunities do you see for disruption in the workforce, education, and related fields?
Jason Levin: One big shift we’re seeing is the rise of the skills-based movement, which is leading to more nuanced job descriptions. Employers are moving away from strict degree requirements, investing in apprenticeships, and embracing new forms of education. These changes are being driven by a tight labor market, but they’re opening the door for real innovation.
Taylor McLemore: There’s also a growing understanding among companies that investing in the education and development of their employees pays off. It’s becoming clearer that there’s a direct connection between investing in people and the success of an organization.
Q: Why is focusing on unlocking human potential so crucial in an era of rapid technological advancement?
Jason Levin: Technology is creating a higher order of tasks that humans need to focus on, which means entry-level jobs are disappearing. As technology multiplies productivity, we need to ensure people are developing the expertise needed to thrive in this environment.
Taylor McLemore: Technology is a tool, not a replacement for human potential. We need to focus on how we can use it to enhance people’s skills and contributions rather than assuming it will solve all our problems.
Q: What keeps you up at night when thinking about the future of work and education?
Jason Levin: I worry about how society treats people who need the most help. Education is not the only solution to unlocking potential; people face real barriers like financial insecurity and lack of social support. If we don’t address these issues, we won’t activate the full potential of our workforce, and that has a negative impact on everyone.
Taylor McLemore: I’m concerned about the overreliance on the financial aspect of economic mobility. It’s not just about finding the highest-paying job; we need to focus on creating meaningful careers that offer real growth and fulfillment.
Conclusion
The Human Potential Summit promises to be a groundbreaking event, bringing together thought leaders from diverse sectors to explore how we can build a future where work and learning are seamlessly connected. For WGU Labs and its partners, the summit is an opportunity to showcase innovative solutions and drive forward the conversation around lifelong learning, workforce development, and human capital. As we prepare for the summit, we look forward to the new ideas and collaborations that will emerge from this dynamic gathering.
Join us in Denver on October 14-16 to be part of this transformative experience!
