Digital Skills Development

Once ridiculed for being illiterate, she taught a government officer how to use a computer. This is the story of Nauroti Devi, a stone-cutter who became a computer-literate Sarpanch. Born into a Dalit family in Harmada village, Ajmer district, Rajasthan, Nauroti never had the chance to attend school. As a young woman, she worked at road construction sites, cutting stones to survive. During a severe famine in 1981, Nauroti noticed something disturbing: women were paid Rs. 4 per day while men earned Rs. 7 for the same work. Some workers weren't even paid that, dismissed with excuses about substandard work. She refused to accept that. She rallied her fellow workers, a significant group of 700 workers from five villages, mobilized them, and with help from an NGO, took the case all the way to the Supreme Court. They won. But the victory left her with a realization: "I felt I had wasted many years of my life because of illiteracy." Determined to change that, she enrolled in a six-month literacy program at Barefoot College in Tilonia, 4 km from her village. Her quick learning caught attention, and soon, she began computer training, mastering Word, Excel, and the Internet. In 2010, the villagers urged her to contest the panchayat elections. She won and became Sarpanch of Harmada. During her five-year term, Nauroti transformed her village. She fought the alcohol mafia, built toilets and houses, installed hand pumps, and reclaimed land for a government health center. Using her computer skills, she digitized notices, saving hours of manual work. She even taught the government panchayat secretary how to operate a computer. When he asked how she learned without formal education, she replied: "A computer is a machine made by man, like trains and cars. If we want to learn, we can." After 20 years of activism, Nauroti began training others. To this date, she has taught over 700 people computer skills for a nominal fee of Rs. 150-200. Two of her students became teachers, and many work in village government positions. When Rajasthan mandated minimum educational qualifications for sarpanch elections in 2015, Nauroti could no longer contest. But she left behind a legacy: a surplus of Rs. 13 lakh in the panchayat account and a village transformed by her determination. Her story is proof that real leadership isn’t about degrees or titles. It’s about refusing to accept injustice, learning late but fearlessly, and lifting others as you rise. #NaurotiDevi #BoundlessWithRamG - - - - - Picture credit to the owner.

Why do so many communicators lose their audience? Often, it’s because we try to share everything. When communicating a complex project, whether it’s a new product feature, a design sprint, or a strategic pivot, we often see broadcasting ideas into the world as our goal. We want to show every wireframe, every debated nuance, and every data point we collected along the way. But our brains are not wired to absorb a stream of disconnected information. When we overwhelm our audience, we increase their cognitive load and quickly lose their attention. Our goal should be to make sure our audience understands. The antidote is structure. Structure acts as a psychological roadmap. It guides both the speaker and the listener through a clear, reasoned journey. On the Think Fast Talk Smart: The Podcast, I often talk about the importance of packaging ideas so they are easy to follow and easy to remember. One framework I often recommend for complex projects is what I call the 5P structure. It helps presenters walk their audience through a clear progression of ideas so the story behind the work is easy to understand. 1) Problem: Define the issue at hand 2) Process: Shaping your thinking 3) Proposal: Outlining the solution 4) Proof: Sharing the potential impact 5) Progress: Pointing forward Instead of overwhelming people with information, the structure guides them through the challenge you were solving, how you approached it, what you designed, the evidence behind it, and what comes next. When people can clearly follow the story, they are far more likely to trust the idea and help move it forward.

I’ve just been reading this report “Invisible No More: How AI Chatbots are Reshaping Violence Against Women and Girls” linked in the comments below, on violence against women, and something really struck me. We often think about violence as isolated incidents. But the evidence is clear: it’s deeply connected to systems: inequality, lack of opportunity, economic dependence, and exclusion. One point in particular stayed with me: 👉 Economic independence can be a critical pathway to safety. And it made me reflect on my experience which was exactly this, it also made me think about the work I’ve been doing for years through #techmums, TechUP Programme, Women in Tech Power Network and BCSWomen. When a woman: • gains digital skills • builds confidence • accesses education or employment …it’s not just about getting a job. It’s about: ✨ having choices ✨ reducing isolation ✨ feeling in control of your future Many of the women we support on the TechUP Programme have faced significant barriers, poverty, lack of opportunity, and in some cases very difficult personal circumstances. What they often need first isn’t just training, it’s a safe, supportive environment where they can rebuild confidence. Which is what we give them. That’s why community matters. That’s why inclusion matters. That’s why representation matters. And perhaps most importantly: 💡 Tech isn’t just an industry, it can be a route to independence and empowerment. We don’t always frame it this way, but digital inclusion and skills training can play a real role in long-term prevention and recovery. ❤️🩹 Talent is everywhere. Opportunity isn’t. Let’s keep working to change that. #WomenInTech #Inclusion #TechForGood #DigitalInclusion #Empowerment #VAWG

Education, Personality Development & Skilling:Towards Empowering the Girl (tribal) Odisha is home to 64 tribal communities, including 13 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). An indicator of concern continues to be female literacy among Scheduled Tribes which remains significantly below the state average. In remote districts like Malkangiri, Raygada , Kandhamal, and Mayurbhanj, and other scheduled areas ,tribals especially girls face layered challenges: • Geographical isolation and inadequate transport. • Early marriage, customs ,domestic responsibilities, and school dropouts. • Language barriers between home dialects and school instruction. • Limited exposure to role models and safe learning environments. This matters because : • Multiplier Effect: Educated tribal girls improve community health, income, and educational outcomes. • Empowerment: Education and skills reduce vulnerability to trafficking, unsafe migration, and exploitation. • Cultural Preservation: Equips girls to document and sustain their heritage while accessing modern opportunities. The Missing Link: Personality Development Academic education alone is insufficient. Tribal girls need structured exposure to: • Self-confidence & Communication Skills – to interact beyond their community. • Decision-Making & Leadership – in family, economic, and community matters. • Rights Awareness – including RTE, FRA, and protection laws. • Emotional Resilience – to navigate discrimination and cultural transition. Skilling Imperatives Skills must be reimagined to be market-linked, culturally aligned, and future-ready: • Traditional Livelihoods: Weaving and testile , (bamboo craft, dokra art. • Agro-Economy: Millet processing, coffee cultivation, NTFP value addition. • Eco-Tourism & Hospitality: Guiding, homestay management. • Digital Literacy: Mobile banking, online sales, storytelling. • Life Skills Integration: Workplace readiness, entrepreneurship basics. What can be further augmented : 1. Integrated Residential Learning Hubs combining academics, vocational skills, and mentorship. 2. Culturally Responsive Pedagogy using local language as a bridge to Odia/English. 3. Safe Spaces for Learning – secure hostels, menstrual hygiene, sports facilities. 4. Mentor Networks linking alumni, women achievers, and community leaders. 5. Public-Private Partnerships leveraging the Schemes . Investing in the education, personality development, and skilling of tribal girls is not just a social imperative but an economic and cultural opportunity for Odisha. By empowering the next generation of tribal women, we create communities that are resilient, skilled, and self-reliant — while preserving the rich diversity of Odisha’s tribal heritage.

I've heard so much noise lately about AI adoption in Canadian businesses. I've heard that entrepreneurs aren't ambitious enough. I've heard that we're laggards. I've heard that small businesses are risk-averse. I read a particularly offensive line that "many Canadian businesses never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity." Um, I don't think so. The small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) I work with every day aren't risk-averse. They don't lack ambition. They've taken some serious punches in the past few years and are still kickin'. And when it comes to their AI adoption, they're not missing an opportunity. The SMEs I know are eager to adopt AI, they just need some guidance on where to begin, and advice on strategy. As Kirsten Koppang Telford of The Forum, Sarah Stockdale of Growclass, and I say in our op ed in today's edition of The Hill Times: All Canadians need access to AI training, but business owners need more than just a course. They need support systems that work in practice. That’s what turns training into lasting organizational change. This isn’t the time for passive optimism. AI alone won’t solve our productivity problem but people will, if we give them the resources they need. As co-leads of the AI Skills Lab Canada pilot, with co-investment by DIGITAL, Canada’s Global Innovation Cluster for digital technologies, we launched the country’s first program to help women and non-binary entrepreneurs adopt AI. Since April, the AI Skills Lab Canada pilot has trained 103 women and non-binary entrepreneurs and business leaders using a wayfinding approach with expert-led instruction, small peer-learning cohorts, practical AI integration roadmaps, and support from AI coaches. And it’s working. Participants’ ability to set up AI systems and processes grew by 90 per cent, and confidence in selecting AI tools increased by 89 per cent. Their understanding of ethical and regulatory considerations rose by 119 per cent. When AI training is timely, practical, and supported by a trusted peer network, people apply what they learned. That’s not just a win for inclusion. It’s a win for the economy. When entrepreneurs have the tools and training to adopt AI in a way that is values-aligned, more businesses can grow, hire, and innovate. Equity and productivity move together. Now is the moment for Canada to be as ambitious about equitable AI adoption as we are about AI innovation. Let's not waste it. (link to the op ed in The Hill Times is in the comments below)

Everyday, I count myself extremely lucky to be associated with organisations like READ India. Here's a story out of the 100s we hear everyday. Faced with the devastating death of her brother during Covid19, and loss of financial resources, Sandhya Shrikrushna Salte, joined a READ India course on Food Processing in Kathoda village, Yavatmal, India. She soon launched her own home-based business, "Gopi Gruh Udyog", learnt how to use social media to promote her products, earning currently over Rs. 50,000/pm. Her success story is an inspiration to her other colleagues from the same centre. READ India recognises that women often face special barriers to education, formal employment, economic independence, perpetuating gender inequity and inequality. Which is why they have paid special attention to curating their trainings to focus on close-to-home, centre-based ones that can be provided online - the resultant activities can be completed either at the centre or at home. By equipping women with marketable skills and resources, these programs catalyse a process to break the cycle of poverty & empower women to actively participate in economic activities, promoting their social and economic wellbeing. Greater attention has been paid to women from minority communities & differently abled women so that solutions are created for a diverse group of women. READ India's skilling programs empowers women like Sandhya with necessary tools and knowledge to secure gainful employment or start their own micro-enterprises, in sectors with significant opportunities for self-employability. The impact has been profound and multifaceted: - Economic Empowerment: Partners gain skills and knowledge to access sustainable employment or start businesses, leading to increased income and financial independence. - Enhanced Social Status: New skills and economic independence improve the women's social standing, making them role models and leaders in their communities. - Improved Self-Confidence: Acquiring and applying new skills boosts women’s' self-esteem and empowers them to take on challenges. - Community Development: The program fosters self-reliance and economic empowerment, leading to individual success and broader community development initiatives. READ India put this model into practice in 2007, 17 years ago, and have created over 60 Community Library and Resource Centres (CLRCs) nationwide reaching more than 170,000 unique individuals. Lead by Geeta Malhotra and ably assisted by Smita Rai, READ has stood with 50,000+ women. The impact of Read India has been evaluated by their corporate partners, Accenture and Culvar Max. Their evaluation noted that the slow change in economic status or the growth of women’s participation in economic activities is further responsible for more respect for women, both in the community and household. On International Women's Day we stand in solidarity with all the women from READ. #skilling #womenempowerment #genderequality #IWD2025

“Your story isn’t boring, your storytelling is.” I say this to clients all the time. You don’t need a dramatic career or a massive success story to stand out on LinkedIn. You just need to tell your story right. Because people don’t connect with bullet points They connect with you. Your fears. Your lessons. Your mistakes. Your wins. That’s what builds credibility, not corporate jargon or “thrilled to announce” posts. 💡 The Storytelling Formula I Teach My Clients If you want posts that stop the scroll, build trust, and grow your brand, use this 4-step framework 👇 1️⃣ Start with a Moment of Tension Open with something human and real. → “That day I almost missed my deadline.” → “The moment I froze during a client presentation.” → “When I thought I failed, but ended up learning everything I needed.” 💬 This grabs attention instantly because it feels authentic. 2️⃣ Share the Raw Emotions What were you feeling at that moment? → Fear, doubt, pride, frustration, excitement, let people in. Emotions build connection faster than data ever can. 💬 Vulnerability doesn’t make you weak, it makes your story relatable. 3️⃣ Show the Transformation What changed? → What did you learn from that moment? → How did it shape your perspective or behavior going forward? 💬 Growth stories turn mistakes into credibility. 4️⃣ End with Value for Others Give your readers something to take away. → “Here’s what I’d do differently next time.” → “Here’s one question that helped me fix it.” → “Here’s how you can apply this lesson too.” 💬 When you end with value, your story turns into impact. I’ve seen engagement triple for clients who switched from generic updates to storytelling. Because stories stick, numbers don’t. People may forget your metrics, but they’ll always remember how your post made them feel. 💡 Here’s the truth: Your personal brand is not built on perfection, it’s built on presence. And storytelling is how you turn presence into influence. So, what career moment would you turn into a story this week? Drop it in the comments, let’s inspire others with your journey. 👉 If you want to learn how to turn your everyday career moments into stories that attract the right opportunities, connect with me on DM if interested. I’ll help you master storytelling as your personal branding superpower. #LinkedInTips #PersonalBranding #Storytelling #CareerSpotlight #SnehaSharmaTheCoach

Here's how UPI turned 200 million Indian women into entrepreneurs when banks couldn't!  Before UPI, most women running small businesses worked in cash, with no bank trail, no credit access, and no real way to grow beyond their local circle. Fast forward to 2025, with 536 million women aged 15+ in India and 37% already using mobile internet, the potential market for internet-based UPI solutions is approximately 200 million women. In a country where 65% of women in the workforce are self-employed, digital financial inclusion creates tangible economic empowerment. But UPI is doing more than digitizing payments: ➡️ It builds financial history and business credibility ➡️ Unlocks access to loans, insurance & government schemes ➡️ Helps women manage and grow money independently We're already seeing this in action: — Women dairy farmers in Maharashtra now use UPI to sell directly to cooperatives. — Street vendors in Gujarat track daily income through digital payments. — Self-help groups in Bihar pool savings and access microloans through mobile wallets. Because for many women, the journey to digital confidence starts when someone they trust. These are some schemes that are helping women adopt UPI… 📍 UPI for Her – Tailored digital tools by NPCI & Women’s World Banking for women-led micro-businesses 📍UPSRLM (Uttar Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission) – Local women agents trained to onboard others with confidence 📍MAVIM(Mahila Arthik Vikas Mahamandal) – Helping rural women switch from cash to UPI and grow their ventures 📍WEP (Women Entrepreneurship Platform) – A national platform connecting women entrepreneurs with digital and financial support Digital payments give women more visibility. This visibility leads to more control over both their business and household money. How has digital banking changed your business?

I've been an entrepreneur at many stages in my life — so I know that starting a business is no easy feat, especially for women in Mexico, who face economic inequality, limited business networks, and a significant digital divide. Despite those challenges, 4 million women in Mexico run small businesses, and 93% of Mexican businesswomen are eager to integrate AI into their operations. That's exactly why we partnered Mujer Emprende , a nonprofit founded more than 18 years ago by Rocío Bernal Serrano, to create Proyecto sabIA — a program that has already trained 7,500 women entrepreneurs across Mexico to leverage AI and WhatsApp for Business to grow their businesses. For the latest episode of In Company With, I sat down with Rocío and two of those entrepreneurs at our Mexico City office: Dafne Tarré, co-founder of GingerUp.mx, a digital strategy agency born during the pandemic, and Jessica Vilchis López, founder of Wowman Magazine, a platform dedicated to uplifting women entrepreneurs. Both use Instagram to grow their communities, and Dafne told me WhatsApp for Business has been her most useful tool for staying organized and connecting with clients. Proyecto sabIA changed how they both work — Jessica said what used to take her over a week now takes just two days, and Dafne found not just new skills, but a sense of community she didn't have before. I left our conversation inspired by their resilience and by Rocío's words: "Never stop learning. The more prepared women are, the more tools they'll have to succeed — in business and in life." I couldn't agree more — when women support women, everyone wins. If you're a woman entrepreneur or know one making a difference, I'd love to hear your story — share it in the comments! #InCompanyWith #ProyectoSabIA #MujerEmprende #Mexico #WomenInBusiness #WomenInTech #WomenEntrepreneurs #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneurship #AI #WhatsAppBusiness #DigitalInclusion #Community #MetaLatam

Storytelling isn't a mystical talent you're born with. It's a critical business skill anyone can learn. And in the AI era, it matters more than ever. Get the frameworks in your inbox: https://lnkd.in/eVk9wxnE Companies are scrambling to hire "storytellers" Job postings for that skill 2x-ed in 2025 (WSJ) Sales decks? Storytelling. Investor pitches? Storytelling. Your LinkedIn profile? Storytelling. Here are 7 storytelling frameworks (and when to actually use them): 1️⃣ Freytag's Pyramid → The classic: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution → Why it works: Creates inevitable momentum toward a satisfying payoff → Use when: Presenting to executives who need to see the full problem before buying your solution 2️⃣ The Hero's Journey → Campbell's 17-stage cycle: ordinary world to transformation and return → Why it works: Mirrors how humans naturally experience growth and change → Use when: Telling your founder story or showing how a customer transformed with your help 3️⃣ Three Act Structure → Setup (25%), Confrontation (50%), Resolution (25%) → Why it works: Balanced pacing that doesn't waste time or rush the ending → Use when: Writing a case study or pitching a solution that needs proper build-up 4️⃣ Dan Harmon's Story Circle → 8-step simplified Hero's Journey focused on character wants and needs → Why it works: Ensures every story moment serves character development → Use when: Crafting testimonials or brand stories where transformation is the whole point 5️⃣ Fichtean Curve → No setup - jump straight into rising action with cascading crises → Why it works: Hooks attention immediately and maintains constant momentum → Use when: Opening a presentation to a distracted audience or writing social media content 6️⃣ Save the Cat Beat Sheet → 15 precise story beats that map every emotional moment → Why it works: Guarantees proper pacing and emotional rhythm → Use when: Creating long-form content or a complex narrative that can't afford to lose momentum 7️⃣ Seven-Point Story Structure → Hook → Plot Turn 1 → Pinch Point 1 → Midpoint → Pinch Point 2 → Plot Turn 2 → Resolution → Why it works: Balances plot advancement with character development → Use when: Building a multi-part content series or comprehensive business narrative Get the frameworks in your inbox: https://lnkd.in/eVk9wxnE Next time you're crafting a pitch, building a deck, or even just explaining what you do at a networking event... pause. Ask yourself: "Which framework would serve this moment best?" Try it. Watch how people respond differently. That's how you go from "telling stories" to being someone people actually want to hire as a storyteller. Which of these frameworks are you most eager to apply? ♻️ Repost to help your network tell better stories 🔔 Follow Ashley Couto for more on content strategy