(The following transcript has been revised and polished for clarity and conciseness without losing the essence of the conversation in this episode.)
VO: Welcome to Women Wisdom Worth, the podcast series from Uplevyl, where we learn from women around the world about what they’re doing to find success and joy in this digital age. For show notes and free bonus resources, visit Uplevyl.com/podcast. We’d love it if you subscribe, like, leave a nice review, and share the show with your friends and colleagues. And remember to check out Uplevyl.
Uplevyl is the global leader of women-trained generative AI transforming society and business, featuring women-centric data inputs, insight, and advice. You’ll find all the answers you need in a way that works for you as you navigate the complexities of modern life. Check it out on Uplevyl.com. Let’s get started with your host, Sara Bhonsale. Over to you, Sara.
Sara Bhonsale: Welcome everyone to Women Wisdom Worth. I am excited today to be joined again by Shubhi Rao, someone I consider a mentor and, professionally, the CEO and founder of Uplevyl, the world’s first female-forward, inclusive generative AI platform. Shubhi is here to tell us about Uplevyl’s new AI and digital acumen accelerator for women leaders called Future Forward. Welcome, Shubhi.
Shubhi Rao: Hi Sara. Always good to chat with you.
Sara Bhonsale: I’m so happy to discuss this today. Can you share the impetus for creating the Future Forward Accelerator from Uplevyl and what it is?
Shubhi Rao: I’m excited to talk about this because the intersection of AI and the gender agenda is very important to me. When I think about where AI is going and the implications for broader society, especially for women, this topic matters deeply. I’m also a numbers person, so let’s start with the data.
By 2030, the AI economy is projected to reach $20 trillion, possibly more. It is the fastest-growing sector I’ve seen in my lifetime. That economic value will come from increased productivity, reducing costs and increasing output across manufacturing, healthcare, finance, and logistics. We’ll also see new markets and innovation, including new industries and business models like autonomous vehicles and personalized medicine.
At the same time, 83% of companies say AI is a top investment priority. Reports indicate that roughly a trillion dollars will be spent on capital expenditures over the next few years. To unlock that value, we need human capital. AI does not deliver value on its own. Demand for AI skills will far exceed what we’ve seen before. Core skills remain important, but they must be augmented with AI and digital acumen.
Recent surveys show that 66% of employers will not hire candidates without AI skills, and 72% would trade years of experience for demonstrated AI capability. The shift in human capital needs is significant.
Now let’s look at this from a women’s perspective. Only about a third of women are using AI, compared to more than half of men. There are many reasons including confidence, trust, and comfort with technology, but the more important question is why adoption matters. Women disproportionately hold roles most likely to be disrupted by AI, including administration, healthcare, education, and social services. Reskilling is no longer optional.
With this data as the backdrop, we created the Future Forward Accelerator. Our education systems, particularly in STEM, are not working for women. Less than 25% of STEM roles are held by women, and repeating the same approaches will not change that. That’s why I partnered with Dr. Patricia Greene, former provost and dean at Babson College, who designed Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 Women program. Together, we designed an accelerator through a gender lens, focusing not just on the content, but on how it is delivered.
Sara Bhonsale: That point about not doing more of the same really resonates. What makes this accelerator different and effective for women who are busy and already established in their careers?
Shubhi Rao: AI is not a skill you pick up in a three-week course. Many people think knowing how to write a prompt makes them AI savvy, but generative AI is only one part of a much broader AI ecosystem. Understanding the difference between automation, machine learning, and AI takes time.
Our audience is composed of smart, time-constrained women. That’s why we use multiple modalities. At Uplevyl, our DNA is AI. We use AI to train women in AI, leveraging personalization so each woman builds on her existing foundation. No two women come in with the same background, role, or sector experience.
Community is another critical modality. Research shows women learn and thrive in collaborative environments. Cohorts create a sense of belonging and reduce cognitive overload. Content is highly curated to help women stay current in a rapidly evolving field. The goal is to build a lifelong habit of staying engaged with AI, not just completing a program.
Sara Bhonsale: That combination of personalization and community really stands out. Does Future Forward also facilitate networking?
Shubhi Rao: Yes. Networking is built into the Uplevyl platform, but meaningful connection requires intention. We create shared experiences such as monthly discussions, book clubs, reports, and case studies that spark conversation. Women can engage live or asynchronously and then connect with each other afterward.
The system also uses AI to form cohorts naturally, based on shared interests, roles, industries, or even location. Some connections may be professional; others may be personal. The goal is to create reasons for women to connect authentically.
Sara Bhonsale: Let’s talk about skills. What milestones can participants expect during the program?
Shubhi Rao: The accelerator consists of eight modules, each lasting four weeks. There is a weekly seminar of no more than 60 minutes, with recordings available. The first module is foundational— understanding AI, its vocabulary, myths, risks, and core concepts.
From there, we focus on augmenting existing skills. Women already demonstrate strategic, business, and financial acumen. We add the digital lens: how AI reshapes processes, teams, decision-making, and leadership. It’s about viewing every role and responsibility through that digital perspective.
Sara Bhonsale: What impact do you hope this has on careers and on women’s leadership more broadly?
Shubhi Rao: Employers face a massive talent shortfall. A generic certificate without depth is no longer enough. Organizations are investing in people who can truly apply AI. Data shows that while a 10% raise is meaningful, roles requiring augmented AI skills can command up to a 77% premium. The supply-demand curve has shifted.
For organizations, the ROI is significant. Without enabling more people with AI skills, companies will continue paying a premium for scarce talent. It’s in their best interest to upskill women at scale.
Sara Bhonsale: This feels like a fundamentally different approach to education and workforce readiness.
Shubhi Rao: Exactly. The goal is not content saturation, but application at scale—helping women and organizations meet this moment.
Sara Bhonsale: As we wrap up, how can people sign up?
Shubhi Rao: The cohort begins in January, and applications are open now. Visit Uplevyl.com, click the menu, and select Future Forward. There is detailed information on the site, and spots are limited.
Sara Bhonsale: Then everyone should apply quickly. Thank you, Shubhi, for everything you’re building for women and for the future of work.
Shubhi Rao: Thank you, Sara. Uplevyl.com.
VO: Thanks for joining us on Women Wisdom Worth, the podcast series from Uplevyl, where we learn from women around the world about what they’re doing to find success and joy in this digital age. For show notes and resources, visit Uplevyl.com/podcast. Subscribe, like, leave a review, and share the show with friends and colleagues. And remember to check out Uplevyl, the global leader of women-trained generative AI featuring women-centric data inputs, insight, and advice. Thanks, and see you soon.