About Andreas Urban

Andi is the Director of Global Services at Speexx, the world’s leading online language learning and business communication skills training service. He writes, speaks and occasionally hosts webinars about learning languages online and the secret of the Perfect Blend and global talent management, Speexx and e-learning. Follow Andi on Twitter.
Nov 29th, 2019

Eliminate Bias in AI and Drive Soft Skills Development

Andreas Urban

The limitations of AI are related to the parameters of its data. As with all computer systems, AI is only as good as the data on which it is based. So, decisions based on data soon run into trouble if they don’t consider all the parameters. Intelligent recruitment and performance development systems tend to focus on hard skills, such as technical qualifications and certifications. More often than not, they do not take account of soft (or behavioral) skills, partly because these are perceived as hard to measure.

Eliminate Bias in AI and Drive Soft Skills DevelopmentAndreas Urban
May 27th, 2019

Turbocharging Soft Skills to Drive Performance Among Teams

Andreas Urban

In a bid to drive enhanced performance, companies are shifting from top-down hierarchies to flatter structures with cross-functional teams. According to research from Deloitte, “the shift from hierarchies to cross-functional teams is well underway. Our data shows that adopting team structures improves organizational performance for those that have made the journey; organizations that have not risk falling further behind.” More than half of respondents to Deloitte’s survey (53%) report a significant improvement in performance after switching to a team-based model of working.

Turbocharging Soft Skills to Drive Performance Among TeamsAndreas Urban
Jan 29th, 2019

Tapping into the Neuroscience of Personalized Learning

Andreas Urban

Individual learner’s brains are unique – and they are constantly changing and adapting. As we learn, new connections are made, and new neural pathways are created. This is known as neuroplasticity.

Tapping into the Neuroscience of Personalized LearningAndreas Urban
Aug 9th, 2018

A User-Centric Approach to Learning

Andreas Urban

Interview with Andreas Urban, Director of Services at Speexx - Digital transformation has radically changed the way training is perceived by employees. Once "a pain point", it has now become a necessity to guarantee employability. Modern learners are hungry for knowledge and take power over their learning paths. But how can we make them happy?

A User-Centric Approach to LearningAndreas Urban
May 30th, 2018

Think Before You Speak: Why it Matters – Communications Learning

Andreas Urban

Organizations with a strong learning culture feature high up in Bersin By Deloitte’s Talent Management Maturity model. These more mature organizations generate 2.3 times more cash flow per employee and 1.4 times more revenue – and rate themselves 170% better at innovation. But what impact might better communications –both internal communications and external-facing corporate communications– have on global organizations?

Think Before You Speak: Why it Matters – Communications LearningAndreas Urban
Dec 7th, 2017

What Are the Most Powerful Languages for Business?

Andreas Urban

Why business language matters - Before moving into new markets, L&D needs to consider whether their staff are equipped to deal with a new set of languages and cultural norms. Modern cities aren’t mono- or even bilingual anymore.

What Are the Most Powerful Languages for Business?Andreas Urban
Jun 19th, 2017

How to Improve Employee Training Methods with Gamification

Andreas Urban

Onboarding or training new employees is rarely an easy experience for all parties involved. It means more work for trainers, learning pains and mistakes for trainees, and generally, requires a lot of company resources. However, cutting corners on employee training methods can easily result in disaster for the company. Proper onboarding is ultimately cost-effective, so it remains a necessary evil.

How to Improve Employee Training Methods with GamificationAndreas Urban
May 10th, 2017

How High is Your HR Net Promoter Score?

Andreas Urban

More than ever, HR and business leaders are using data to measure and improve employee loyalty and reduce turnover. Deloitte referred to this in a recent report on human capital trends and suggested that it’s time to "rewrite the rules." Good data is an asset when it comes to making decisions and constructing an HR strategy for the changing times, and much of it is easier to gather than you might imagine.

How High is Your HR Net Promoter Score?Andreas Urban
Apr 15th, 2017

Is Your Team Ready for International Expansion?

Andreas Urban

Is your workforce is equipped with the skills required to enter new markets? As HR leaders of an expanding global organization, you need to know—but how can you tell? Discerning how knowledgeable your staff is about other cultures, customs and communication norms is vital to a successful entrance into a new region.

Is Your Team Ready for International Expansion?Andreas Urban
Feb 27th, 2017

Cultural Differences: What Soft Skills Are Important in Global Markets?

Andreas Urban

Though most employers agree that soft skills are important, it is generally unclear which specific skills they have in mind. While these skills may be hard to pinpoint, studies indicate that there is a general consensus on the most important soft skills—even across different cultural contexts.

Cultural Differences: What Soft Skills Are Important in Global Markets?Andreas Urban