The Strategic Workforce Planning Handbook - David Edwards - #174

The Strategic Workforce Planning Handbook - David Edwards - #174

From Directionally Correct, A People Analytics Podcast by WRKdefined Podcast Network

May 25, 2026 · 1h 6m

About this episode

David Edwards discusses the importance of strategic workforce planning and its implications for the future of work.

Thanks to HRBench for powering this episode. To find out more about the company building the future of people intelligence, reach out to book a demo at hrbench.com/directionallycorrect ! Check out this episode of the #1 people analytics podcast with special guest, David Edwards, Chief Workforce Strategist at Dark Artistry, Author of "The Strategic Workforce Planning Handbook"! In this wide-ranging and deeply practical conversation, Cole Napper sits down with David Edwards to unpack one of the most important—and often misunderstood—disciplines shaping the future of work: strategic workforce planning. Drawing from decades of experience across HR, workforce strategy, and organizational transformation, David explains why workforce planning is far more than forecasting headcount. Instead, it is about ensuring organizations have a workforce fit for future business purpose—and understanding the risks that emerge when they do not. David reflects on publishing The Strategic Workforce Planning Handbook and the challenge of writing in a field evolving at breakneck speed. He candidly shares how rapidly advancing AI capabilities made parts of the book feel outdated almost immediately…

People in this episode

Host: Cole Napper

Guest: David Edwards

Topics covered

  • strategic workforce planning
  • people analytics
  • organizational transformation
  • business strategy
  • workforce risk

Keywords

  • workforce planning
  • HR
  • AI capabilities
  • business purpose
  • organizational strategy

Sponsors

HRBench

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Dark Artistry

Books & works: The Strategic Workforce Planning Handbook

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