Photo courtesy of Prof. Dr. Parin Somani taken at Skills Live Show in Cambridge 2025
(Left Nurbanu, Centre Prof Dr Parin Somani, Right Farin)
Education, skills, and proper training are the cornerstones of success in today’s competitive world. Yet, access to these vital resources remains a distant dream for many. The London Organisation of Skills Development (LOSD) aims to change this narrative by creating an innovative EdTech platform that will empower individuals to share their stories, sharpen their skills, and thrive in their respective fields.
With its unique blend of technology, creativity, and inclusivity, LOSD connects academia and real-world skills, making knowledge and skills development accessible to all, regardless of geographical or socioeconomic barriers.
An Overview of the Skills Gap Problem
According to McKinsey & Company, the global workforce faces an unprecedented skills crisis, with 87% of companies worldwide acknowledging existing or imminent skills gaps. This challenge is so severe that by 2030, the talent shortage and skills gap in the U.S. alone will result in a staggering $8.5 trillion loss.
According to Prof. Dr. Parin Somani, founder and chairwoman of LOSD, with two PhD doctorates and six honorary doctorates, three times TEDx speaker, humanitarian, philanthropist, multi-international award winner, and author of 23 books, these alarming statistics, combined with her mission to help global societies improve the quality of life through education, prompted the creation of the London Organisation of Skills Development.
Dr. Parin recognises that traditional educational systems failed to bridge the divide between academic knowledge and real-world professional requirements. The organisation identified critical technical and soft skills development gaps, alongside limited accessibility to quality educational resources and personalised career guidance, particularly in developing regions.
Beyond the skills gap, the London Organisation of Skills Development also acknowledges several interconnected challenges in professional development. Aside from social media, the organisation observed a significant absence of platforms where professionals, particularly speakers and thought leaders from emerging economies, could showcase their proficiency globally.
Additionally, comprehensive solutions were absent to address the modern young professional’s need for holistic development—career guidance, entrepreneurial advice, and even strategies to maintain work-life balance. London Organisation of Skills Development’s founding team recognised that these challenges were particularly acute in developing regions, where limited access to resources and professional networks often prevented talented individuals from reaching their full potential.
“We stand on the global belief that education should not be a privilege but a right,” Prof. Dr. Parin mentions. “Sadly, most individuals globally still dream of skills development. This is what we want to change with LOSD.”
Redefining Skill Development through EdTech
The London Organisation of Skills Development has identified significant technical and soft skills gaps across industries. Yet, it also recognises the potential of technology to address these pressing issues. As a result, it has developed a suite of EdTec tools and platforms that have created opportunities for individuals to enhance their skills, share their stories, and connect with a global audience.
London Organisation of Skills Development’s flagship offerings—Skills Live, the Production House, and the Publishing House—highlight its commitment to creating meaningful, transformative client experiences. Prof. Dr. Parin Somani highlights that each service addresses unique challenges—from developing skills and enhancing storytelling abilities to improving access to knowledge and facilitating networking opportunities.
Together, these initiatives form a comprehensive learning environment that addresses current educational shortcomings and builds educational inclusivity and skills development.
Introducing Skills Live
Skills Live is a prime example of the London Organisation of Skills Development’s ability to reimagine traditional learning experiences. This initiative was created by Co-CEO Nurbanu who made this platform to merge education with entertainment by hosting live talks featuring industry leaders, motivational speakers, and subject-matter experts. These events provide insights and open global networking opportunities. They equip participants with the tools they need to succeed in their careers.
Complementing Skills Live is LOSD’s AI-powered career tool, Skills.AI. This platform offers personalised career guidance and mock interviews, utilising artificial intelligence (AI) to provide tailored skill assessments based on individual resumes and job descriptions.
Dr. Parin said this is their answer to the often overwhelming career development processes. It’s like having a personal career coach available 24/7, offering relevant insights into each user’s journey.
Bringing Stories to the Big Screen with LOSD’s Production House
London Organisation of Skills Development’s Production House elevates professional storytelling by allowing individuals to turn their journeys into cinematic narratives in a different creative manner. These short films will inspire audiences and promote personal and professional growth, whether they tell an individual’s life story or an organisation’s legacy.
“Stories have the power to connect us,” says Prof. Dr. Parin Somani. “To truly reach and inspire as many people as possible, we need diverse avenues for communication. Through our Production House, we harness the cinematic storytelling to create meaningful connections and drive impact.”
A Platform Showcasing Inspirational Narratives
From live talks to cinematic storytelling, the London Organisation of Skills Development has expanded its approach to include written literature through its Publishing House. This platform provides thought leaders, researchers, and writers an inclusive space to share their work with diverse audiences.
It connects academic theory and practical application to make sure non-academic communities worldwide can access valuable knowledge rather than confining it to academic circles. This initiative is particularly crucial in underserved regions, where access to quality people struggle to access quality educational resources.
The Publishing House embodies the London Organisation of Skills Development’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, amplifying contributors’ voices. It offers opportunities for individuals to publish books, research papers, and practical guides that resonate with real-world challenges.
This initiative helps contributors share their knowledge and creates pathways for meaningful engagement, certifying that knowledge becomes a tool for empowerment across industries and geographies.
The Long Journey of Learning
Dr. Parin firmly believes that learning is a lifelong journey that evolves alongside the needs of individuals and societies. Reflecting on LOSD’s remarkable progress in 2024, she acknowledges that the organisation’s journey is far from over.
“We’ve achieved incredible milestones, but this is just the beginning,” Dr. Somani says. “Education and skill development are dynamic fields, and we commit to adapting and innovating to meet tomorrow’s challenges.”
LOSD’s achievements over the past year include hosting its inaugural Skills Live events and expanding its team from 12 to 20 members to strengthen its operational capacity. The event combined education with entertainment and attracted a global audience.
The London Organisation of Skills Development has expanded its conferences to host over 150 participants, including international speakers. Additionally, it has launched initiatives such as the Global Research Journal to amplify diverse voices globally.
“Who would’ve thought that after surviving two life-threatening health challenges, I would be where I am now, build LOSD, and have an impact on many people’s lives,” Prof. Dr. Parin Somani shares. “I am excited to build on our current growth, embracing technology to create an education platform where skills can be honed, stories can be shared, and voices can be heard. It is my aim to serve humanity until my last breath.”
