NAVIGATING THE WAVE OF CHANGE IN IT
As managing director of Liverpool-based SquareOne Training, Lisa is successfully navigating the wave of change in IT…
Lisa Johnson describes herself as a ‘passionate and personable IT consultant’ on her LinkedIn profile. After just a few minutes of conversation, it’s clear she’s much more than that. As managing director of Liverpool-based SquareOne Training, she’s successfully navigating the wave of change in IT. Lisa is balancing expertise, humility, and a human touch in an increasingly automated world.
An ambassador for lifelong learning
Together with her team, Lisa is a true ambassador for lifelong learning. The SquareOne team works closely with local businesses and often gives its time for free to support charities and schools, sharing knowledge and experience from the IT industry.
“Home and hybrid working have fuelled the pace of change.”
We spoke with Lisa about how SquareOne has evolved, her view of the changing IT landscape, and how AI is reshaping the way we work and learn.
The shifting sands of IT
Lisa is upfront about the challenges the IT sector has faced.
“The first few months of 2025 were a bit unsettling. Economic uncertainty didn’t help, and the IT training sector slowed down,” she admits. “This wasn’t about AI catching us off guard; we were already there. The lag was clients figuring out what AI meant for them.”
However, this wasn’t to last. Lisa adds:
“Now we’re seeing up-skilling in AI on an industrial scale. Firms are taking it seriously, and that’s reflected in the training proposals we’re submitting for 2026.”
Today’s driving forces
Alongside AI, Lisa is clear that cloud-based services are a driving force in IT right now:
“Home and hybrid working have fuelled the pace of change. The cloud has revolutionised everything; teams can collaborate on documents and share images in real time and hold virtual meetings from anywhere.”
Lisa explains how companies that still rely on traditional servers are behind the curve:
“Cloud-based services are agile and give a competitive edge. They unlock smarter ways of working while saving money. That can lead to disruption in a marketplace, so it’s not just IT that is speeding up.”
What does great IT training look like in 2025?
“AI hasn’t just changed software and hardware. It has pushed many teams to embrace tech like never before; the days of using Microsoft 365 just for Outlook, Word, and Excel are gone,” says Lisa.
Lisa points to Knowsley Safari as a standout example:
“We delivered a Microsoft 365 Champion Skills Bootcamp for their team, transforming how they use technology. They built an internal intranet, improved communication, streamlined processes, and reduced tasks that once took weeks to days. It’s been fantastic to see employees become confident tech champions driving real change across the business.”
SquareOne delivered the training as part of a Skills for Life Skills Bootcamp funded by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and the Department for Education.
The real skills gaps
Recently, Lisa joined the expert panel at the Local Skills Improvement Plan Conference. At the event, she shared valuable insights into the importance of collaboration between local businesses and training providers.
This, she believes, is key to bridging skills gaps and preparing the workforce for the future. But she’s clear it is underpinned by workplace culture: “When that’s right, everything else falls into place,” she says.
Lisa advises business leaders to look after long-serving staff just as much as new hires: “They’re the heart of a business and a credit to the most successful ones. Continuous learning is great for morale, but its real strength lies in helping teams adapt to change. Short courses are ideal for developing skills. Staff aren’t away from their work for long periods, so they stay focused and up to date.”
When pressed to name a specific skill area, Lisa points to data analysis, which is becoming increasingly popular. People are realising the power of data and are eager to upskill. With rising demand, employees don’t want to be left behind.”
The next big wave
Lisa lays out an inspiring answer to the question of what’s coming next in IT:
“The pace of change has never been faster. AI and automation tools like Power BI, Copilot, and Power Automate are transforming the way we work, streamlining processes, revealing insights, and unlocking new possibilities every day.
“As technology takes on more of the technical load, it’s human skills that will shine brightest. Emotional intelligence, adaptability, and communication will define the leaders of tomorrow in an increasingly digital world.
“Technical know-how still matters. Understanding data, automating workflows, and mastering innovative tools will soon be everyday essentials, with roles like Data Analyst and AI Technician becoming the norm. The future workplace isn’t something to fear; it’s something to help shape. Those who embrace innovation and invest in continuous learning today will be the ones leading the way in 2025 and beyond.”
Learn more about SquareOne.
