Gori Yahaya

Founder & CEO UpSkill Universe | Entrepreneur of the Year | UK Gov AI Skills Advisor | Sunday Times Fast Growth 100 | Trustee | Father | Mentor

London Area, United Kingdom

About

Multi-award-winning entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and founder and CEO of UpSkill Universe, a digital learning and social impact scale-up on a mission to help people and businesses thrive in the age of AI. At UpSkill Universe, I’ve led the creation of some of the world’s largest digital skills and tech-talent academies, enabling young people, business owners, and entire workforces to gain the AI and digital capabilities needed to participate fully in society and power a thriving economy. To date, we’ve reached over 750,000 people globally, working in partnership with local governments and organisations like Google, Walmart, Microsoft, and Mastercard. Our scalable solutions blend human-led learning, a robust Learning Experience Platform, Tech-Talent Academies, and networks of local digital experts to deliver transformative skills programmes across 34+ countries. I’m known for a hands-on, people-first approach to digital transformation, designing award-winning learning experiences, solving complex challenges creatively, and driving cultural change. As a keynote speaker, I bring high energy and practical insights on topics ranging from digital leadership and the future of work, to AI skills, culture, and diversity and inclusion. I believe knowledge and opportunity should be shared. I’m always open to new speaking engagements, advisory roles, and mentoring those who might otherwise be left out of the conversation. #Leadership #Inclusion #SocialImpact #DigitalTransformation #Trustee #NED

Experience

  • Founder / CEO at UpSkill Universe
    2015 - Present · 11 yrs 6 mos

    A global provider of human-led future skills training, designing and delivering programmes that help organisations build the digital, data, and AI capabilities needed to stay competitive and inclusive. We create bespoke in-house training for teams, and high-impact activations for brands to empower internal talent and engage external audiences at pace and scale. UpSkill Universe delivers end-to-end AI, Data, Leadership upskilling programmes for your workforce. Our creative content and expert coaches build digital mindsets, skills, leadership, and new ways of working, while measuring success to drive lasting impact across your business.

  • Council Member, Digital Skills Council at Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
    Apr 2025 - Present · 1 yr 3 mos

    As a member of the UK Government’s Digital Skills Council, I help shape the national vision for how the UK builds the advanced digital skills and talent pipelines essential for an AI-driven and technology-powered future. My work focuses on defining what “future-ready” skills truly mean in practice—especially as emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, data science, quantum computing, and immersive tech rapidly reshape industries. I collaborate with senior leaders across government, industry, and education to: Develop dynamic skills frameworks that translate the fast-changing landscape of emerging technologies into clear competencies and career pathways. Identify critical gaps in advanced digital and AI skills that could hinder UK competitiveness and innovation. Foster regional ecosystems where individuals and businesses can access cutting-edge skills development and thrive in the new economy. Advocate for inclusive and accessible pathways so talent from all backgrounds can progress into high-value roles in AI and emerging tech sectors. I am passionate about ensuring the UK doesn’t just react to technological change, but actively shapes it, with a workforce equipped to lead in the age of AI and beyond.

  • Co-Founder at The Digital Collective
    Oct 2021 - Present · 4 yrs 9 mos

    DigiCo is a not-for-profit organisation that is partnering with public and private organisations to tackle the growing digital skills gap and improve people’s lives so they can thrive in an ever-changing digital world.

  • Board Trustee at Founders4Schools
    Jan 2021 - Jan 2024 · 3 yrs 1 mo

  • CMO / Co-Founder at SportStylist
    Sep 2013 - Jul 2016 · 2 yrs 11 mos

    An inspirational and independent destination that provides the go to sports community for advice and equipment; A market changing sportswear and tech business. www.sportstylist.com